Finally feel like things are moving in the right direction. I’ve had 2 surgeries to remove 2 tumours,hormone positive, (23mm and 18) and axillery clearance with positive Nodes.Another planned next week to remove DCIS cells then hopefully start chemo once recovered. Saw oncologist today, and plan is to do a dose dense AC (4rounds) then dense dose of PAClitaxel (4 rounds) . then radiation as a follow up. Any tips, experience of dense dose, greatly appreciated.

hi @jovdp It’s good to hear you are proceeding to your chemo! I had dose dense EC very similar to AC. You get both drugs fortnightly in the one session. You will also get Premeds before - for me it was all through the port or by mouth. Make sure you numb up the port like I mentioned last time. Then the next day you will get an injection that you can give yourself or someone can give for you just under the skin. This is to help the bone marrow recover more quickly so you can receive the next dosages in 2 weeks instead of 3. One of the drugs you get is bright red you can’t miss it! It also rapidly turns your urine red too, this is normal.My biggest tips- drink lots of clear fluids starting the day before chemo. Also take each day as it comes - you will probably develop a pattern of up days and days when you feel a bit more tired. That’s pretty normal and it helps to know roughly what to expect on round 2!if you feel even slightly sick take the nausea meds you will be given straightaway and stay on top of it.lots of love Tinks xx

Dear @Jobdb,Sounds a little similar to me. Mastectomy, axillary clearance with 3 nodes with cancer cells. Hormone positive. I've had an Infusaport inserted for IV access. Like Tinks, I was given drugs prior to Chemo, eg Dexamethasone IV and an oral capsule of an anti nausea drug. I was told this helps prevent/treat nausea, but it did cause constipation, but I had been warned and prepared.(Coloxyl with Senna was effective for me)I've just finished EC dense dose(4 Sessions). I had the injection each session, given before I left Chemo .I didn't have to wait til next day. So far it has been fairly uneventful for me. Hope I don't jinx myself. But I still have a full packet of Maxalon. I've gone off coffee a bit, and still have a good appetite. I've used the cold cap, and still have hair.I say these things only so you know people respond differently. It isn't all bad always. Be prepared, aware of side effects, but take it as it comes. Don't hesitate to use anti nausea drugs if you do need them.I've now had one dose of Pactitaxol another 11 to go. Mine are 1 week apart. I think that is not dense dose. Fingers crossed I'm OK with it. Then 25 rounds of Radiotherapy. It's just wait and see.Good luck, be informed, don't panic, take it as it comes. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Hi Jovdb,I had dose dense AC every fortnight for 8 weeks.Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after chemotherapy to flush it all through.After your first dose you will work out which are your good and not so good days, it’s usually a pattern each time you have treatment.With dose dense AC you will most likely loose your hair, unless you have the cold cap, ( it may just thin out) everyone copes with it differently.I ordered head scarves from eBay before chemotherapy started so I had them on hand ready.I started loosing my hair week 3 into treatment.You will be given a lot of different medication to take home for any side affects, make sure you take them as needed don’t tough it out.You will be monitored closely and any issues they can adjust the medication for next round. You will be given a number you can call 24/7 at the hospital that goes directly to the oncology ward, if you have any concerns they will guide you.You will be given a card , so if you present yourself to emergency you will be seen within 30 minutes of being there. They really look after you well.I would highly recommend washing your mouth out with salty water a few times a day, as there is a risk of mouth ulcers.Very important to check your temperature on a regular basis, especially if you feel at all slightly unwell, present yourself to emergency if your temperature is 38 degrees.Rest and fluids are important, walking is really good for you as well as much as your body can tolerate. If you find drinking water starts to taste metallic I added lemon or lime juice, or a diet cordial to take the taste away. I had an overnight bag packed with essentials in just incase and kept it in the car.Any other questions don’t hesitate to ask.All the best for your upcoming surgery .Sending hugs x

Thank you everyone for your great advice. I’ve just got the all clear from my surgeon that the surgeries have gone well so it’s on to the chemo on the 17th. A friend sent me a chemo kit from the Kit foundation, which is amazing with lots of useful things like toothpaste, mouthwash etc to get you through. Fighting the urge to eat the fruit tingles too soon!! Nervous about the unknown and how my body will react. Just focusing on the fact this needs to get done as it’s just another step in ridding cancer from my body. Hope you are all doing well today and if not that tomorrow is better xx

@jovdp good luck for your 1st chemo session on 17 June. Sending hugs xxx

Chemo plan | BCNA Online Network

Tinks
Member
5 years ago
Dear @Jovdp, good news now you are on your way.

