Triple Negative TAC need advise

Hi Sandra,

My dx was very similar to Linda's.  I completed my 4 AC tx with minimal side effects, except for the neutropenia.  I had Neulasta shots after tx 2-4 and that brought my white counts up significantly.  Luckily, I didn't end up in the hospital as Linda did!  As of Friday, I've finished No. 5 of the 12 Taxol tx.  Again, few side effects, other than my hemoglobin is low, so I've been concentrating on iron-rich foods and that has helped a lot.  The steroids with the Taxol have made me somewhat hyper for a few days after tx, but I'm working and leading a fairly normal life.  I just have to rest  more than I did before, and have learned when to push things and when to back off. 

Are they giving you anti-nausea drugs?  I had a pill to take days 1-3 (Emend), plus they put anti-nausea drugs in an IV before they started the A/C.  Also, do you have a Port? 

My advice is to follow whatever instructions they give you AND if you do experience nausea get on the phone and CALL your onc or nurse immediately.  I had absolutely no nausea, but you'll need to be your own advocate and PUSH them if you think something is wrong.  Take care.  Helen

I did the TAC regiment 4 years ago and doing well so far.  The best things I did was make sure I drank plenty of water--not just when you feel thirsty.  I would put a big mug of ice water by my bed at night and would try to have most of it gone by morning.  I would also keep water with me all the time.  I couldn't handle some waters but for me I found that I could tolerate aquafina.  I tried other types of drinks but couldn't stand the sweetness in them.  I also kept hand santizer with me all the time and wiped down any shopping carts or other things I had to handle in public places.  Are you having all three at one time or doing the AC and then the T?

Jackie

I was Stage III TN - after surgery the path report said my tumor was over 15cm.  Had 16 lymphnodes removed as well.  I took 6 cycles of TAC and had a complete pathologic response (remission) -- when pathology was done after surgery there as no sign of cancer anywhere.  TAC is worth it -- having the 3 drugs administered simultaneously is a very aggressive form of treatment for aggressive cancer.  The side effects are manageable and your oncology team will help you -- tell them about anything you experience.  I was given Emend (3 pills each cycle) which is the anti-nausea wonder drug and also Aloxi in my pre-meds.  I never had a bit of nausea.  Ask your oncologist about these if they are not already prescribed for you.  What Jackie said about drinking water is spot on.  I drank a gallon of water two days before, day of and 3 days after each infusion and the rest of time time averaged around 64 oz. per day.  Water helps your system process the chemicals -- and it also helps keep your digestive tract and bowels moving.  I was also given the Neulasta shot after each cycle.  I worked throughout chemo, had my infusion on Weds. the Neulasta on Thurs. took Friday off and went back to work the following Monday. The rest of the time, I made sure to drink at least 50 oz. per day. 

TAC was not the most fun I've ever had....but in my case, the results were extraordinary and I went from a poor prognosis to an excellent one. 

Most importantly -- listen to your body -- it will tell you what it needs.  Good luck to you.

Try to get them to give you the dissolvable 8 mg zofran.  I got the amoxi in the iv---think that's pretty standard but then I used the zofran.   I tried compazine once the first time and it worked fine but wiped me out so I could hardly think.  I'm an RN and have seen several patients have this same side effect and we don't use compazine much because of that.  Phenergan works okay but it makes you very tired.  The dissolvable zofran worked well for me---didn't have much of an appetite but never did throw up.  I usually did well the day after chemo and then had a few days with no energy.  I also had the neulasta shot the day after every treatment and it helped but my counts still went to nothing each time.  I just figured that meant all the cancer cells were dying as well.  Good luck tomorrow.

Hi Sandra... I had TAC almost three years when I was dx with stage 2b trip-neg bc.

You mention not being able to drink water b/c of the bad taste. Yes, I recall that. Try lemonade, gatorade. Experiment until you find what works for you. I am sorry to tell you that the bad taste will be around until chemo is finished.... 

You also asked about neutropenia. This refers to your blood counts become low, and I think this happens within 5-7 days of chemo. Then your body begins to rebuild itself -- just in time for you to receive your next dose!  

I am happy to answer any questions you have, but also want to encourage you that it was not nearly as bad as I had thought it might be. I did not have problems with nausia, and hardly used the meds they gave me (I did take Emend though; I think that was very helpful). 

I will tell you that for each chemo date I took (1) something to read, (2) snacks and (3) my ipod. Often I tried to visit, but sometimes did not feel like it. The ipod was useful because people understand then that conversation is not going to happen. Many folks took crafts to work on, etc. Chemo days and the next day or two after are some of your best days sometimes --  make use of them. 

 Good luck on your journey. You will be fine! God's blessing to you!  

Carolketay- So sorry about the mets. Will keep you in prayer with goal of NED. Thanks so much for sharing. Although sandra67 posted the question, your opinion is greatly valued by all of your triple neg sisters.

Sandra67-hope you're tolerating TAC well with minimal SEs.

sandra, just sent you a PM.  don't worry about which of us will be next with mets. that kind of negative thinking is not healthy or helpful.