Hi! Ive had my oncotype test back which came in at 25. I had a stage 1, 13mm IDC tumor removed in December, hormone positive, her2 negative with no lymph involvement. My oncologist has recommended:
-3 sessions of EC every 3 weeks
-3 sessions of Docetaxel (apparently the docetaxel will be the highest dose, lucky me )
Could I hear any positive stories from any of you that have had this specific regimen? I’ve got 2 young children and hoping I can still be out and about with them!
Has anybody successfully cold capped and kept at least some hair? Any other little chemo hacks I need to know about?
I should be starting in the next 2/3 weeks. I’m generally fit, go to the gym 4 times a week, do yoga and eat healthy so hoping it helps abit!
So glad you have your plan Katie
I know how well you eat after our many food conversations haha I was just curious if you planned to do anything specific diet wise through chemo? Maybe people commenting here will have some advice also
I had my chemo ten years ago but it was the same regime as yours. I cold capped and kept most of my hair (though it was thinner) with only two smallish bald patches. I had a fairly bad week following chemo, but could get back to most of my usual activities on weeks two and three. Of course everyone’s experiences are different but there are positive stories out there, just not always represented on the forum where people are usually looking for help and support. I found that black nail polish seemed to keep my nails in better shape, and frozen pineapple cubes to suck (Just fresh pineapple put in the blender and blitzed, then frozen in ice cube trays.) helped enormously with mouth issues like soreness and metallic tastes.
Hahaha our many conversations about food I’m really focusing on the best nutrients to carry my body through chemo and hopefully help my hair too!
For my hair/skin/nails I’m eating more walnuts, Brazil nuts, olive oil, Avacado, salmon, Greek yoghurt, eggs, protein, Porridge and as many fruits and vegetables as I can fit in
I got my date through today for my 1st cycle on 1st March!! So I’ve got just over 2 weeks xx
I’m 34 and did 4x EC and 4x docetaxel last year, finished in October. I did full doses of both. I already ate pretty well & enjoy moving my body & think this definitely helped me getting through chemo.
EC was absolutely fine for me, really only suffered with nausea & the build up of fatigue. I stocked up on ginger biscuits, tea etc, & it was a non negotiable for me to walk at least 30 mins everyday.
I suffered a bit more on docetaxel with mouth issues, bone & muscle aches & the fatigue. But still managed to get through it pretty well.
I prepped lots of soups, & veggie rich meals & stored them all in their individual portions for easy defrosting / heating up. I pretty much had eggs, nuts, Greek yogurt everyday & lots of fish & veggie dishes. I also let myself have whatever I wanted on the days I just cba, that was normally a big plate of beige food! I always had a ice cold bottle orange Lucazade sport in the fridge to drink after chemo - it probably did absolutely nothing for me but I like to think the electrolytes helped in some way
I also cold capped throughout but did lose my hair, I never had a period of time being completely bald as my hair started growing back on docetaxel. I’m currrently 3 months post chemo and my hair is wild! I also kept my eyelashes & eyebrows, no idea if cold capping helped with this.
It already sounds like you are already smashing it with your prep!
Chemo haul so far… Palmers coconut oil leave in conditioner (the only one I could find with green lights on yuka) alcohol free antibacterial mouthwash, magnesium bath salts, sensitive toothbrush heads and a happy house plant colouring book
Next on my list is Huel protein shakes (got the green yuka light), ginger tea bags, a wig, beanies, silk sleep cap, wide tooth comb, polybalm, mild toothpaste, claritin (ive read this helps bone ache)
I might get some compression gloves/socks but I’m not fully convinced they will do anything to help yet.
No they are literally just like compression socks. They are used for things like arthritis also. There isnt much evidence to say they work. I think it’s just one of those things that could work so it makes you feel better. I might wait until I speak to the oncologists again and ask them
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