Just a few thoughts about your first chemo experience. With AC like the EC, That I was on, if you don’t use the cold cap you will be at chemo for 3 to 3 1/2 hours. After they put the needle into the port, you will have blood taken through the port, no pain! After that is checked, you will go back to your comfy chair.

The bright red drug is usually given by the nurse pushing it slowly into the port tubing, takes about 20 minutes. Good thing is it is completely painless and I did not have any funny feelings or side-effects whilst it was being administered. Great time to have a chat to the oncology nurses And ask any questions you like!

After that the C drug is set up as a drip to run through, and then there is a flush just of clear fluid which is great because you really need that extra fluid on board. Sometimes they may run your meds the other way round.

Anything you need before hand for prevention is given as you start and if you have the magic white cell boosting injection you will be given it to take home if they do not give it to you there and then.

During the time that was there it was great to take something to do. Especially now as many people cannot take a support person with them.

Magazines or books and for me mainly my iPad was the way I kept busy. There was free Wi-Fi and I could stream anything I like, and listen with my headphones.

In the chemo suite I was offered more than enough food and drinks.

there are also hot blankets and hot packs available on request. I found that whether I felt cold or not the hot blanket was fabulous!

It’s pretty scary first time round in the chemo suite, because even if you have had a tour you still don’t really know what’s going to happen! but I found it easy to do and quite relaxing for the EC treatment.

Lots of love

Tinks xx
Tinks
Member
5 years ago
Dear @Jovdp, good news now you are on your way.

Just a few thoughts about your first chemo experience. With AC like the EC, That I was on, if you don’t use the cold cap you will be at chemo for 3 to 3 1/2 hours. After they put the needle into the port, you will have blood taken through the port, no pain! After that is checked, you will go back to your comfy chair.

The bright red drug is usually given by the nurse pushing it slowly into the port tubing, takes about 20 minutes. Good thing is it is completely painless and I did not have any funny feelings or side-effects whilst it was being administered. Great time to have a chat to the oncology nurses And ask any questions you like!

After that the C drug is set up as a drip to run through, and then there is a flush just of clear fluid which is great because you really need that extra fluid on board. Sometimes they may run your meds the other way round.

Anything you need before hand for prevention is given as you start and if you have the magic white cell boosting injection you will be given it to take home if they do not give it to you there and then.

During the time that was there it was great to take something to do. Especially now as many people cannot take a support person with them.

Magazines or books and for me mainly my iPad was the way I kept busy. There was free Wi-Fi and I could stream anything I like, and listen with my headphones.

In the chemo suite I was offered more than enough food and drinks.

there are also hot blankets and hot packs available on request. I found that whether I felt cold or not the hot blanket was fabulous!

It’s pretty scary first time round in the chemo suite, because even if you have had a tour you still don’t really know what’s going to happen! but I found it easy to do and quite relaxing for the EC treatment.

Lots of love

Tinks xx
Tinks
Member
5 years ago
Dear @Jovdp, good news now you are on your way.

Just a few thoughts about your first chemo experience. With AC like the EC, That I was on, if you don’t use the cold cap you will be at chemo for 3 to 3 1/2 hours. After they put the needle into the port, you will have blood taken through the port, no pain! After that is checked, you will go back to your comfy chair.

The bright red drug is usually given by the nurse pushing it slowly into the port tubing, takes about 20 minutes. Good thing is it is completely painless and I did not have any funny feelings or side-effects whilst it was being administered. Great time to have a chat to the oncology nurses And ask any questions you like!

