Early 40's Starting TC Chemo

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I just finished a re-exision to get good margins and I will be starting TC chemo due to my oncotype/age.  I'm curious about anyone who is pre-menopausal going through the same thing?  What are your side effects?  What did you decide for birth control?  Thank you in advance!!  I know I will be getting my Mirena IUD removed, I know I will be losing my hair.  I'm more concerned about my physical ailments that prevent me from getting on with my day.  

 

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  • Egankeevan
    Egankeevan Member Posts: 17
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    Side Effects

    I'm 43 and am going through chemo now. I had four rounds of Adriamycin and Cytoxan(AC) and now I'm on round 6 of Taxol. With the AC I had some nausea, but the anti-nausea meds made it tolerable. I never vomited and was always able to eat. I did find the meal I ate after my very first chemo I can no longer even think about eating without feeling queasy, so maybe don't eat your favorite food on the day of chemo. I was also very tired for 3 or 4 days after AC treatments. I would say just let you body rest when you need to. Don't overdo it. That was hard for me because I'm a person who always has to be doing something. Now that I'm on Taxol, I don't have nausea or fatigue. I do have some bone pain, hot flashes (taxol has stopped my periods) and I feel a pins and needs sensation in my face and arms for the first 24 hours after treatment. I have not had any mouth sores with either chemo. I do rinse my mouth with baking soda and water to prevent them. I keep my fingernails and toenails painted because I was told the can get weak and fall off. So far I haven't had any problems. My hair did start to fall out, so I shaved my head. I did this because my scalp started to hurt. It felt like a sun burn. It felt much better once I shaved it. The side effects really haven't been as bad as I expected. I think a positive attitude helps and also your overall health before cancer. Good luck to you!