Triple Negative Breast Cancer

I will definitely have to agree with twnkltoz on this one. Do not take supplements of any kind (even over-the-counter) during chemo without first discussing it with your oncologist. Their usage may be magnified or decreased during chemo. Some supplements will decrease the effectiveness/ absorbtion of the chemo drugs and that is the last thing you would want. 

IRENE

jessiesmom1 said:

6 Years Later

This upcoming August 2016 will mark 6 years from the date of my last chemo treatment. I have been in complete remission since that time. I have seen my daughter graduate from both high school and college. I've seen my son graduate from college, too. My husband and I have celebrated 6 more wedding anniversaries. All of these have been blessings that I did not expect when I was diagnosed with TNBC. This should show you that a diagnosis of TNBC is not necessarily a death sentence and you can come out on the other side. How is that for hope and inspiration?

As to side effects and permanent damage, that is another story. Since there are so many different chemo cocktails it would be helpful to know what drugs you are going to be given. It would enable the participants of this discussion board (myself included) to determine if our experience has any relevance to yours. Which drugs? How many rounds of those drugs? Spaced how far apart? 

I'm sure many of us who had TNBC would love to help make your journey easier. I look forward to hearing from you.

IRENE

I so needed to read this today.  I'm doing neadjuvant AC + T (have had 3/8 far) and am feeling like I can't handle much more.  Scared of Taxol after reading posts.  I, too, am concerned about long term damaging effects of chemo, particularly neuropathy.  I want to live  much longer but also want to be able to enjoy those years.  I'm 62.

I am 46 years old diagnosed with Tripple negativein feburary 2016 and my tumor was 3cm. In March had my lumpatomy and my Lymph nodes were all clear, had 2 cycles of chemo with 4 sessions in each cycle I am done with chemo on July 18th and now going for radiation. Have faith in God and be positive everything will be fine.

2nu2tnbc said:

AC

Done with AC....YEAH!!! But it did me in...... more nauseas, bloated,diarhea & fatigue!!! eOn to 12 weekly cycles of Taxol!:( Ready to get her DONE. I return to work on the 8th, which is also my first treatment.  Keep me in your prayers!!! 

Congrats on finishing with the Red Devil! I found Taxol much easier.

I had 4 rounds of A/C and 12 rounds of Taxotere. That is a Taxane class drug like Taxol. My last treatment was in August 2010. While A/C was no walk in the park I found Taxotere to be far more difficult. Lack of tastebuds and lack of desire to eat, some nausea, diarrhea and excessively watery eyes    made  for a lovely few months. The only long-term side effect for me is the continuing watery eyes. I have consulted an opthamologist as well as an oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and both said it is a well known but less common side effect of the Taxanes. I strongly suggest discussing this with your oncologist. My understanding is that the permanent damage to the puncta of my eyes could have been prevented with  diligent flushing of the eyes during and after the administration of Taxotere. Keep us posted.

IRENE