Telephone Oncologist Appt Not what I had expected

Hi BronteMaggs

Welcome and sorry to hear that you have Triple Negative breast cancer and that you didn't get the treatment plan that you were hoping for. Did you explain your situation to your oncologist when you were talking to them?

I was diagnosed with Triple Negative grade 3 last year and I had a PICC Line inserted in my right arm.  I found having the PICC Line great as it meant my oncology nurse didn't have to go looking for a vein every time I had treatment. I also had by blood tests done through the PICC Line. You get an awful lot of support from your oncology nurses, they do everything in their power to make things as easy for you as possible during treatment. As I'm sure you know the chemo is to make sure that the cancer doesn't come back again.

Wishing you the best of luck whatever you decide to do and do be kind to yourself.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Thank you  Daisy53 :)

Hi BronteMaggs

Everyones treatment is different. Quite often you do have chemo at 3 weekly intervals. This is what I had and the general pattern of reaction was one week not so good, the next a bit better and the third week ok before you go back for another round ! I had 3X EC and 3X Docetaxel. Dox is harsh for many. When I was on Dox others were on a different regime of weekly Paxitaxel. I read here about those on Pax and my general impression is it is much more gentle than Dox and easier to cope with although you have to go weekly. Hopefully others who have had Pax will be along to advise. I did not have a pic line and my veins just held out for six treatments. So as you are having more it’s maybe a good idea to consider a pic line. Again from reading others experiences it does have some advantages. 
The worst part of this diagnosis is the waiting on results and treatment plans. I am sure you will feel more positive once treatment starts. . 
If you look up under Diagnosis and treatment you will find the June Chemotherapy thread and there you will find others going through chemo at the same time. You will get lots of hints and tips there and support from others. 
All the best

Jojodot X

Thank you Jojodot

Hiya,

im sorry to read this and I know how you feel. It feels especially hard when you’ve come to terms with something and then it changes. I had EC and Docetaxel but the consultant was flexible about the second. She suggested 2 weekly but I wanted to stick to 3 weekly and she said that was fine. From what I’ve read different chemos are different strengths. For example a friend is having it weekly and is fine, As it’s a different kind and strength. Perhaps see if you can speak to them again- you can usually ask the switchboard to put you through to their secretary. 
I had a picc line and it was simple and saved my veins for sure, didn’t have any problems with it. I saw other people without where they were struggling to find a vein and there can be risks then for the chemo getting into the skin. Xxx

Hi BronteMaggs

I too was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer.  I had surgery first and always knew chemo was on the cards. My chemo plan also changed from what I had been told originally.  My original plan was 6 x 3 weekly cycles of EC. My new plan is 3 x 3 weekly EC and 12 x weekly Paclitaxel.  I've completed the 3 x EC and have had 3 of the 12 Paclitaxel.  I have to say the Paclitaxel have been much more manageable regarding side effects than EC, fingers crossed this continues. I've definitely felt more 'normal ' on the Paclitaxel and have been able to do more things. I hope this helps 

Take care xx

Thank you I have been given a face to face appointment with my Oncologist this Thursday. It was a shock and I felt that I had little control over what was happening to me so I think I went into flight mode not wanting to have any treatment at all and just take my chances that the cancer wouldn't come back. I think its even more difficult going through cancer treatment in the middle of a pandemic. So many more risk factors to take into account with a compromised immune system  xx

Thank you Fifitrix this is a similar plan to what I have now been offered I think its difficult having a phone consultation I felt blindsided by the changes and the questions  I had prepared  in relation to the original plan just sent me into panic mode but I have now been given a face to face appointment this Thursday so at least I will be able to ask questions as to why the plan had changed and what my options are xx

Hiya I have triple negative grade 3 just diagnosed. Having fertility first as not had children yet. I’ve been told I’ll have chemo first 3 x ec. Then I’ll start 12 weeks ec with paxitaxle and some carbo platinum. Apparently cp is terrible. I have to have a picc line to.  I am bricking it. You aren’t alone. I am here if you ever want to chat as with all the others on here. I feel better chatting to you all xx

Hello Kas79 thank you I looked up the drugs and side effects of my new treatment plan it sounds horrendous so I'm with you I agree this site is so helpful and you don't feel so alone good luck with your treatment xx