Starting TC chemo mid April , Advice and support needed

Hi all, advice and support needed, I’m due to start TC chemo mid/late April…this is my second diagnosis is 18 years new primary different breast….12mm cancer, anyone else similar..thank you in advance x

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I have my oncology meeting on Tuesday having received my diagnosis on 16 March (day 2 of a 2 week holiday in Mallorca) I am also having an MRI on the same day. Next Friday I am having more biopsies on my lymph nodes as the ones done at the same time as the tumour were ‘inconclusive’. Not sure of the value of the oncology meeting when they don’t have the biopsy results - but they’re the experts so I’ll just trust the process. My tumour is 33mm and I swear I can see it growing every day, so I am desperate to start treatment. I’m following your post in the hope that I find some useful information and because we are starting our journeys at a similar time, so would like to keep in touch.

Hi grannyjanny1, sorry to hear your having to join this road too, but we’ll do it together.

I had a breast MRI due to the density of my boobs, as because my tumour wasn’t picked up on mammogram. It’s positive they are looking at your lymph nodes again as they’re not leaving any stone unturned and working out the best treatment options for you. It’s the hardest part waiting around for tests and results but be rest assured they’re working in the back ground.

Please stat in touch xx

This is my second diagnosis, first 2008 and new primary Jan 26….so many changes since my first diagnosis and I was truly very scared at first this time, but I’ve had the best care and been kept informed of everything, every step of the way! Doesn’t help I’m a nurse so I ask and ask again….my onc yesterday was a bit taken aback as I had a list of questions…

I’ll help and support you - it’s a shit world but only the strongest don’t fall xx

What should I be asking when I see the oncologist?

I am totally clueless!

Hello! I’ve just finished TC chemo so am happy to help with any advice from that point of view. I was diagnosed last September, had a lumpectomy in November and another in December then started chemo on 6th Jan and had my last of 4 cycles on the 11th March. Started radiotherapy yesterday! Wishing you all the best x

Thank you for replying Anncuk…..what were your side effects….im hoping I won’t suffer to badly and meds will keep me supported!

I had my eyebrows microbladed yesterday and I’m having my hair cut into a pixie style on Tuesday, in preparation…

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Hi….maybe the oncologist wants to see you to discuss genetic testing,TNBC doesn’t carry any receptors so it’s unique in its make up, and genetic testing will help guide the treatment plan…they cover all aspects of your cancer etc to work out the best patient centered treatment follow up. I hope that helps x

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I had a list of questions……type of chemo, how much radiation, side effects, how it would be given, how much treatment, was they things I shouldn’t do whilst having treatment and is there things I could do to help.

I do feel very reassured that my oncologist is very thorough.

No problem at all! So I’ll be honest with you, I’ve had a lot of side effects and some are very much ongoing but honestly once you get into a routine with the chemo cycles and know what to expect it makes it easier. I still have my eyelashes (a few have made a bid for freedom!) and whilst one of my eyebrows has thinned out a bit they are clinging on too and that’s after all 4 cycles! I had my hair cut from jaw length into a pixie cut after my first cycle as my scalp started tingling and hurting quite quickly, and two weeks into it I shaved it all off and the relief was immense!

I can tell you more about side effects if you like but honestly everyone is affected differently so I wouldn’t want you to think they will all happen to you too! If you want any specific tips or advice though I’m happy to help :smiling_face: x

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Just querying on what days were your side effects at there worst?

@buddies I had my treatment on Wednesdays and like clockwork I started to go downhill on the Friday afternoon (I had to do a pegfilgrastim injection on the Thursday evening which started the trouble a day later!). I usually had a bad weekend and then as the following week progressed I improved and by the next weekend I was feeling more human. I stayed at home until the following Monday (day 13 of the three week cycle) then went into work for the last week before it happened again! x

Thank you, had my pre assessment today…I’m mentally ready now…..regardless of how hard xx

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@buddies Good luck and let me know how you get on! x

Thank you I will x

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First TC done today, I’ve had the best care and support, and what a saviour my portacath has been, no needles no invasive activity, so very very different to my last treatment 18 years ago…I’m home and feel so relieved it done…bring on the next few days with my pharmacy drugs…..

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Well done! How are you feeling now? x

Hi @anncuk, I was doing ok until yesterday afternoon and I started feeling off, today……bed bound all day, totally exhausted and wiped out. Hopefully I’ll start picking up tomorrow xx

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@buddies How are you doing now? I hope it’s got a bit better for you. It takes time each cycle but there are days before the next one where you will feel brighter x

@anncuk - oh boy! Rough few days, bed bound day 4&5, up 6 and today’s day 7, up and dressed and starting to feel I’m pulling out of it!

Main issues horrific bone pain… on my hands and knees to go to the toilet! Very dry mouth and lost sense of taste, dry cough and itchy skin and scalp!

I’ve an appointment on Wednesday with my oncologist so I’ll see what he says. But I’ve been pretty low! Hard to keep going when your struggling xx

how are you? X

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