EC chemo followed by Paclitaxel (TAXOL)

All info helps Nikki so thank you.

I’m anaemic (well why not?) and an absolute needlephobe - God knows how I’ll get through the blood tests never mind the rest. Absolutely dreading it.  My veins are none existent and could cry just thinking about being dug about. I think this is the worst part of all this (obvs the hair aswell ).

Of course I’ll do what I have to but I’m having a really tearful day today (only my third since being diagnosed, so, you know, not too bad). I think it’s prob the anxiety moving into the next stage.

It’s all just a bit crap isn’t it x

I’m finding work is really helping me Godblessdiva. When you have too much time to think, well, it doesn’t do me any favours.

I’m the most strong willed/positive/grab the bull by the horns type of person (normally) but I’ve got to admit that I’ve struggled today. No particular reason - had a great day at work, kids good as gold at home, just a bit teary.

I’ve eaten well tho and had all my iron tablets so you know, #winningonthatscore

Xx

Wonderful to hear you’re all fit and well Katxxx and thank you for your response. Light at the end of the needle poking, hair stealing, cold capping year. Or however long it’ll be.

Sigh xx

Hi mamma3, I had the same treatment as you are having for TNBC Stage 3 and finished chemo end Dec 17 then had Rad for 20 days. I was diagnosed June 17 so the time has really gone fast as it's nearly a year! I tried the cold cap twice but didn't really like the freezing sensation and I got really bad migraines and lightheaded from it so stopped after that. It was a shock to lose my hair but it made the whole cancer thing a reality. I didn't really have any effects as the Pre meds worked great. Good luck with all your treatment and take care of yourself, rest when you need to and ask lots if questions if you need to.

Good evening, New to the group, and yes I have continued to work full time, and on my feet 8 hrs of physical work.Currently getting ready for my 11th treatment with the taxol weekly then the AC twice monthly for 2 months. It has been some what difficult, but have managed, dealing with the peripheral neuropathy in the fingers and feet, but through it all GOD is good!!

Morning Louylouie 

A nice positive email to read first thing! Needed that this morning after a mini meltdown yesterday.

I’m always fine once something starts. It’s the lead up and I like to know what to expect, without scaring myself,

Thank you for responding and so pleased you didn’t have any side effects and you are well. So encouraging.

Xxx

Morning Burgundy123

Another positive mail this morning. Glad to hear it’s all doable for you. I’m hoping it’ll be the same for me.

Yes I’ve heard of this PN - hope it’s not bothering you too much.

Thank you for responding - it makes an enormous difference xx

Hi I worked the entire time during 4 rounds of A/c and 12 rounds of Taxol and 33 treatments of radiation. Felt great 99% of time BUT a little slower , does make you more tired and I work 3 jobs ! Looked into the cold cap but was worried chemo wouldn’t get to all parts of my brain if I did that and I was told if TNBC comes back it can come back in the brain which scared me to death so I opted not to do it . Keep us posted if you do it and if it saves your hair . Good luck you got this !

Oh bloody hell - nobody said anything about brain and cold cap connection!

Need to look at that then.

I’ll do whatever it takes to be well.

Wig picked just in case so whatever it is, it is xx

Hi  

That old red herring has been doing the rounds for yonks - Truth is the blood/brain barrier helps avoid this. That is why most brain tumours are either treated with surgery or radiotherapy - nearly all chemo is useless for the brain but there are a few specific chemo drugs for this.

It’s worrying to know that some doctors are concerned that the caps may prevent the chemotherapy medicine from reaching cancer cells that may be in the scalp. Many studies in Europe, where cold caps have been used since the 1970s, found that scalp cooling does not increase risk of metastases.

Any of the breast cancer variants can come back as secondaries - Mostly bone, lung, liver, and brain. Those that have brain mets usually got if it from bone secondary cancer cells travelling up the spine not from the cold cap.

Check out new information from reliable sites and not the recycled stuff from the 60's  :)

Take care, G n' J