Newly diagnosed

Sedna36
Sedna36 Member Posts: 11
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I have been diagnosed as of October 21st with intraductal, infiltrative intraductal and most likely inflammatory breast. My first punch skin biopsy was negative but I still have symptoms of IBC (redness, swelling, orange peel skin) so my surgeon and oncologist are giving me the diagnosis based on the clinical findings. I am scheduled tomorrow for sentinal node biopsy, another incisional skin biopsy and port-a-cath placement.

I have not completed staging as yet (am in process of being staged)....but my oncologist plans to start me on TAC next Tuesday (Nov 1st) and I am wondering what others have experienced with that regimen. He claims I probably won't have nausea...will probably do okay with it. I just wondered how others have felt on that regimen.

Thanks

Comments

  • tlmac
    tlmac Member Posts: 272 Member
    #2
    I didn't have the Taxotere but did take AC. Truthfully, I suffered worse nausea with bad hangovers from my youth than I did during chemo. I never threw up once. The anti-nausea drugs are wonderful. There were days when I had little appetite and I have friends who reported changes in the way foods tasted but I always managed at least soda crackers, toast and/or chicken soup. If the nausea meds they give you don't work, let them know right away. There are several to choose from. Best of luck.
    terri
  • Future
    Future Member Posts: 133 Member
    #3
    Take the anti-nausea meds as prescribed. I had problems with my first treatment but also had anesthesia for insertion of mediport on the same day. Took meds as ordered throughout treatment and nausea was minimal. But, with any nausea talk to your provider, they can adjust to what is right for you.
  • LorettaB
    LorettaB Member Posts: 51
    #4
    If TAC is similar to Taxol, then reaction varies from person to person.

    Taxol was rough with me. My nails discolored though I did not lose them, the muscle and bone pain was severe enough that only pain meds helped and Taxol totally wiped out whatever hair I had left over from the Adriomicin/Cytoxin treatments. Taxol also left me with severe neuropathy...numbness and tingling in my hands and feet/toes. My hands are much better now but the feet are still bad. My last treatment was on July 7th so it's taken about 3 1/2 months to get some relief. Many people have told me that it can take 6 or more months to heal, but many people live with slight tingling for much longer.

    My doctor gave me Emend for nausea. It was great. I only got sick once...the first night after my first treatment and that was it.

    Ask your doc about alternative therapies while you are on the chemo. Can you take vitamins (B12, for example, helps with the neuropathy)?

    I hope this helps and we're all pulling for you!

    Loretta
  • SandyV
    SandyV Member Posts: 9
    #5
    I had minor bone discomfort with A&C. Taxotere was more difficult for me. Loose fingernails, neuropathy and bone pain were my major issues. It also burnt a couple of veins at the needle's insertion point. I didn't have a port. All of my issues have disappeared, but that took time. Chemo stopped for me 11-03. I was never nauseous. Just serious fatigue and no appetite. I lost over 40 pounds. Mostly from being scared to eat, I think. I spent too much time on the couch and my upper leg muscles hurt from lack of use. As long as I keep moving, it's no problem.
    Be sure to share everything you're feeling with your doctors. You're in my prayers.
  • Sedna36
    Sedna36 Member Posts: 11
    #6
    tlmac said:

    I didn't have the Taxotere but did take AC. Truthfully, I suffered worse nausea with bad hangovers from my youth than I did during chemo. I never threw up once. The anti-nausea drugs are wonderful. There were days when I had little appetite and I have friends who reported changes in the way foods tasted but I always managed at least soda crackers, toast and/or chicken soup. If the nausea meds they give you don't work, let them know right away. There are several to choose from. Best of luck.
    terri

    Thank you for answering. I can relate to hangovers from youth, lol. Hope you are doing well.
  • Sedna36
    Sedna36 Member Posts: 11
    #7
    Future said:

    Take the anti-nausea meds as prescribed. I had problems with my first treatment but also had anesthesia for insertion of mediport on the same day. Took meds as ordered throughout treatment and nausea was minimal. But, with any nausea talk to your provider, they can adjust to what is right for you.

