Stage 2 Triple Negative Breast Cancer---Update

LadyLex504

Hi Everyone!!!!

(Before you get to reading, I will be referencing two doctors here. I will refer to my first doctor as Dr. D and the new doctor as Dr. T… I hope I don't confuse you all)

It's been a little while since I've posted. Here's an update on what's been going on. I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in July, and the first doctor, Dr. D, did not give me any information regarding what type of breast cancer I had except that all I needed to know is that I have breast cancer. This doctor was more concerned with BRCA results. So I waited about 3 to 4 weeks for BRCA results and during this time, I only met with Dr. D once. Once the results came in, I received a phone call from him, and then an appointment was set for me to meet with him. During that meeting, I informed him that I would like to move forward with a double mastectomy, although I did not know what type of cancer I had nor did I know what stage I was in. So, he agreed with my decision, and he proceeded to set me up with a plastic surgeon for reconstruction. He then told me that the plastic surgeon that he's sending me to is the only plastic surgeon he knows that will accept my type of insurance. He also told me that my type of insurance may not pay for a double mastectomy because only one of my breast has the cancer. Another week and a half went by before an appointment was set with the plastic surgeon and I received the run around from his office as well. During that time frame, my twin sister and I went hunting for another doctor because we felt that we knew nothing more about the type of cancer I had since being diagnosed and it has been almost two months since diagnosis, and three months if you count me finding the lump in early June. So, my sister and I called around to different hospitals looking for another doctor for a second opinion. Thank God we found someone within the same network in which I was diagnosed because he was able to pull up all my medical records. My first appointment with my new doctor, Dr. T, was very refreshing and scary at the same time. Before he examined me, he told me what type of breast cancer I had, which is Triple Negative and also told me that I'm stage 2. He explained to me that it's an aggressive form of cancer. He also explained to me the course of treatment I would need, which is chemotherapy. He told me that if I received chemotherapy before the mastectomy, then I would need 8 rounds and if I received it after the mastectomy, then I would only need 4 rounds, but no matter what, I had to receive chemo. After all my questions were answered, he examined me and saw that my tumor was way over 5cm. My tumor grew since diagnosis, although I kept telling my previous doctor, Dr. D, that it did grow, but he refuse to acknowledge it. Dr. T seemed very upset and told me that there was no reason for me to be waiting as long as I did to receive treatment for triple negative breast cancer. Dr. T said that I was dealing with borderline medical negligence.

I met with Dr. T on a Tuesday, he recommended a surgeon for me and I met with the surgeon on a Thursday, the surgeon worked me into his schedule to place my port on a Friday and I started chemotherapy that very next week. Look at how quickly the ball went rolling once I switched doctors. Due to the size of my tumor, I must receive 8 rounds of chemo before surgery. November 4^th was my fourth round of chemo, (the Red Devil) and I've been taking it well. My next four rounds of chemo will be with Taxol. Believe it or not, I started this post with the intent to get you guys experience with Taxol and one word led to another and next thing you know, I have a whole 3-page essay. Sorry it's so lengthy you guys. I'm in the homestretch with these chemo treatments, and I am a bit nervous with this next four rounds. So, if anyone can share their experience with Taxol that may help ease my nerves, I would greatly appreciate it.

#LexTheConqueror

#CancerSucks

#SoonToBeBreastCancerSurvivor

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jcpriest0469n

Glad your on the mend Iladylex.Its too bad you got the runaround. It happens more than you think. I was lucky in one respect that mysurgeon was my docs brother-in-law and worked in the same office.Things moved quickly after that.

omt

I'm so sorry you were given the run around with the first doctor. I'm a triple negative breast cancer gal, too, and had 8 rounds of chemo as well, AC+T. Don't worry about writing a book here; I have found reading posts is helpful as we aren't alone in many of our experiences lol.

As far as wanting to know about the taxol side effects, it can really do a number on your nerves as you might have heard. Peripheral neuropathy problems I had were a little numbness on the tips of my fingers and a real 'squishy' feeling on the bottom of my feet. I hated that feeling. My oncologist asked me before each new treatment how I was at using my fingers and buttoning my shirt as it effects your finger action and fine motor skills, and these effects if too bad can be irreversible. My side effects luckily weren't awful and they were not long lasting. My oncologist suggested these over the counter supplements to help with nerve damage: Nerve Support, Nerve Shield, or Alpha Lipoic Acid. I actually bought the Nerve Shield and took that all through treatment, and a month after, and I think it helped. The AC part of my treatment made me feel really sick to my stomach but the taxol didn't hit me as hard with nausea.

Good luck with the rest of your taxol treatment, and my hope is that you have no side effects.

LadyLex504

Omt,

Thank you for sharing your experience with Taxol. My nurse mentioned the peripheral neuropathy side effects, and hopefully (praying) that it's not soooo horrible. This Friday, I will begin the Taxol, but I will load up on those supplements you mentioned. I truly appreciate the advice.