Hi Rusk, 

I'm sorry to read about the impact chemo has had on you since you started it a few weeks ago.

[@Suzuki]‍‍, [@Vas]‍ and [@Shirl3]‍ have all had TNBC and now that I've mentioned them in this post they'll hopefully stop by when they can to offer their support and advice.

We also have a large contingent of breast cancer ladies on the good and the bad discussion if you'd like to get their thoughts on what you're going through but do feel free to give our cancer nurses a call if you'd like to chat to them about this as well. They're available Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m on 0808 800 4040.

I hope things get better soon Rusk and I wish you all the best for your second round of chemo on Thursday.

Kind regards, 

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Rusk. Sorry for the late reply, and about your recent  diagnosis. I am undergoing treatment for TNBC too grade 3 with lymph node involment , and coping with chemo quite well. My treatment plan is weekly Taxol for 12 weeks and carbo  added every 3 weeks, followed by EC for 4 cycles, mastectomy, radiation is the plan.Can I ask you what your treatment plan is? I will try and help you as much as I can. I have also joined TNBC on Facebook,a lot of knowledgeable ladies with lots of advice and knowledge to guide you through this journey pls join us.

My plan is opposite of yours. I have already had lumpectomy in April and started chemo in June with 4 cycles of ec, every 3 weeks and then 12 weeks of Taxol which is yet to come as tomorrow is my 4th dose of EC. 

Can I ask why they are adding carboplatin to your Taxol. Have you had the Braca gene tests. I have and it came out negative fir both 1 and 2. So no carboplatin to be added.

After the Taxol they will check and then will I know if I shall have radiotherapy.

My ONC did say that After EC Taxol will be a walk in the park. So it is possible that EC is stronger and the after effects are worse ORit could be just my body, the way it is respondin* to it.

My nails are black, darker from the cuticles and I have lost all hair on my head, though there is some little growth on the head but the nails still grow fast. However, they are not as strong as they were before chemo.

My mouth is awful, nothing tastes normal, bitter and also mouth is very sensitive, with sores in mouth and on the edge of the nose.

After 2 weeks of the EC dose the stomach and head start to get better, but then it is time for the next dose. I find it difficult to concentrate on anything for more than 10minutes including watching TV. And that is when as a person in educationI was always dealing with reading, writing and constantly in paperwork.

I have also been advised not to do long haul travel, for there is a risk of clotting and so I ham missing on attending g 3 weddings.

I have gained weight, but find it difficult to maintain my regular activity as the chemo and the hot weather have sapped all my energy.

I am not a fan of Facebook, although I do have aFacebook account. Will see.

Congrats on nearing the end of your treatment.

My treatment of carboplatin was added as a precautionary measure, my oncologist said that they were going to treat me as if I carry the mutation. I had my genetic testing yesterday so results in 8-10 weeks from now. 

I hope you have recovered well from your lumpectomy and are resting well through the remaining of your treatment.

My oncologists suggested painting my nails black to prevent the light getting through hopefully this should stop them falling off.

So far so good for me. 

Concentration is also a big problem for me you are not alone. I am also studying at the moment and cannot string a sentence to make any sense. I wouldn't worry about the weight gain as this can be focused on when you are better. Eat when you can and rest well.

HI,So glad I have found you I start exact treatment next week .How have you got on with the first 3 cycles I have also read the next 12 cycles will be easey.