I met my oncologist yesterday, and it turns out that I had a tumour of only 9 mm and 3 affected lymph nodes out of 27. She wants to put me on TAC chemo in January, and I am beginning to panic slightly. This doesn’t seem to be a common way to go, and everywhere I look I see it is one of the most aggressive treatments. I am grade 2 stage 2 ( I think), and now worried that maybe it’s all a bit more serious?? I had my mastectomy a month ago now so nothing to shrink even. I’m 37 - are they being aggressive because of my age. I just want to decline the treatment now after reading about the side effects. Has anyone had this treatment? I’ve been told the cold cap won’t even work with it.
I am on TAC, and I agree it is more difficult to get information as it is less common. I am having my fourth cycle out of 6 next Wednesday - but I’m still looking forward to Christmas! It is tough (paticularly the fatigue), but it is doable, and you won’t necessarily get all the side effects that people list.
I’m sure your oncologist will have chosen the chemo regimen that’s best for you, but might be worth asking them why. I look at it that I want them to throw everything at this that they can, so it may be 18 tough weeks (but there are good days!), but it is worth it in the long run.
i have a blog at www.littlebearowl.tumblr.com which is honest about the side effects but looks for the positives (it’s called Gold Seams - like silver linings only better!). Feel free to DM me, or use the contact email on the blog. I spoke to someone who had been through it before me, and read a blog from the states, and it really helped me practically and emotionally.
I completed 6 x tac in October, followed by 25 rads which finished this week. The side effects are really not that bad. The first week of each cycle is the worst (mostly fatigue but also loss of taste, mouth soreness, etc) but by week three I felt quite normal. Nearly two months on my energy levels are returning but not yet back to pre chemo levelsl. There are a few of us on tac but it doesn’t seem as common as other types of chemo. I am not sure why people are on different chemos but I was told that tac is aggressive and was given because i was young (not as young as you though!) and grade 3 (no nodes effected.)
Hi Neadie, I had my first Tac chemo yesterday had 3 Fec already and two lots of surgery lump removed in July then masectomy in August.I did feel very tired after this one but only have two to go both Tac in total 3Fec 3Tac then 4weeks break before three weeks of radiotheraphy. I have found the same as you Karen keen to get to my good week But my weeks have been varied, last chemo I had three good days 4bad then back to good so who knows. Did not get much sleep last night had strange tingling in feet legs and arms but it went quite quickly luckily.
I know its easy to say but try not to worry I did loads of stressing and crying but once I got started it seems like I got a bit more positive as was on my journey and it helps to talk on here and see all the girls who are also in the hospital on the same journey but all different with treatments and surgery etc In fact chemo day is getting quite a social gathering as we all catch up on news
Take Care will be on to see how you are
Forgot to add I did wear the ice cap for first two chemo sessions but my hair was very fine and started to come out so didnt have enough hair to save in the end so havent worn it for last two sessions have just have very thin covering but have told Tac will take care of that
I’ve spent nearly the whole day howling. I went to visit my dad howl! Driving home howl! Opening Xmas cards howl! It’s just hitting me that they are going to put all this poison into me and there’s sod all I can do about it or the horrible side effects…
I think it’s getting to my husband too - I flew through the surgery - don’t get me wrong I was very very scared, but this brings a whole new level of terror and has all the hallmarks of an execution…
What is freaking me out is why are they being so so aggressive?? Is there something they haven’t told me? Am I just being paranoid???
Hi Neadi,
No you are not being paranoid, it is natural to worry about why they are taking the course of action they are. Speak to your Onc, dont just accept what they tell you with getting answers to your questions, it is your body. Im sure that they are just doing all that is necessary to make sure the B****** disease does not get another foothold. My Onc told me that 10-15 years ago, it was not the norm to give the majority of cases chemo, and there was a higher incidence of secondaries as a result. Since chemo has become more common recurrence has reduced.
Good luck with the treatment. I had TC, not sure if it is the same? Definately do=able xx
I thought I would be offered the TC as my breast nurse had hinted at it, but now they’re throwing this A one in and I don’t like the sound of it one little bit. When I looked it up, it seems to be offered to ILC cancers and inflammatory bc, I have IDC, that’s what I’m confused about…
Neadi, a friend of mine had TAC last year and coped just fine. She had private health insurance and TAC was considered the best chemo for her cancer. Her cancer was TN. Her tumour disappeared almost completely following chemo so it worked. Good luck , x
It might help to give the BCC helpline a call and talk your questions through with one of the helpline staff, who will offer you a listening ear as well as support and practical information. The number to call is 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open today from 10 to 2pm and Monday to Friday 9 to 5pm.
Hi Neadi
I have Grade 2 and predominant DCIS and am on TAC - I had 4 AC and 1 Taxol so far. As Little Bear mentioned you won’t necessarily get all the side effects listed: for me I haven’t had any nausea on TAC. I did get aches with the Taxol but they are not so bad. For me the worst thing is a really dry mouth. Out of the 3 weeks I’m back to normal for weeks 2 and 3.
I had the cold cap for my ACs and while I lost quite a bit of hair I did’t go bald. I gave up the cold cap for the Taxol as it would have meant sitting there with cap for 5 hours, which for me was one more thing I could do without.
Good luck xx
But my weeks have been varied, last chemo I had three good days 4bad then back to good so who knows. Did not get much sleep last night had strange tingling in feet legs and arms but it went quite quickly luckily.