Best Of

Hi @nomadd
I am sorry that you are now a new member of this club, as am I.. I was diagnosed with stage 2 in early July after having a call back from the breast screen clinic. I have had a lumpectomy and then a second surgery, as the margin wasn't clear, just finished 3 weeks of radiation and am recovering, from the radiation burns which are extremely painful.. My tumour was hormone fed, so no more HRT and see the oncologist today again to start on a hormone blocker.. The roller coaster of emotions have been difficult, but just reach out for support anyway you can.. It is a scary time, especially in the beginning before you know what's going to happen with your treatment.. But take the time to look after yourself and allow yourself to have a good cry when you feel it and remember that there is lots of help available and the McGrath breast care nurses are a godsend hope after seeing the surgeon today that some of your anxiety is relieved in some way.. Hugs to you x 

Thank you so much. Just trying to get my head around all these drugs and side effects. I know it’s what has to happen but a bit daunting at the same time but I remain very positive

I managed well on Paclitaxol the first time around and completed the twelve courses although by round ten I was exhausted. I had slight niggles in my feet but that disappeared. Four years later and I was on Paclitaxol again. This time I managed nine rounds and then got trigger toe so they pulled me off it. The aim is for a minimum of eight rounds. If you reach that then your medical team will be happy. As soon as you feel niggles, let your team know and they will discuss the options with you.

The effects of the AC are so varied from one person to the next so just be prepared for the possibles. I had nearly all the side effects but the one that caught me off guard was the severe heartburn on the night of treatment. The hospital will provide you with anti nausea drugs. Have heartburn medication, anti constipation, gastro stop and panadol. Take them immediately you feel the symptoms. You may not need any but keeping them on hand saves the panic if you need them. Hop on here if you have any questions. After the first dose you will feel a lot less stressed as you will know what to expect. Sending big hugs

Hi @tinypott, I had the AC four treatments every 3 weeks, dude effects, exhaustion, slight nausea hair loss and what I use to call head nausea, not a head ache just a real weird feeling in my head like head felt sick. Lasted from day of chemo to about 4 days later, I then was able to work from home at reduced hours. Unfortunately can't tell you about Paclitaxel as I ended up with stage 4 and didn't continue with that course of treatment, I have heard that it can be hard to go through for some and some cope quite well. Good luck with your journey. Positive thoughts. Unsure if there is an alternative, best to chat to oncology team

Hello
i recently been diagnosed and my chemo regieme to begin this week is AC 4 treatments dose dense every 2 weeks followed by Paclitaxel weekly for 12 weeks. Just trying to find out more information from here about AC effects &  the peripheral neuropathy with Paclitaxel and if anyone has found it to be permanent. Hoping there may be an alternative drug to use. Thanks
tinypott

Thanks Arpie, very helpful