After that the C drug is set up as a drip to run through, and then there is a flush just of clear fluid which is great because you really need that extra fluid on board. Sometimes they may run your meds the other way round.

Anything you need before hand for prevention is given as you start and if you have the magic white cell boosting injection you will be given it to take home if they do not give it to you there and then.

During the time that was there it was great to take something to do. Especially now as many people cannot take a support person with them.

Magazines or books and for me mainly my iPad was the way I kept busy. There was free Wi-Fi and I could stream anything I like, and listen with my headphones.

In the chemo suite I was offered more than enough food and drinks.

there are also hot blankets and hot packs available on request. I found that whether I felt cold or not the hot blanket was fabulous!

It’s pretty scary first time round in the chemo suite, because even if you have had a tour you still don’t really know what’s going to happen! but I found it easy to do and quite relaxing for the EC treatment.

Lots of love

Tinks xx
Tinks
Member
5 years ago
Dear @Jovdp, good news now you are on your way.

Just a few thoughts about your first chemo experience. With AC like the EC, That I was on, if you don’t use the cold cap you will be at chemo for 3 to 3 1/2 hours. After they put the needle into the port, you will have blood taken through the port, no pain! After that is checked, you will go back to your comfy chair.

The bright red drug is usually given by the nurse pushing it slowly into the port tubing, takes about 20 minutes. Good thing is it is completely painless and I did not have any funny feelings or side-effects whilst it was being administered. Great time to have a chat to the oncology nurses And ask any questions you like!

After that the C drug is set up as a drip to run through, and then there is a flush just of clear fluid which is great because you really need that extra fluid on board. Sometimes they may run your meds the other way round.

Anything you need before hand for prevention is given as you start and if you have the magic white cell boosting injection you will be given it to take home if they do not give it to you there and then.

During the time that was there it was great to take something to do. Especially now as many people cannot take a support person with them.

Magazines or books and for me mainly my iPad was the way I kept busy. There was free Wi-Fi and I could stream anything I like, and listen with my headphones.

In the chemo suite I was offered more than enough food and drinks.

there are also hot blankets and hot packs available on request. I found that whether I felt cold or not the hot blanket was fabulous!

It’s pretty scary first time round in the chemo suite, because even if you have had a tour you still don’t really know what’s going to happen! but I found it easy to do and quite relaxing for the EC treatment.

Lots of love

Tinks xx
Tinks
Member
5 years ago
Dear @Jovdp, good news now you are on your way.

Just a few thoughts about your first chemo experience. With AC like the EC, That I was on, if you don’t use the cold cap you will be at chemo for 3 to 3 1/2 hours. After they put the needle into the port, you will have blood taken through the port, no pain! After that is checked, you will go back to your comfy chair.

The bright red drug is usually given by the nurse pushing it slowly into the port tubing, takes about 20 minutes. Good thing is it is completely painless and I did not have any funny feelings or side-effects whilst it was being administered. Great time to have a chat to the oncology nurses And ask any questions you like!

After that the C drug is set up as a drip to run through, and then there is a flush just of clear fluid which is great because you really need that extra fluid on board. Sometimes they may run your meds the other way round.

Anything you need before hand for prevention is given as you start and if you have the magic white cell boosting injection you will be given it to take home if they do not give it to you there and then.

During the time that was I there it was great to take something to do. Especially now as many people cannot take a support person with them.

Magazines or books, crafts and for me mainly my iPad was the way I kept busy. There was free Wi-Fi and I could stream anything I like, and listen with my headphones.

In the chemo suite I was offered more than enough food and drinks.

there are also hot blankets and hot packs available on request. I found that whether I felt cold or not the hot blanket was fabulous!

It’s pretty scary first time round in the chemo suite, because even if you have had a tour you still don’t really know what’s going to happen! but I found it easy to do and quite relaxing for the EC treatment.

