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Oct 29, 2020 08:37PM
LMS458412
wrote:
Hi everyone! I'm from the September 2019 board and I'm here to tell you that you will get through this! Some days are difficult, but just get lots of rest and take care of yourself.
If you have questions, just ask. You can also look at our board, we were quite chatty!
Marie914 - I did 4 cycles of TC as well. I iced both my hands and feet during every infusion. I started about 15 mins before the taxotere and stopped 15 minutes after the cytoxan ended. That's all I could stand. I ordered special socks and ice packs from Amazon. For my hands, I just brought bags of ice in gallon plastic bags and put my hands in empty plastic bags that I submerged in the ice bags. I have minimal neuropathy. I feel a little more clumsy in my fingers, but no noticeable numbness or other issues. I highly recommend icing so you can feel like you did everything possible to prevent neuropathy. It is uncomfortable, so I understand it's not for everyone.
I had someone come with me each time, but that's probably not possible during this pandemic. It's pretty boring, just bring a book or your cell phone so you have something to do. You can drive yourself. I never felt bad the day of the infusion or the day after. Days 3 to 5 were the worst for me. They give you steroids with your infusion, so that keeps you going for awhile!
I'm a cold capping failure. I did it for 2 of my cycles, but had to stop because of a rash on my scalp. I did lose all my hair, but it grew back. I would cold cap again if I had to do it over. Don't regret trying. I took an electric blanket with me and that was nice with my head, hands and feet all on ice.
I had issues with constipation during treatment. Anyone on TC should have something on hand just in case. My doctor suggested Miralax. It wasn't enough for me, I had to use all kinds of stuff. Stay hydrated, it helps.
Lots of food tastes weird, bad, or bland. Eat whatever you can stand. I never got nauseous. Some people do, but the doctor can give you something for that. I just got these ginger lemon drops from Target that are supposed to settle your stomach and had a couple a day just in case.
Bottom line, chemo is temporary. It'll be behind you someday. You're going to get through!!!!
Dx
7/8/2019, IDC, Right, 1/7 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- (FISH)
Surgery
8/1/2019 Mastectomy: Right; Prophylactic mastectomy: Left
Chemotherapy
9/5/2019 Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide), Taxotere (docetaxel)
Hormonal Therapy
1/22/2020 Zoladex (goserelin)
Radiation Therapy
2/4/2020 3DCRT
Hormonal Therapy
3/16/2020 Arimidex (anastrozole)