Triple Positive: Question about Treatment Timeline

Hi Teakae,

My situation is similar to yours- triple positive with negative node. My tumor was 1.1 cm. My surgery was on 4/15 and I started chemo on 5/14. I had a lumpectomy and about a month is needed for healing before beginning chemo. My regimen is Herceptin and Taxol. I get the Taxol every week and the Herceptin every 3 weeks. You may not have weekly infusions so perhaps traveling in between would be manageable. If your pathology is back, perhaps you could put a call in to your oncologist (or a nurse practitioner) before 6/8 and ask for a general outline of your treatment plan, with the understanding that the details will be discussed during your appointment time. The waiting during this time is just the worst! My anxiety has reduced greatly since beginning treatment, but I was a complete hot mess for 2 months from diagnosis to start of chemo. I obsessed about every decision (surgery, port, clinical trial etc), now I feel much better with treatment underway. It's a tolerable regimen - I just got knocked down with a bad cold/sinus infection- if not for that, I'd probably feel a lot better.

I admire you for thinking of a cross country trip. If you are able to go, it will be a good distraction to pass some time!

Regarding your hair loss question- I can't answer that yet. After 2 treatments of Taxol, I still have my hair, though it is thinning on the top. I did a short pixie cut so that may be helping to stay put for a bit longer. I hear some women don't lose it all on Taxol (Herceptin does not cause loss) and some have luck with the use of a cold cap. I did not try this. I expect to lose it in the next couple of weeks, my scalp is starting to feel a little sensitive. If your regimen includes Cytoxan or Adriamycin, I think hair loss is more expected.

I wish you all the best- please continue to check in with any other questions.

I've just has a double mastectomy last week and met with an oncologist this week and was told I have stage 1c also triple positive.bsame as you ... Can you share with me what your treatment was? I have an appointment for a second opinion , wasn't impressed with the 3 minutes she had spent with me.. Sent me home with the most scary information I've ever read.. Those drugs wow!

I really appreciate it

Thank you

Michigangirl45

I was not given AC. My lymph nodes were negative, and my tumor was small at 1 cm. I believe that fit the criteria for not needing AC. I had a lumpectomy. I completed weekly Taxol and continue with Herceptin every 3 weeks now. I start radiation (33 treatments scheduled) next week, and will do Tamoxifen when that is completed.

Hi ladies, and welcome Michigangirl45!

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