I’m 35 feeling overwhelmed and nervous

Hi Sunshine and I'm so sorry about your situation. It is quite normal to feel overwhelmed, and we've all been there. But if you take it one step at a time you will find the strength to make it to the other side of this breast cancer journey. Have you told anyone about your diagnosis? It's hard to reach out for help but perhaps there is someone who could help with child care?

Hi!

TCHP is a common chemo regimen for HER2+ breast cancer. As you can see from my signature, I did an alternative regimen, Adriamycin + Cytoxan, then Taxol + Herceptin + Perjeta. TCHP can cause gastric distress (most notably diarrhea). I had Taxotere's supposedly gentler cousin, Taxol, and it did give me diarrhea two days after my infusion. But, I could manage it with Imodium, so that was OK. (I also learned the locations of lots of grocery store restrooms!) You will definitely lose your hair with Taxotere (and a very very small number lose their hair permanently while on Taxotere). It's best to have your head-covering/wig plan in place before you start. I bought a wig before chemo, and shaved my head after my second infusion.

Will you be taking steroids like Decadron before chemo? If so it might help if you get a sleep aid or Melatonin or something. Steroids can definitely interfere with sleep!

Are you ER+/PR+ as well? If so, you are triple positive. There's a very welcoming and supportive group of ladies on the Triple Positive Board, some of whom have had TCHP. ((Hugs)) It get's better....

I understand. I wish I had some experience to share, but I started with surgery and went to radiation. I can only offer that you need to be a little bit selfish now. Tell people only when you want to; be with your child when you want to and accept help as you need it; and try to keep some routine in your life so you minimize the "not feeling like yourself" times. All best wishes to you.

Hello sunshine and hello everyone else. First of all I am sorry you re finding yourself on here as well, and are going through this. It is awful finding out and hearing those words from the doctor. But you are not alone. Start telling your friends and people around you. I told my family and friends and the support has been amazing. Once you start telling them and talking about it you will find thy people want to help.

I am 34 years old so just a yet younger then you, we are also a family of three and I literally also just found out I have invasive ductal carcinoma, grade 3 and have a 3.2cm tumor. I was diagnosed right before thanksgiving and haven’t started treatment yet.

It’s awful and everything is moving soooo slow. I see a lot of discussion on the HER2. My first test was HER2 negative. Then fish analysis came aback amplified but I only tested positive at 2.46 they said anything below 2.0 is negative. Soooooo now long story short my doc had my case reviewed by another specialist who wants the HER2 RETESTED. I’m freaking out Bc everything is so so slow moving and I have no treatment. This has to be retested in California. Apparently the best doc is out there who tests for this HER2. I am negative on ER/PR.

My treatment will either be TCHP or AC+T depending on the test outcome. So first treatment then surgery I will be doing a double mastectomy. But I’m super nervous as well about everything and don’t know a lot.

Did anyone out there have a similar problem with testing so low on the HER2? I’m scared Of this delay that this thing will just spread.. any input will be greatly appreciated

Much love to everyone!!!

Hello Hariry,

Thank you for your response! are you feeling okay with the chemo, any bad side effects?

I am hoping to find something out soon. It’s going to be 4 weeks next week since diagnosed. Just want them to figure it all out. It’s all so hard.

Good luck to you!!

Hello Hairy,

How are you feeling today? I hope you are not feeling sick anymore. Thank the Lord you got some relief!!! I’m so nervous and scares of the chemo and side effects but I told myself I’d take all the medicine before just in case. What chemo are you doing?

Thank you for responding and yes that does make me feel better to know it grows slow. I tried looking it up on google once and it scared the daylight out of me so I stopped. So I will try to stress yet I’ve been nothing but stressed since I got diagnosed

I also wanted to tell you one lady told me she is drinking alkaline water daily in addition to regular water and her side effects have been non existent. I bought a case to drink while treating but wanted to tell you to try people are having amazing results. She sips on it all day and drinks about a bottle and half to two a day. That’s it.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend keep me posted on how you’re doing whenever you get a chance!!!

Hi Laura and Daniz,

Thanks for your kind words, i'm slowly recovering. Day 4 after first chemo (AC) I'm off 5HT today (antiemetic) and tapering dose of dexamethasone. I took a morning walk and had some nice breakfast and lunch. Night is still a bit restless. I tried not to take xanax. just more nap during the day. thanks Daniz for your kind suggestion. Yes we've got ourselves some water purifier with alkaline water. But I read through some medical research saying that the effect might be controversial. So I carefully balance pure and alkaline water (1:1). And you are in my prayer, that the results would be soon....

When C (cyclophosphamide) went in I had a bad throbbing, headache, and all my sinuses were reacting, feeling slightly burning. The nausea. SE of A(adriamycin) kicked in later when the antiemetic weaned off. I'd suggest Laura to dampen your face with something cold, and some ice in the mouth would help too. I'm going to request my MO to give me another dose of antiemetic before I leave the hospital, next cycle. All the best.