Change of treatment plan

Hi my daughter is currently undergoing radiation for breast cancer her lips are very dry and cracked and she has lost her sense of taste did you suffer any of these symptoms and did anything he,p. Thanks

Hi Barley

I was really lucky in that I haven't had any real side effects from the radiotherapy. My breast cancer buddy had suggested aloe Vera creams. So maybe an aloe Vera lip balm might help. Also stay really hydrated is important. I hope this helps and she gets over this period soon. X

Hi OliB20, I finished my intravenous treatment this time two years ago. I had AC for 4 rounds fortnightly and after that paclitaxel every week for 12 weeks with carboplatin added every 3 weeks in that 12 so 4 rounds. I think it’s harsh on our blood mostly. I coped ok with it. Main things were fatigue but I was well into the treatment plan at that stage. I was pale, which I’m quite sallow normally and I got nosebleeds. I’m sorry you had such a tough experience the first time. I understand the fear, I really hope this one will be easier to deal with for you. I finished all treatment this time last year and I’m doing really well now. It’s 2 and a half years since I was diagnosed. Hopefully that can give you hope .Sending best wishes and hope it all goes ok for you. Xx

Hi Milliemop

Thanks for getting back to me. Hopefully it will be OK. We'll have to wait and see. Did you have any other side effects? I know we are all different but trying to be as prepared mentally as possible this time around. X

I did but to be honest I couldn’t pin point which were from what drug as I was getting 4 drugs, 16 out of 20 weeks. I only had it postponed twice in that time due to low immune system so wasn’t too bad. Everyone has different side effects. I think I only had one day in that whole 5 months though that I couldn’t get out of bed (and I actually did to drop the kids to school! but got straight back in it when I got home and had to arrange someone else to collect). I got a blood clot in my leg from the AC early enough in my treatment plan and that was my biggest upheaval but aside from that and infact even that was manageable. I found the carbo/taxel easier than the AC it was just harder mentally as I was in every week instead of fortnightly. 

Thank you. 

Hope it goes ok for you. 

If you don’t mind me asking, how did you know it was a blood clot? I keep getting pains in my leg and always terrified it might be one and not able to tell. 

I was a runner previously and it felt like I had a tight muscle in my calf. It was pretty much constant but sore when I walked on it.. I let it go a bit too long and eventually it was so painful I could barely walk on it. In the end  my calf swelled and I realised then it wasn’t a tight muscle, so went to the hospital. It doesn’t happen often but just keep your nurses and doctor updated if you feel anything unusual and they will monitor it. I just had to go on blood thinners for 7 months. If you notice your leg swelling or getting hot and red with the pain these can be signs. If you’re concerned chat with your nurses and oncologist. Hope you’re doing ok.