Lots of love

Tinks xx
Fern88
Member
5 years ago
Hi @Jovdp I'm happy for you that your surgerys went well and have the all clear to continue on your journey. I've just finished my 4th round (last one) of AC today Yay! Fortunately I had little side affects some constipation (I just drink prune juice daily works for me), couldn't sleep very good for the first four nights, tingling toes on and off a little bit nothing serve, feeling a little tired in the early arvo's, probably from lack of sleep at night. My AC were the same as yours and now I'm up to Paclitaxel also the same as yours, then I 25 radiotherapy rounds, then hormones for 5 years. My appetite is still good, I do have a funny feeling in my mouth like slimy (sort off) it's weird to describe but I notice I like salt more and tangy sour lime drinks. I totally understand the nervous and unknown feeling which I'm sure we all feel or have felt, how could you not. Just go one day at a time and try and stay positive, plenty of rest, don't push yourself, exercise if your able and yes drink plenty of water to flush out your body and stay hydrated.
I wish you all the best
😊xo💞
Locksley
Member
5 years ago
@jovdp good luck for your 1st chemo session on 17 June. Sending hugs xxx
Jovdp
Member
5 years ago
Thank you everyone for your great advice. I’ve just got the all clear from my surgeon that the surgeries have gone well so it’s on to the chemo on the 17th. A friend sent me a chemo kit from the Kit foundation, which is amazing with lots of useful things like toothpaste, mouthwash etc to get you through. Fighting the urge to eat the fruit tingles too soon!! Nervous about the unknown and how my body will react. Just focusing on the fact this needs to get done as it’s just another step in ridding cancer from my body. Hope you are all doing well today and if not that tomorrow is better xx
Abbydog
Member
5 years ago
Dear @Jobdb,
Sounds a little similar to me. Mastectomy, axillary clearance with 3 nodes with cancer cells. Hormone positive. I've had an Infusaport inserted for IV access. Like Tinks, I was given drugs prior to Chemo, eg Dexamethasone IV and an oral capsule of an anti nausea drug. I was told this helps prevent/treat nausea, but it did cause constipation, but I had been warned and prepared.(Coloxyl with Senna was effective for me)
I've just finished EC dense dose(4 Sessions). I had the injection each session, given before I left Chemo .
I didn't have to wait til next day. So far it has been fairly uneventful for me. Hope I don't jinx myself. But I still have a full packet of Maxalon. I've gone off coffee a bit, and still have a good appetite. I've used the cold cap, and still have hair.
I say these things only so you know people respond differently. It isn't all bad always. Be prepared, aware of side effects, but take it as it comes. Don't hesitate to use anti nausea drugs if you do need them.
I've now had one dose of Pactitaxol another 11 to go. Mine are 1 week apart. I think that is not dense dose. Fingers crossed I'm OK with it. Then 25 rounds of Radiotherapy. It's just wait and see.
Good luck, be informed, don't panic, take it as it comes. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Shellshocked201
Member
5 years ago
Hi Jovdb,
I had dose dense AC every fortnight for 8 weeks.
Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after chemotherapy to flush it all through.
After your first dose you will work out which are your good and not so good days, it’s usually a pattern each time you have treatment.
With dose dense AC you will most likely loose your hair, unless you have the cold cap, ( it may just thin out) everyone copes with it differently.
I ordered head scarves from eBay before chemotherapy started so I had them on hand ready.
I started loosing my hair week 3 into treatment.
You will be given a lot of different medication to take home for any side affects, make sure you take them as needed don’t tough it out.You will be monitored closely and any issues they can adjust the medication for next round. You will be given a number you can call 24/7 at the hospital that goes directly to the oncology ward, if you have any concerns they will guide you.
You will be given a card , so if you present yourself to emergency you will be seen within 30 minutes of being there. They really look after you well.
I would highly recommend washing your mouth out with salty water a few times a day, as there is a risk of mouth ulcers.
Very important to check your temperature on a regular basis, especially if you feel at all slightly unwell, present yourself to emergency if your temperature is 38 degrees.
Rest and fluids are important, walking is really good for you as well as much as your body can tolerate.
If you find drinking water starts to taste metallic I added lemon or lime juice, or a diet cordial to take the taste away.
I had an overnight bag packed with essentials in just incase and kept it in the car.

Any other questions don’t hesitate to ask.
All the best for your upcoming surgery .
Sending hugs x