Hi
Was just wondering if anyone has had the Tac chemotherapy? And if so what side effects if any did you suffer?
I am due to start chemotherapy next Monday. I am 29 with 2 very young children (2yrs & 6 months old) and was diagnosed on the 8th March, I have had a lumpectomy and my lymph nodes removed. To say I was shocked by the diagnosis is an understatement but feel very positive about getting through this, after all I have two beautiful children, and a fantastic family, all of whom are making this easier for me to come to terms with.
It all seems very surreal at the moment as I don’t feel I’ll and even after surgery didn’t feel too bad. Just wondered if anyone had first hand experience of the TAC chemo to share with me , to help me try to understand what lays ahead for me.
Carly x x
Hi Carly and welcome to the BCC forums
I am sure your fellow users will be along soon with support and shared experiences and in addition our helpliners are here Mon-Fri 9-5 and Sat 9-2 on 0808 800 6000 to offer you a listening ear, further support and information.
You may find the BCC ‘Treatments’ page helpful as you will find lots of publications and further services from BCC to help you through the coming months:
breastcancercare.org.uk/treatment
We have also published information aimed at younger women which includes specialist services for you:
breastcancercare.org.uk/category/type-person-particularly-relevant/younger-women-breast-cancer
Take care
Lucy
Hi Carly,
Sorry you’ve had to join us. I had the same drugs, but in a different order. 4xAC and then 4xTaxol, there are plenty of ladies on here who have had TAC so hopefully they’ll be along soon. Bear in mind we all react differently. I had very, very few side effects whilst others in my regime suffered quite bad SEs. However, it won’t be anywhere near as bad as you think it’s going to be. My advise would be to ensure you clear your diary and get lots of help with the kids for the first week or get lots of DVDs in for snuggles on the sofa for after the first session. Keep a diary of how you feel. The side effects should be the same each time and this way you will be able to plan around when you might need some rest and plan things for when you’re feeling good.
I hope it all goes well.
X
Hi Carly.
So sorry you’ve had to join us, it must be difficult with 2 such young ones, but don’t worry we have all been there and done it, and so will you. It will be hard at times, but with the supposrt of the lovely ladies on here it will be OK< and you will make some good friends too…
I was due 6xTAC, but ended up having 3xTAC and then 3xFEC, as I had a bad reaction to the TAC. TAC is the “gold standard” of breast cancer chemo treatments, I was told, so rest assured they are throwing everything they’ve got at it.
Sandytoes’ advice is spot on. Get plenty of help organised, do online shopping, cook meals in advance and put in freezer for days when you can’t do much. When people ask if they can help SAY YES!!! and tell them what they can do.
There are other people on the forum who have done TAC successfully - Weme (November) and Herbi (Dec) and I’m sure there are others too, so it may be worth you contacting them. Whereabouts are you? If you are in Cheltenham (they are very keen on TAC there, it seems!), some of us Chelt ladies are hoping to arrange a meet-up soon, once we can co-ordinate all our various treatments!
best wishes
Teresa x
Hi Carley
I’m from the Jan thread,have 2 children aged 6 & 4.I had my last lot of 6xTAC chemo on 18th April.
It’s not been nice but it is doable as many of the ladies on these forums put it.
I have been lucky to have very few & little SE’s although people react differently,most of them are controlled with medication.
Wednesday was my chemo day,taste buds started changing & slight nauseous feeling,by Sat i would feel tired.Things settled for a few days then my low week i would get a sore tongue/gums & the odd mouth ulcer,used Difflam mouth wash given by chemo unit.
Hair started departing on the 15th day after my 1st lot,wear a wig when i go out & a hat/commando indoors as chidren don’t take much notice of it now,though they do tell their friends occasionally that mummy wears a wig.
I wish you the best of luck with your journey.
Tracey.x
Hi Carly
I am having my first session out of six of TAC on Friday. Just been for my blood test and talk with chemo nurse this morning and I now feel completely at ease with everything. I have been told what side effects could occur but have also been told that I will be sent home with a bag full of drugs to help with everything.
I turned 30 yesterday and was not expecting to celebrate my special birthday week with a round of chemo but what has to be, has to be.
I was diagnosed in January, had mastectomy and immediate DIEP recon on 2nd March and now starting chemo. May have to have rads and will spend 5 years on Tamoxifen.
I would be happy to contact you after my session to let you know how I am and maybe what to expect although everybody is different. Also, there is a thread on here called “Starting chemo in April 2012” started by Pesteringpixie. Please come and join so you won’t feel so alone.
Where abouts are you from?
Feel free to PM me as well if you want to chat about anything.
Big hugs
Natalie xx
bumping this one for you guys - you need some more input I think!