Hi everyone
This is my first time of posting.
I’m being treated for TN BC. My chemo started at the beginning of April. I’m currently on 4 lots of EC every 2 weeks, my final session of this is Wednesday. I’ve had various side effects & have gotten used to these now( if you ever can really). However, I’m moving to a different regime of weekly Paclitaxel for 12 weeks. Carboplatin will be added to this every 3rd week. I’m a little nervous as to how debilitating this will be and whether there will be any days where I’ll feel normal-ish.
I know it really depends on the individual but any insight would be helpful.
Thank you.
Hi @kjh1 I also have TNC and started mid April with weekly paclitaxel with 3 weekly carboplatin. I’ll be moving on to EC beg of July so would be interested in how you got on with that.
Ive found the weeks with both tend to have more impact, with more fatigue and generally lack of energy especially once the 3 days of steroids finish. The main problem I have had has been constipation which seems to be from the anti sickness meds ondansetron (but they do the job and as long as I keep snacking,I have not been too nauseous at all) The weekly paclitaxel is not too bad in comparison, I’ve found I need to take it easy for first few days as tired but generally have found it easier to deal with. I am also cold capping and have managed to keep my hair so far (2 cycles in). Hope this helps x
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Thanks so much for responding @rosie49, its really helpful.
The fatigue with the EC I’m finding cumulative as each cycle goes on. The day I have EC I feel quite tired but then day 2&3 I’m not too bad & my energy levels are reasonably good. The first cycle I had so much energy day 2, I was spring cleaning anything & everything. I should have probably gone & put it to slightly better use on hindsight. I think it was the steroids. I haven’t had that since, sadly.
Day 4 seems to be when I slowly start getting tired until day 6 & 7 where I’m pretty wiped out. Then slowly my energy levels pick up as the days go on until its time for the next session. I’ve learnt that if I feel tired I need to rest & this stops me getting overtired.
The steroids have affected my sleep and I was happy when they stopped after day 4 when my sleep improves massively.
I have a reaction on my face day 3-5. It looks and feels like windburn. I just didn’t wear make-up those days & used a gentle moisturiser which helped.
I start the laxatives straight away and continue with them until around day 10 when my digestion seems to right itself.
My taste has majorly been affected 
. It’s not stopping me eating though as I keep trying different foods hoping something will taste normal. I can taste sweet things quite well but everything else just doesn’t taste quite right. This has been improving around day 10.
I’m very slightly nauseas day 2-4 but I take Metoclopramide which works for me.
Sorry if this is too much info. I know we’re all different so you may not have all my side effects. Good luck 
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Thanks @kjh1 that is really useful. It’s always the unknown that’s so daunting isn’t it?
Are you having surgery after the PAC and carbo? I’m trying not to think about the surgery and radiotherapy too much at the mo, just keeping plodding through the chemo for now 
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Im realy hating the lack of taste, had small amount of porridge this morning and just had a crumpet with peanut butter, tasted like cardboard, at 5 am I was craving a Burger King, havnt had one for years, so I feel a treat coming soon. The fatigue has hit me but then I hadnt slept for 3 days and this is the first time having to call hotline, now on stronger anti sickness but its a bed day for me.
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I had a lumpectomy, and it hadn’t gone to my lymph nodes so no further surgery for me. The lumpectomy was very straightforward & has heeled very well. I think if my tumour had been slightly larger then I’d have had chemo first. I will be having radiotherapy too.
I’ve had my 4th EC today, so moving to the carboplatin & paclitaxel in 2 weeks. I do have a cold so I needed to have a covid, flu & blood test to ensure I was well enough.
You’re right about plodding on.
Take care
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Sorry to hear that you’re having a rough time @cruising. I’ve been lucky so far that I’ve only had slight nausea.
I too have had real meat & stodge cravings. Burgers, fish & chips etc. I’m finding I can taste pastry, so quiches & pies are now on my menu. I’ve also been really hungry even though I know I’m eating enough. I’ve always been able to keep my weight at a healthy level. I think I’m likely to be needing to cut down once all of my treatments are over.
I hope the new anti sickness drugs are helping you.
Take care
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Hi. Have just come across your post. I was diagnosed with TNBC in Feb this year. Started very sinilar treatments to you both @kjh1 @rosie49. Have just completed my 4 cycles of Paclitaxel and carboplatin. Pacs every week and Carboplatin every 3 weeks. I exho the pattern @rosie49 mentioned. My ‘big’ weeks with the carbo i would feel the nost tired but generally would get a couple of better days just before the next cycle.
Moved onto EC this week and was v nervous about it as had settled into a routine. Day 4 post EC today so will see how my energy levels are this weekend.
Good to hear from people going through similar treatment plans and get advice. Lookong forward to possibly a good 3rd week after the EC!!
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Hi @joast79. Thanks for posting. Its good to know that you have a couple of good days at least when having both P&C.
I had my first paclitaxel & carboplatin Wednesday & my energy levels have been ok so far. I’m just taking each day as it comes as I’m sure we’re all doing.
Take care.
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Im more tired on pac/carbo, I was sick on my first so now on stronger meds.
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Having had Pac & Carbo on Wednesday, Saturday & yesterday my energy levels were definitely dipping & I’m having to go to bed for an hour in the afternoon. I’ll see what today brings.
The anti sickness drugs ondansetron worked & I’m now taking Metoclopramide as I do feel a little nauseas now & then.
My taste disappeared almost straight away this time. My mouth has a constant awful furry taste. If I eat anything that has a slightly stronger taste my mouth is even worse. Bland foods for me still I think.
My friend went through chemo treatment for breast cancer a few years ago & she really suffered with sickness. I do feel for you @cruising. She had also suffered majorly with morning sickness when she had her children, whereas I didn’t. So perhaps there may be a correlation there.
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Hi @joast79 how are you getting on with EC? I’ve just finished pac and carbo and due to start EC next week. Also hoping to go on holiday in 2 weeks which might be too optimistic but looking forward to a break even if I don’t do much 
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My Pac/Carbo was stopped 4 wks ago because of SE building up, I ended up with a nasty rash that was spreading apparently from Pac.
Hey. Ive had 2 cycles of EC now. The first cycle i ended up on the assessment unit febrile neutropenic and quite aneamic so i really.struggled with that one. The aecond cycle i didnt have those issues so was able to cope better. The first 7-10 knocked me and i didn’t feel strong enough to do much on my own. Certainly wouldnt have driven. But the latter 10 days ive felt ok and able to make some plans and do things with friends and family. Id say EC has been pretty brutal.but the fact i have that good week (rather than a day or 2) has made it bearable to cope with. Ive got 2 more cycles of it. Next wed is my next one so i am making the most of these few days!
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