Any triple neg's getting Taxotere & Cytoxan only?

Journey NC

The receptors they tested that is normally for the tumor of IDC. Did they test the DCIS portion which is the non-invasive part?

Mine was that they first tested the IDC which was TN and I insisted them to test DCIS which showed up that the DCIS was ER+. They usually don't test DCIS receptors unless you ask them for. 

Jean, I'm in about the same situation you are, but a little ahead of you.  My oncologist gave me the go ahead to get expansions during my chemo, as long as I didn't get them the week of treatment.  so I started chemo on June 10, had 2nd on 7/1, with expansions in between.  My understanding is the earliest my onco will clear me for surgery is 1 month after finishing chemo.  I think my technical end date is 9/2 or so.  But, that depends on blood work and everthing else being OK.  So far the only SE I've had are fatigue and some muscle aches.  2 down, 2 to go!

Jean 12, OK!! great and I will keep you in Prayer!

Yes 17 of the 34 they removed were positive back in 2006. Have been clear since, till now.

White929 - I go for my 3rd tomorrow.  I found the 2nd easier then the first, less tired, fewer aches, still no other problems.  And I didn't lose any more hair after that cycle either.  Good luck. 

marielf - the Colace should really help.  For mouth issues, I used Biotene toothpaste and mouthwash.  You can buy it at the drug store or Walmart-type stores.  It really helps moisten your mouth and prevents mouth sores.  Foods also tasted different to me.  Fresh fruit was the one thing I craved - a friend brought over a fruit salad and I ate that constantly.

I found my second treatment somewhat easier, since I knew what to expect.  After that the treatments were a little worse since the effects were cumulative, but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle.  I lost most of my hair about halfway after my second treatment and ended up shaving it off.

greytmom_17:    How are you doing after tx 3?  I had my 2 tx yesterday and am tired and my mouth feels like crap. My hair was coming out pretty good on day 18, so had it shaved on the 19th down to a stubble.

marielf:  I started taking Senocot the day of chemo through 5 days at night before bed and had no problems with bowels at all, Thank God!  I too have the clammy tounge and rinse with Biotene when I get up and throughout the day.  It helps for the taste and to help prevent mouth sores.  I am on TC as well, and my onc said there was a zero percent chance of not losing my hair...sorry to tell you that.  Mine started coming out day 18 lots, so I got tired of cleaning it up.  If you don't lose your hair, let me know!

I invite you all to another forum I post on for all of us starting chemo in  July...There are lots of us, so come one over!  It is Starting Chemo in July 2009...we welcome all!

Peggy5:  Thanks for the post!  You give us all hope and we really can use all of that we can get!  Glad to hear you are doing so well!

Heyy my TN Sisters,

Had a massage today at the Presbyterian Cancer Center in Charlotte, NC. I had a 30min upper body massage. Something about someone massaging my hands, I knock right OUT! The masseuse massaged my entire head/scalp/neck/arms/hands/back. I'm hooked. He indicated this should be done on the upper end of the Chemo (possibly your end of 2nd week into your 3rd week). Therefore, my 3rd is next week I'm anxious to get over. I need to start walking, but I tire out sooo easily.

Peace and Health

Well, I've had 3 of my treatments, the last one is next Wednesday!  For me, each treatment has seemed easier since I know what to expect and know what to do to ward of side effects.  My blood counts have been good all the way through.  My hair actually has started growing and none came out after #2. If it's going to come out with #3 it should start by Wednesday so we'll see.  Good luck ladies!

I had TC last year (finished in Dec.)  For this type of cancer, my oncologist said that the two cocktails are quite sufficient.  And, in my case, no follow up med's either.  I was also lucky enough to be a candidate for mammosite radiation which only takes 5 days.  Good Luck!  It wasn't nearly as bad as I had imagined.  Not a breeze, but pretty easy to deal with.   Be sure that they give you a slow drip though.  The first session they did the drips pretty quick and I was so thirsty I couldn't drink enough within minutes of the session thru about 3 days.  The next sessions they did slower and reversed the order of the TC and it was MUCH MUCH MUCH better.  Thirst was increased (normal) but not like I was drying out. 

Ok, today's a better day..Enjoyed tax free weekend and bought up a storm. I actually did some house cleaning and washed/folded loads of clothes. The energy is back. 

Question: does anyone have an exercise regimen they're in-between chemo treatments?  

I was Dx with TNBC in Dec. 08 and had 4 rounds of Taxotere & Cytoxan. Onc said since I was only stage IIa with no node involvement I did not need ACT or any chemo that could cause cardiac issues.

My story~ http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/hollisimpsongough

My Battle - My Victory

Yesterday I fought a Battle, But I did not fight alone-

I had a Protector - A Guide, I was never on my own

This enemy came to me suddenly, No warning as to prepare-

And before I knew what happened, this enemy was everywhere.

I felt so overwhelmed; Did no one know my pain?

How could this be happening to me, How did it know my name?

Today I fight this battle, The enemy with me still

It has not yet taken control, Nor has it broke my will

It is hurtful and it is cruel, It doesn't care the damage it causes

It is wearing down my defenses; I can soon count my losses.

It is ruthless and emotionless, Its purpose to destroy

I can not, must not let it, Will not let it have control

Hear me when I tell you, Please listen when I say

I have many scars from this battle; I do struggle from day to day

It takes many things from me; Within my body it has much power

It affects loved ones around me; The battle has become a war

You may not know by looking at me, Then again maybe you can,

That this enemy shows no mercy, I fall when I can no longer stand

It does not care what age you are, or your status here on Earth

It doesn't count your income, or what you think you are worth

This battle that I speak of, Cancer is its name

And because I continue to fight, I will never be the same!

Tomorrow may never come for me; I live only in the present

My life is right here, right now, What I have is this very moment

But I will continue to fight, For I learned down on my knees

is where I fight this battle, It is where God gives me the victory.

Heyyy carolinachick!

I'm so over these burning hot flashes. They are not hot, they are ultrasonic heat waves that have my face on fire. LOL. I go shopping to walk (since you know it feels 100degrees outside). I did so much walking during Tax Free weekend, I was a couch potato the next day. 

I'm counting down to my last treatment next Wednesday. A Celebration is in order.

Hang in there gloriam.  You can get through it.  I also had TC (4 rounds), but was able to avoid the Neulasta.  From what I've heard that's worse than the actual chemo drugs.  Sending good thoughts your way...

Congrats JourneyNC! I know that you are relieved to be done.  I'm part of the Bisphosphnate trial; this is a trial using 3 different bone strengthening drugs (Zometa, Boniva, etc) in an effort to prevent bone mets.  My onc thought that it was something proactive that I could do following chemo as there are no other drugs for us TNs post chemo.

Holli - are you in Raleigh?