First chemo done, what's next?

Hi Tallis_K 

I had EC every 3 weeks for 3 cycles and then went on to weekly paclitaxel for 12 weeks. I'm presuming you're on paclitaxel at the moment. I was fortunate not to have side effects while on it, just felt a little tired the next day. For me the side effects while on paclitaxel weren't cumulative, they were the same each time I had it.

x

Hi it's very difficult to say whats to come for you in terms of side effects as every person is affected differently. I had 4 cycles ec and three cycles docetaxel. I was very fortunate that I didn't have too many major side effects. I found docetaxel worse than ec and ended up in hospital after 1st cycle with sepsis. However when oncologist reduced dose I was fine. Fingers crossed you sail through

I am guessing you have PD-L1 positive TNBC, as they have started you on Pembrolizumab with Paclitaxel. It’s a very recent development to have that neo-adjuvantly for early stage breast cancer. I don’t have exactly the same experience as Pembrolizumab wasn’t approved in that setting when I started going through this a year or so ago. I did have 4 rounds EC and 12 weeks of Paclitaxell, and I am now on Pembrolizumab with NAB-Paclitaxel as unfortunately my cancer spread. I have found all of it quite doable, although it has had its moments. I have kept a blog of my experiences, which might be helpful.  A trip with triple negative breast cancer 

Wishing you  all the best. 

Hi Tallis_k

Sounds like we are on a similar plan! I had week 10 treatment yesterday so 2 more to go before EC. I missed a week and one pembro due to a chest infection but that cleared up in a few days with Iv antibiotics. Apart from that hic up side affects have been minimal and I've been able to carry on pretty much as normal so far. Hope all continues going well for you and good luck with it all xx

Hi, thank you for your message. I'm glad to hear you are back on track and the infection is gone! Just out of curiosity, did you carry on working? I am really tired and ideally I wanted to carry on working as usual but I feel very drained and little bit guilty for not coping as usual.

Hi Tallis_K, I didn’t restart work until I had my 3rd cycle of EC. When I did start I was on reduced hours and didn’t work the week after my treatment. The tiredness side effect is different for us all. Some manage some find it affects them. Rest when your body tells you to rest. When I wanted to do some work I did a little and then took a break. It’s natural I think to feel guilty about it but please try not too. Your body is going through a lot and it takes time to recover. 
Wishing you all the best.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Hi, I have been able to carry on working but from home only and I make sure my meetings are spaced out and schedule breaks now, that I've learnt to get strict with!. I also have my treatment day off.I find working gives me something else to focus on and is good personally for my well-being so whilst I'm able I want to carry on. EC might have different plans thou! If I need time off thou I will definitely take it. Everyone is different and you must do whats best for you and you shouldn't feel guilty about any of this. It's still early days and so much to get your head round xx️️