Calling all TNs
Comments
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That's awesome, Kathy! Congrats!!!
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LOVE hearing the positive stories! Sometimes I get really down and it helps so much to hear aboutpeople doing well.
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Lou53...how many infusions did you have? Is there a reason you weren't given ACT? I'm also doing TC. Finished my 4th today and my doctor wants me to do two more if I continue to do well with the treatments. Although he did say many women stop after 4. He also said a recent study indicates that TC is equal to ACT
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Hi Cathytoo:
I know you were asking Lou53 but I wanted to chime in as well as I also did TC chemo rather than ACT. My doctor felt TC was just as effective, easier to tolerate and less possibility to cause heart harm. I was also to do 6 infusions assuming I tolerated them fairly well. I made it through 4 and then my doctor recommended I stop due to tinnitus and hearing issues. He felt there was a possibility I could lose my hearing. Friday will be my 3 year cancerversary. I know many TNC patients who also did TC and are doing well
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Goldie1431...thanks for responding. Did any of your friends also do four rather than 6. I expect to do well with this fourth infusionas I've had very few side effects. I don't want to push to two more since I have a friend who did get neuropathy after the 6th infusion. But, I'd hate to think I made the wrong decision if a recurrence happens. Lots to think about. Again, thanks for your input. Good to see you're doing well. Keep up the good work
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Cathytoo
I did TC x 4 last year at this time. Three weeks after my last infusion I developed neuropathy in my feet. It was pretty annoying for about 6 months. I am happy to say I just occasionally feel some discomfort (burning) at night, after days during which I spend a lot of time on my feet. My NYU MO prescribed 4 infusions from the get-go, ACT was not necessary because of the size of the IDC (1.1cm), and the negative node (Thank -you, God!).
I am recovering nicely from my second reduction of my healthy right breast, and fat grafting to my implant recon of the left. My stitches will be coming out in 3 days, and back to work next week. I am happy with the results, love my docs and NYU! I thank you all so much for your support. And I also love hearing from TN sisters who are years from DX. It does get better! And every day I feel stronger mentally. The physical parts of tx were easier than the psychological, for me.
Wishing us all Good Days ahead!
Big Hugs!
Arlene
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Cathytoo,
I have done 5 so far and scheduled for my 6th on Thursday. I am wondering if he may change that when I see him today as I have had some problems with my fingers and hands this last round as well as swelling in my legs. I chose the TC rather than the ACT because I was worried about the potential heart problem issue plus after much research, there was little difference in outcomes even with being node positive. I have also changed my diet and lifestyle in hopes of preventing this coming back.
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Lou, so glad you are doing well. How have you been eating healthier? Always looking for motivation in that area.
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Meadow, I eat almost all organic everything. I cut down on red meat, breads and other carbs and sugar. I rarely eat out and NO fast food, processed food or junk food. Lots of veggies and fruit. I have a smoothie almost every morning with kale, walnuts, blueberries and organic protein powder with almond milk. I haven't had any alcohol for months but may indulge in an occasional beverage when I get through all of this! I plan on getting with a nutritionist to monitor what my body needs and get my pH in balance. I am planning to get more exercise in also!
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Lou53...I also chose TC over ACT to avoid any residual long term problems...especially heart. Aldo, my tumor just pushed me to Stage 2 because of a half centimeter. The doctor is considering it Stsge 1, early with no lymph node involvement and clean margins. I'm happy with that. Boy, I give you lots of credit for your diet and life style changes. I began eating organic and plant based goods immediately after my diagnosis. However, with Chemo I get a bad taste in my mouth and my taste buds take a vacation. All I can taste are tomatoe based foods and vanilla ice cream. So, my diet is not good. I've also been more sugar based foods which I can also taste. But, I'll change that after Chemo is finished. Back to TC..,I'm worried about my fingers. I've been getting days where my fingertips are very painful. No tingling or numbness but real pain. Skin around nails is cracking. I asked the MO yesterday and he feels it isn't related to TC, but the weather changes. I wouldn't like this to be a permanent issue because I work part time and everything I do is computer based. Anyway, I'll see how this 4th infusion goes before making a decision to go further
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Cathytoo:
It seems that 6 is the recommendation for tumors larger than 1cm. I know women with <1cm whose regiments were 4 TC infusions. Those of us with larger tumors were generally prescribed 6 infusions. I do know others, like me, who were unable to complete all 6 rounds and stopped at 4 on the advise of their MO. I also know some who had the amount of taxatore reduced by their MO's and went on to complete all 6. This is where your faith in your doctor comes in play. Discuss all your concerns and find out what he or she suggests. Everyone is different. Your doctor is the best individual to advise you what is best for you.
