Forum Discussion

Clairebear7's avatar
Clairebear7
Member
4 years ago

Newbie triple negative

Hi everyone

I was diagnosed in December with triple negative bc. I’ve been visiting this wonderful forum probably daily, but have only now had the courage to join.  I’m currently having fortnightly dose dense ac chemo, about to have my third round and am feeling really anxious about it. I found the second round a lot more challenging than the first and am worried about how the third round will go - and just looking for some support I guess. I don’t really have a question just wanted to join this lovely supportive network and say hi. 

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  • Cath62's avatar
    Cath62
    Member
    4 years ago
    Hi @Clairebear7, well good on you. We all have a good look around before being brave enough to post or comment on anything. Well done getting through round 3.

    One session at a time is how you get through and I agree with @Mazbeth about imagining chemo as a golden light. I use to do that each session, just imagining that the chemo gold would only destroy cancer cells and not the healthy ones. 

    Your probably active with 3 kids but gentle walks help fatigue if you are up to it. Drink plenty of walk to or add a bit of cordial if it helps it taste better. Don't forget your skin. Chemo days the skin out to plenty of moisturiser. My only other suggestion for now is take really good care of your mouth. Use floss and gargle with salty water after meals to prevent ulcers. 

    You will get through this. Remember there is no judgement here and you can say or ask anything. Big hugs to you 🌺
  • Clairebear7's avatar
    Clairebear7
    Member
    4 years ago
    Thanks @Cath62 for the great advice! Unfortunately I have had issues with mouth ulcers, no matter what I do I have had them since round 2. I find the kennalog cream quite good and have been doing salt and bicarb rinses. 
    One more ac to go then onto fortnightly Paclitaxel. Hoping with everything that it’s easier than the ac. 🙏 

    So far no side effects from the Covid jab! 

    Thanks @arpie - I will check it out! 😊
  • Cath62's avatar
    Cath62
    Member
    4 years ago
    Bummer with the mouth ulcers @Clairebear7. Keep up the mouth care as best you can. Well one getting there with AC. Most of us seem to find AC harder than paclitaxil. Only issue with paclitaxil is some people get a bit of neuropathy. If any numbness or tingling in your fingers and toes please let your oncologist know immediately. Best wishes to you.
  • JudeDude's avatar
    JudeDude
    Member
    4 years ago
    I didn't get ulcers, but I had really bad mucositis in my throat. The oncology clinic where I got chemo gave me Xylocaine viscous - it's an anaesthetic liquid and numbs your mouth and throat. It was my wonder gargle when nothing else would work and I just needed a break from feeling the pain. Happy pink gel if you can get your hands on it! I'm thinking I'm a bit late offering advice, but just in case the ulcers are lingering. Pac much easier to handle than AC - hang in there. xx
  • srowe's avatar
    srowe
    Member
    3 years ago
    Hi Clairebear7

    I was diagnosed with triple neg IDC  in January of 2020.  I had the AC fortnightly then taxol weekly plus I added in a chemo drug called Carboplatin.  I had neuropathy, tinnitus in my one ear but all resolves post treatment.  Thing that helped me was I continued on with daily activities.  I was fortunate enough to still work full time and play soccer.  Finding things that you enjoy and trying to keep as active as you can helps with side effects and makes the time fly by. I remember them saying 5 months of chemo, then surgery and a month of radiation, I thought it would take forever but does go quickly.