Hi Mischa, Welcome to this site and sorry for your diagnosis. I was diagnosed late October 2016. Grade 3 Stage 11A Her2 pos EP negative. Lumpectomy R) and total axillary clearance. 2/17 positive lymph nodes. Surgery first then 3-4 weeks later chemo. Docetaxol and Carboplatin with Herceptin via s/c. Finished chemo March and Radio in May but continue with Herceptin until mid december. I wore a cool cap so only suffered minimal hair thinning on top. I did cut my hair after first cycle as texture changed and looked dull. Day 2 till day 7 was a write off for me, so zero exercise. The rest of the time just felt incredibly weak and some bone pain, especially following the injection to boost white blood cell production and as my house is on stilts with washing machine etc downstairs, was a challenge managing stairs. Basically just had to stop after few steps and ended up bottom shuffling rest of the way. The axillary clearance affected my Range of Movement in R) arm so only exercise I did was for that. I didn't really suffer much nausea just a yucky feeling and taste buds affected. A few sips of coke (which I never normally drink) cleared palate for short time prior to eating. On treatment days I was given ice cold gloves to wear while the Docetaxol was infusing, supposed to minimise peripheral neuropathy (PN) I did develop PN in fingers of both hands after cycle 4 but has improved to some degree.The constipation was a problem but learnt to start taking movicol day before treatment and continue for next 3-4 days. After that the diarrhorea took over which had its own problems.
The surgeon and oncologist conferred on treatment and as tumor was only 12mm but with lymph node involvement, was decided surgery first and that I would only need lumpectomy. I was incapable of making any decisions at the time so was grateful for surgeons advice. Your oncologist /surgeon/radio oncologist should be able to explain your options. and then let you make a choice.
I have found this site invaluable. Best of luck to you Mischa, stay in touch.
Sue P
