Coldness or compression therapy for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)
Hi I haven't started my chemo for TNBC yet. I was looking into using the cold therapy gloves and socks, spoke to the BC nurse who said that was a good idea. But then my Medical Oncologist mentioned double tight surgical gloves to help reduce CIPN. So I did some research, found that doubled tight surgical gloves and compression socks, are just as effective as cold therapy gloves and socks. Has anyone used either therapies, what are the pros and cons of each. Thanks in advance. DB19ViewsSign in to react to this post0CommentsOut of the blue!!
Hi everyone I'm 60 and very recently been diagnosed with TNBC stage 2, routine screening. Everything is happening so quickly!!! Biopsy 5th Oct, results 14th. High contrast mammogram 16th, PET scan 21st Oct. I saw my breast surgeon on 28th, Cancer hasn't spread, small tumor and one lymph node. Then 30th I saw medical oncologist, discussed chemo and immunotherapy, side effects everything. Prognosis is positive, surgery after Chemo, dependant on Brca blood tests, then radiotherapy. Im still in shock, it's a lot to take in!! I have good days then bad. I feel numb, sad, angry and sorry for myself, is that normal? My chemo should start in the next few weeks. I'm worried about how I'll cope. My husband broke his leg in August, so he can't drive, he's on crutches, I'm his carer! What should I expect from the chemo? Can I drive, can I still work? I apologise for all the questions, thanks in advance x DB107ViewsSign in to react to this post8Comments
Advice on how to prepare for TC chemo?
Hello everyone! First time of me starting a thread on here, hoping to get some advice from someone who’s had experience going through TC (Doxetaxel & Cyclophosphamide) chemo recently? I’ve just had a mastectomy with an implant reconstruction on my left breast after I had a recurrence after going through lumpectomy followed by radiation in 2024. It’s been very traumatic to say the least! Now I’m really freaking out about having to go through chemo as I’ve already been swapped to letrozole and Zoladex instead of tamoxifen which I was on before and I’m already having loads of hot flushes etc so adding other side effects on top of that feels very daunting! If anyone have any advice how to manage side effects that would be amazing! I’d love to at least attempt to not lose all my hair and eyelashes, eyebrows and maybe there’s some supplements I could take to make sure my skin doesn’t get too damaged during treatment? I’m going to bring in ice cubes/lollies to suck on as I’m having the treatment done but wondering also if there’s anything else I should be doing or bringing with me to the appointment? Thank you so much!116ViewsSign in to react to this post7Comments
What to expect - AC after Carbo/paclitaxel/pembro
Hi fighters, I am super worried about what to expect with my first AC coming up. I'll be having my birthday gathering 3 days after it too. I've got one more paclitaxel on its own in the 12 week carboplatin , paclitaxel, pembrolizumab regimen. For triple negative. I'm mid 40s. Apart from a few short bouts of intense side effects, i feel I've been fairly fortunate. No nausea. Good appetite. Side effects: Pins and needles - then used cold gloves and socks so only mild tingles after that mostly. Headaches and some fatigue occasionally in first weeks. Constipation after carbo - dealt with easily. Hints of UTI but also dealt with swiftly and all ok. Whole body red rash week 9 followed by itchy hands and feet (skin was fine) keeping me up all night for 3 nights before getting better. Fast testing heart rate in middle weeks - very out of breath and rate skyrocketing with a little activity. I attribute my last weeks being very easy due to skipping 2 weeks due to low neutrophils and getting those booster injections nearly 2 weeks straight. Also paclitaxel dose reduce due to that horrible itch. Do we think AC won't likely be so kind to me? Am I stupid for wanting to get together with friends in my birthday? Of course no sick people allowed! I have remained social and continued to work (at schools!) so far. Please share your experiences with AC, particularly if you feel similarities with mine so far. Many thanks in advance ❤️124ViewsSign in to react to this post2Comments
Cold Booties, Mittens and Cap
I have my first chemotherapy this coming Wednesday. I have ordered the Suzzipad Cold Booties, Mittens and Cap but it won't arrive up until my third treatment. I have my chemotherapy at the RBWH in Brisbane. Does anyone know where I could rent this equipment until I get mine delivered? Is it common to wear compression stockings as well? And what do you use to protect your nails other than using cryotherapy?54ViewsSign in to react to this post1CommentA little vanity…
Hey chat,first time query having just been diagnosed, starting chemo 11/08. If anyone has experience with having created their eyebrows before losing them, that would be appreciated. Also, I read in the TCHP side effects document, not to keep ‘fake’ nails, however, my oncologist said ‘good, keep your acrylics for nails protection’ , if anyone can give me your feedback, I’d appreciate it, thankyou.143ViewsSign in to react to this post1Comment
Cold cap size
I'm under going 4 rounds of AC and have used the cold cap medium size First round didn't lose any hair and had a hair cut in between rounds and lost allot of hair from my crown in the second round. I'm wanted some advise on whether I should go to the small size as does the firmness of the fit impact success?185ViewsSign in to react to this post2Comments
Telling my toddler and child I have breast cancer
Hi All, Last month I was diagnosed with IDC and 2 weeks ago I had a single mastectomy. I have a 3 and 5 yr old who I am struggling on how to discuss this with them. So far for all the surgeries and appointments we have told them 'Mummy has a sore booby' which has been enough for them. However I am likely to need chemotherapy and I with the likelyhood of hair loss I will need tell them more about what is going on. I have done reading online into how to do this however it seems to all be directed at older age groups. My children I dont think would understand cancer or even cells. We tell them to brush their teeth so they doing get bugs eating their teeth so I am worried to say I have a bug in my booby to them and scare them of bugs! Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I was wondering if anyone had found a good little video or book to help them understand what cancer is?156ViewsSign in to react to this post3Comments
Survivorship: The Part We Don’t Talk About — But Should
I’m 11 years post my second breast cancer diagnosis, and I’m grateful every single day to still be here. I work five days a week, I show up, I contribute, and I keep moving forward. I’m proud of that. But I’ve also learned that survivorship is far more complex than anyone prepared me for. After Taxol, 5‑FU, and a DIEP flap, I now live with: permanent hair thinning, weight gain, early menopause, neuropathy, hand‑function issues, all‑over body cramping, heart failure, cataract, blocked tear ducts, damaged veins, and numbness from nerve damage. I’ve adapted. I’ve rebuilt not just physically but mentally/emotionally. I’ve learned to live in a body that’s different from the one I had before. But here’s the truth: we don’t talk about this part. Not with friends. Not with colleagues. Often not even with each other. We carry the long‑term effects quietly. We push through because that’s what survivors do. We’re grateful — deeply — but gratitude doesn’t erase the challenges. I’m sharing this to encourage honest conversations. Because survivorship is real work. Because so many of us are navigating long‑term effects in silence. Because speaking up helps others feel less alone. If any of this resonates with you, your experience is valid. We can be strong, grateful, and resilient — and still tell the truth about what survivorship really looks like.515ViewsSign in to react to this post13Comments
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