Will Chemo get any easier?

Most side effects from standard chemotherapy are cumulative, in that they build up or increase over time. Here is an article which may help, and you can call doctor or nurse for some guidance in moderating the side effects.

http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/Taxol.aspx

I also had Triple Negative Breast Cancer. After surgery I had 4 rounds of A/C and then 12 rounds of Taxotere. I did reasonably well on A/C although I did lose all my hair as well as eyebrows  and eyelashes. The Taxotere rounds were an unmitigated disaster for me. I simply was unable to eat and lost a lot of weight. Let's just say it was one of the only times in my life that I was glad to be overweight. The puncta in  both my eyes became damaged and my eyes STILL water 24 hours a day - even now, 10 years later. In addition, I lost some of my fingernails and toenails. They did grow back. It is important to note that this was 10 YEARS AGO. I would go through the same treatment again if it meant ridding myself of cancer. The only thing I would do differently is to take better care of my eyes and consult earlier with the oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgeon both before and during chemo rather than just afterward. I am fortunate in that I had no issues regarding neuropathy.

I wish you the best of luck.

IRENE

I too, was diagonsed with TNBC. I did the A/C once a week, and then the taxol. I was lucky and had few side effects. I was usually naseated the third day after my A/C treatment, then was fine in a couple of days. The taxol I wasn't sick with it and was a bit more tired, but okay. My one year cancer free will be April 9th. I did the chemo, then surgery, radiation and capcitabine. The capcitabine was the one I had the most trouble and had the side effect of hand/feet. My feet and hands were red and very dry. Gold Bond lotions helped me with that. I hope things go well for you. 

Hugs! 

I'm  a new chat memeber. My journey started in late September 2019. ER+ PR+, HER2-. I was given AC chemo every 2 weeks for 8 weeks followed by 12 weeks of Paclataxol (same as Meme14470). I had significant 'chemo brain' for 3 or for days after the treatment of AC, but other than that, very little side effects. The taxol kicked my butt. The 'chemo brain' was significantly worse for this and then of course the neuropathy set in. My fingernails are trashed. They became very brittle and lifted off the nail beds. I have whittled down 3 of the 10 to nubs. My toes are less effected, however are lifting a bit. One large toenail had to be removed because it became infected. I was prescribed Cymbalta for the neuropathy which did not really help. I also got this nasty rash (EGFR) on my arms and upper torso.

So as the doc says - its different for everyone. I hope you have an easy as possible journey. I keep  reminding myself that many have gone through this before me and they did it. 

Best to you!

This post is over a year old at this point, but for anyone that comes upon it, do not despair. I had 4 rounds of AC at 2 week intervals and begged my medical team to stop because I was so sick, foggy, and miserable. A wise nurse told me to hang on through week 1 of 12 of the taxol round. Taxol was, comparatively, nothing. No nausea. No dexamethasone induced insomnia. No brain fog. Minor fatigue. The infusions only lasted an hour. My fingernails came loose, bit this was minor compared to the AC. I know everyone is different, but hang in there. Also, full THC cannabis is your best friend through this. Not only did it cure the nausea and heartburn, but also fixed the extreme anxiety, the insomnia, and the fact that my hair hurt when I put my head on my pillow.