Where to start

I am sorry I cannot help you but instead ask you to help me. I have triple negative stage 3 cancer and am waiting for so cslled’urgent’ apt with oncology- it’s been a week- intending to go for chemo to shrink the tumour- whose size was unclear from the mri- that was a horrid ordeal. Then I hope it’s only a lumpectomy. I am 71 and my husband died two years ago from the effects of docetaxl causing pulmonary fibrosis. I therefore relate very much to you saying you are alone in this. Could you be good enough to tell me what the chemo has been like? Did you have a cold cap? Have you lost your hair? Have you felt very sick from the chemo? I saw how debilitated my husband was for several days each time and of course as it killed him I am quite frightened although I read’Red Sunshine’ which you might like to read as it’s a youngish woman and everything works out quite well for her- the chemo shrinks the tumour. Its s true story of a doctor with tnbc.

I send my very best wishes for you.

Vibraphone

Hey 

Yes I can tell you about my experience so I starting my Chemo 4 weeks ago I go every week for treatment and have a weekly one and have one lot every three weeks so both together.

When I have the two lots it’s very draining and as wiped out for at least three days. I not felt sick but have tablets at home to help if I do. I wasn’t offered the cold cap think with the virus they are restricting this as only seen one person having it.

And I lost my hair in three weeks of having treatment if you want to know anything else just ask.

Sarah

Thank you very much.

Vibraphone

I spoke with an oncology doctor. he offered chemo before surgery of 12 weeks paclitaxel and a further 12 3weekly of ec - epirubicin and cyclophosphamide.

However he said surgery was the best treatment for cancer and it might take it all out and I could have radiotherapy afterwards and some bone treatment.

It was a completely different message from what i got from the surgeon who did not indicate any possibility of avoiding chemo - just choosing before or after,

I changed my mind therefore to ask for lumpectomy first even if I have to have masectomy after if they find more.

Still uncertain.

So you may have had the same chemo?

Was the weekly one not leaving you with side effects except the hair loss?

Vibraphone.

Hi

okay so you having your operation first ?

yes I am having the same treatment one week I have the paclitaxel and carboplatin together which I’m there for 5 hours feel more wiped out and drained with that one the weekly paclitaxel isn’t as bad but still tiring normal there for 2-3 hours my hair fell out after 3 weeks think it depends on each person.

hope this helps

Sarah 

Hi, 

money of my tumours was a tnbc. I had 12 weeks of EC (every 3 weeks) then I went onto weekly pac and 3weekly carboplatin. 
im glad that’s all over. I then had a single mastectomy nearly 4 weeks ago, was easier than I thought. (Still need the other one off and reconstruction of both) 

I know when ur in the middle of the weekly chemo it can feel never ending but after half way it gets easier as I count them down then it soon becomes a distant memory. 
I wish you well. Stay strong and keep thinking about what u will do when this is all over 

much love xxx

Hi Fiona 

thanks for you message hope your recovery well now are you having any radiotherapy after?

ive not started my EC Chemo yet still another 6 weeks of pac and carboplatin yet to go.

havent had my operation yet did it take long to recover?

thanks 

sarah