Newly Diagnosed and Start Chemo Thursday

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Jennj99738
Jennj99738 Member Posts: 34
edited May 2016 in Just Diagnosed

I am a 45 year old who discovered a lump in March and knew it was cancer. This was confirmed by my breast surgeon. I had a core biopsy that showed a 7 cm lump. It is triple-positive, very strongly positive in all tests. I saw my medical oncologist on May 12 who said that it is a very aggressive cancer and scheduled my first chemo session for a week later, this coming Thursday. He said that this cancer may not have even been visible 6-12 months ago. Needless to say, I was very shocked and overwhelmed by the whole thing. I have zero symptoms other than the lump.

It's been a whirlwind. I already saw the very nice wig lady, had a chemo class with the Nurse Practitioner and attended one support group meeting last week. I am actually glad it's progressing so quick because I just wanted a plan. I am better at attacking something with a plan. I am a very strong person but I do live alone with a couple of dogs. My mom flew out to see me through this first chemo session but I will be happier if she's not here permanently. I am worried about her health, too. I don't ask for help easily so that's hard. My closest friend is out of town for at least the next month for other family obligations.

I have read a lot some good some not. My doctor is very positive and he says he is going for a cure. Anyway, I'm very concerned about the side effects of the chemo. I am having what he calls the TCH protocol, taxotere, carboplatin and Herceptin. One cycle every 3 weeks for 6 cycles. Neulasta the following day. Now I read that taxotere may cause permanent baldness. This is the most distressing side effect for me. I have short hair and I cut my hair after I knew I needed chemo but the thought of losing my hair permanently is hard to hear. My MO does not agree with chemo caps and, frankly, they sound like a lot of work and are very expensive. Is there anything I can do other than the chemo caps to try to help my hair to grow back?

The NP recommended 2,000 IU of Vitamin D and a multi-vitamin. Calcium is difficult because I had a kidney stone last year and do not want that to happen again. Does anyone recommend any other supplements? I guess this post is just to spill my guts. I am trying to keep a positive outlook even though I am not generally a positive person.

Thanks for reading!


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Comments

  • YoungTurkNYC
    YoungTurkNYC Member Posts: 334
    edited May 2016

    Jenn,

    So sorry you found yourself here.

    I just wanted to chime in on supplements - some supplements (such as antioxidants) actually interfere with chemo and should not be used. Other than the Vit D recommended by the NP, youmay want to research this and not take any supplements which may be contraindicated.

    Best wishes on your treatment.

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  • msphil
    msphil Member Posts: 1,536
    edited May 2016

    hello honey i didnt take any vitamins and my hair came back with no problem i take multi vitamin vitamin c yes later and till today im a 22 yr Survivor Praise God. msphil idc stage2 Lmast chemo and rads 5yr on Tamoxifen

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  • Jennj99738
    Jennj99738 Member Posts: 34
    edited May 2016

    Thanks to both of you. I'll stick with the Vitamin D and the multivitamin. I don't want to screw anything up.

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  • LisaAlissa
    LisaAlissa Member Posts: 1,092
    edited May 2016

    Just be sure to discuss every supplement you take (or plan to take) with your oncologist, even the multivitamin & Vitamin D. That way, they can let you know if there is a problem with any of them. The last thing you want to do is take something that will make the chemo you take less effective!

    My very best wishes to you!

    LisaAlissa

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited May 2016

    Be sure they you check with your Dr (or the RN who does your Chemo Education before first chemo) what is OK for you to take. I was given permission to take my Vit. D and B complex during Chemo (A/C neoadjuvant and Taxol adjuvant) but not a 'multi vit/min as antioxidants can interfere with Chemo. I've dealt with/fought SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) for more than 20 yrs so taking Vit. D and using my light box is very necessary for me.

    1/2 way through Taxol I started having issues with very low K (potassium) and had to go on mega doses of it to keep levels in normal range. Still after years have to take K to keep levels up. We are each unique.

    You haven't said what type of BC you're dealing with. It would help with those who reply to know if you are DCIS/IDC/ILC/IBC.. It is quite possible for IBC to develope in much less than 6 mths. - mine did in less than 6 weeks after last annual mammo which was as all previous yrs had been.

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  • Smurfette26
    Smurfette26 Member Posts: 730
    edited May 2016

    Wishing you well Jennj99738. It's not an easy journey but it's doable. Only a small % of women experience permanent hair loss. I hope you are not one of them. Donna.

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