I wish I had been able to complete all 6. I had to weigh doing 6 and potentially being deaf for the rest of my life with a possibly better outcome,against less chemo and possibly a worse outcome. My doctor explained to me that there were no studies on the effectiveness of 6 versus 4 TC infusions since 6 seems to be the standard protocol, there are no studies where only 4 were prescribed. So nothing to compare! In the end I followed my doctors advise.
Good luck to you on all of this. Believe me I know how difficult it is
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Goldie1431...Thanks for chiming in. Yesterday my MO said there was a recent study that seems to indicate that 4 TC was equal to the standard ACT protocol. Who really knows? Good thing is that TNBC is a hot research topic right now so there's a lot being studied. The proof for us will be in our personal results. I think I will do a 5th if I still have mild side effects from this 4th. A sixth will remain to be seen. You're doing good with only four. Three years out. Keep going strong
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My oncologist told me today that he wants me to complete number 6. He said nobody knows really what will work or not work but with a high risk cancer like triple negative plus lymph node involvement I need to plow through the last one. *sigh*
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Hang in there Lou, you can do this.
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Cathytoo I am nearly 5 years out and had only 4 treatments of TC and radiation. I am soon going to be going down to annual appointments with my oncologist. I am here to say it worked and I feel so thankful for every day that I am here. Hang in there everyone going through treatment. There is life after this and you are able to look at the world without fear as time goes on.
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I don't know if this will work for you Lou, but I iced my fingers and toes while the Taxotere was being infused (actually started 15min prior and ended 15min after). There were some studies that showed some people had less SE from the treatment with the icing. The idea is that it restricts the capillaries in the hands and feet, and lessens the effect on them from the harsh chemicals.
Now, I've only had 1 infusion, but have absolutely no redness, tingling or numbness in my feet and hands. I actually made some pretty cheap ice bags to rotate through, because they cool down a bit, so I switch them part way through. I'll see if I can find the links to the studies, and the Instructables page I used for the ice packs.
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Lou53....think good thoughts and plow ahead with number 6. Will be sending you good strong vibes.❤️
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Thank you all! Hearing the doc say, "high risk cancer" kind of drove it home for me yesterday. Not like I didn't know, but the way he said it got to me. Have to stay strong and keep up the good fight.
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Good Morning Ladies & Gents,
Within the hour I will be starting my PET scan.
Anxious but ok. Was promised results by Friday afternoon. Take care all. Just another step in our continuing fight.
Marsha
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Looking forward ... We're all here for you. Hope the scan is 100% clean.
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Praying for you and thinking good thoughts Marsha! Let us know.
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Sending prayers for a clean scan, Marsha!
Hugs
Arlene
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Good luck Marsha!
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yes thinking of you Looking (((Marsha)))
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marsha, what's going on with you? Thinking of you.
I went to chiro today for a tweak and crack of back and neck. I have a massage scheduled Sunday, its my 37 birthday. Im not going to lie my back is killing me and im totally spooked.
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jenjen, don't freak. My back is killing me too but I like to attribute it to being more active... finally getting back to being me and doing the things I love, walking, exercising, helping the hubby with some house re-model projects... And I started back to the chiro, which I don't always think is a good thing... jury is still out on that one... but really, don't freak!!
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@ Lou - we have the same diagnosis. Hang in there. You're almost done!
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Susan, congratulations on 5 years, and thanks for posting!!!!!0
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Lou keep going. It's important to chuck everything at this cancer. One more could make all the difference, who knows.
Marsha prayers for an excellent PET scan. We are in your pocket.
Meadow I see on The Voice that Beth Morris has quit due to drug addiction.
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Cocker, that is so sad!
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