I was diagnosed with TNBC in September 2024 and had 6 months of Carboplatin, Pembro and Paclitaxel followed by 4 cycles of EC. I was due to continue with the Pembro until November and had 2 infusions and then had a mastectomy and SLNB early May.
At my last surgeon appt I was told there was 6mm remaining disease, that they took 6 lymph nodes and all were clear and they removed the breast with clear margins and no issues. I presumed I was done with treatment (save for some weird blood collecting in a hard lump under my scar which is to be followed up in 6 weeks).
So when I saw my oncologist on Friday and he said I would be on capecitabine for 6 months I was absolutely crushed. My morale is still low from surgery (I just can’t come to terms with it) and my stamina is at rock bottom. The idea of 6 more months of chemo is so depressing. I don’t know how to get through it.
I’m worried about the side effects. How have others found them?
I’m worried about being immunocompromised again (during the first 8 cycles of chemo I was advised to wear a mask in public and stop work as i work in a very ‘peopley’ environment). I was making plans to go back to work and now that feels up in the air.
I don’t know what to do about our summer holiday. Is it ok to take an airplane if the chemo affects our immune system so much?
And how oh how do you keep going?! I’m exhausted and run down and I just feel like giving up.