    Thank you for the information. I appreciate it.
  • Sedna36
    Sedna36 Member Posts: 11
    #8
    LorettaB said:

    If TAC is similar to Taxol, then reaction varies from person to person.

    Taxol was rough with me. My nails discolored though I did not lose them, the muscle and bone pain was severe enough that only pain meds helped and Taxol totally wiped out whatever hair I had left over from the Adriomicin/Cytoxin treatments. Taxol also left me with severe neuropathy...numbness and tingling in my hands and feet/toes. My hands are much better now but the feet are still bad. My last treatment was on July 7th so it's taken about 3 1/2 months to get some relief. Many people have told me that it can take 6 or more months to heal, but many people live with slight tingling for much longer.

    My doctor gave me Emend for nausea. It was great. I only got sick once...the first night after my first treatment and that was it.

    Ask your doc about alternative therapies while you are on the chemo. Can you take vitamins (B12, for example, helps with the neuropathy)?

    I hope this helps and we're all pulling for you!

    Loretta

    Thanks for the info. I'll definately check on the B12. It definately helps to know what others have experienced and how they have coped and managed.
  • Sedna36
    Sedna36 Member Posts: 11
    #9
    SandyV said:

    I had minor bone discomfort with A&C. Taxotere was more difficult for me. Loose fingernails, neuropathy and bone pain were my major issues. It also burnt a couple of veins at the needle's insertion point. I didn't have a port. All of my issues have disappeared, but that took time. Chemo stopped for me 11-03. I was never nauseous. Just serious fatigue and no appetite. I lost over 40 pounds. Mostly from being scared to eat, I think. I spent too much time on the couch and my upper leg muscles hurt from lack of use. As long as I keep moving, it's no problem.
    Be sure to share everything you're feeling with your doctors. You're in my prayers.

    Thanks for the info. I appreciate knowing what others experienced and how they have coped and managed.
  • ever1
    ever1 Member Posts: 26
    #10
    Hi Sedna36, I was diagnosed with duct carcinoma, non-invasive but after a lumpectomy last December, a hidden tumor was found. I had a mastectomy with reconstruction in February. I finshed chemo in July. I had ACT (Adriamycin/Cytoxan and Taxol.) The anti-nausea drugs really do help. I never threw up but sometimes smelling food cooking would make me feel sick. While taking chemo, my tastes changed also. Things I used to love (like coffee) tasted awful. Try to drink plenty of water - that will help flush your system. My treatments were two weeks apart. I got a shot after each treatment to build up the white blood cells. My hair came out between the 2nd and 3rd treatment (between 14-21 days). Once it started coming out, I asked my sister to shave it for me. I already had it cut short before that. My hair is starting to come back in now. I'll keep you in my thoughts - keep us posted on how you are doing. This is a great website. I found alot of support and comfort here and have made some really great on-line friends.
  • mc2001
    mc2001 Member Posts: 343
    #11
    Hi Sedna,
    I can say this... even with chemotherapy that does generally cause severe nausea, just remember that there are so many medicines to combat those symptoms or minimize them greatly. Cancer treatment has come a long way and new advancements in treating cancer and sideffects are being made all the time. I wish you well with your treatment. God bless.
    -Michael (leukemia survivor)

    PS: I never got drunk as a young man. I was a good boy! hahaha.... just teasing! ;-)
  • slyng
    slyng Member Posts: 12
    #12
    I was diagnosed Sept. 7. Have gone through 2 rounds of AC. I haven't gotten sick, but tired, and the 4th and 5th day have had terrible stomach aches and cramps. By the 6th day I'm feeling better. The second week of the cycle, I feel pretty normal except being tired. The Nuelasta shot makes me a little achey the day I get it and the day after. I will also do Taxol or Taxotere for the last 4 rounds of chemo - (8 total). It hasn't been terrible, but not a ton of fun....I have two little ones I have to take care of too, so that may contribute to the tiredness. I hope you do well for your treatments...
    Stacey

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