I was 46, diagnosed Oct last year, TNBC, same stage as yours, aggressive, but found in time, removed, 15 nodes removed, chemoed, radiated, and in recovery and repair stage. I look back at all the pictures now of being completely bald, and how I felt at each stage over the months, and think, wow, that went quick. My hair is growing back, I am thinner than I was, and I feel well. Just fatigued. Every fear, every question was controlled, answered and supported on here, and by all the strangers called, medical staff and counsellors. Dont be shy, ask every one and cry when you feel like it, I did. We are all different, and we all have our own story...... so take one day at a time. I still do. You will get through, like we all have, try to take deep breaths and get ready to make lots of new friends, youve just joined a big club! XX Bel
Hi Jen,
Give it a couple of weeks & you'll be used to the terminology :)
I was told because of my age (41), being TN & the aggressiveness that yes, I was going to be hit hard with the chemo. I'm on AC (Doxorubicin & Cyclophosphamide) once every 3 weeks for 12 weeks. Then I move onto the Paclitaxel (Taxol) every week for 12 weeks. I was due to have radiation after the chemo 5 days a week for 4 weeks, but I've since tested positive to BRCA 1, so will be skipping the radiation & having a hysterectomy & double reconstructive mastectomy instead :P
Do you have a "Welcome to Chemo" type visit at the hospital before you start? I did a few days before, that 's when they told me the types of chemo, duration & what to expect. My what to expect part wasn't nearly as helpful as the ladies here & I still had a major melt down when the canular went in the 1st time. They also gave me a walk through the chemo ward & I met a few nurses.
As for tablets, you'll be send home with a bag of meds to help prevent the nausea. Keep a record of how you feel day to day. I didn't vomit, but didn't feel great either, on my 2nd dose, they added extra meds to the chemo line that stay in me system for 5 days...worked a treat ;)
Are you having the BRCA tests done?
I'll be thinking about you next Wednesday. Next Friday is my last AC.
Stay strong, Sam xoxox
Hi Jen,
Give it a couple of weeks & you'll be used to the terminology :)
I was told because of my age (41), being TN & the aggressiveness that yes, I was going to be hit hard with the chemo. I'm on AC (Doxorubicin & Cyclophosphamide) once every 3 weeks for 12 weeks. Then I move onto the Paclitaxel (Taxol) every week for 12 weeks. I was due to have radiation after the chemo 5 days a week for 4 weeks, but I've since tested positive to BRCA 1, so will be skipping the radiation & having a hysterectomy & double reconstructive mastectomy instead :P
Do you have a "Welcome to Chemo" type visit at the hospital before you start? I did a few days before, that 's when they told me the types of chemo, duration & what to expect. My what to expect part wasn't nearly as helpful as the ladies here & I still had a major melt down when the canular went in the 1st time. They also gave me a walk through the chemo ward & I met a few nurses.
As for tablets, you'll be send home with a bag of meds to help prevent the nausea. Keep a record of how you feel day to day. I didn't vomit, but didn't feel great either, on my 2nd dose, they added extra meds to the chemo line that stay in me system for 5 days...worked a treat ;)
Are you having the BRCA tests done?
I'll be thinking about you next Wednesday. Next Friday is my last AC.
Stay strong, Sam xoxox
Only my last AC....then 12 weeks of taxol :) Finish date is 6th December.
I was busting to find out about the BRCA genes, bummed that I'm positive, but glad I know. It's helped make descisions about my future treatment & has enabled my mum & cousins to be tested. When my kids are 30, they too will be tested.
