Cytoxan Taxotere Chemo Ladies- May 2017

Hi Emac, sorry you find yourself here. I also had an oncotype of 27. Had TC #3 last Monday. I've gotten through this pretty easy. I had NO side effects at all with the first 2. Took chemo day(mondays) and 2 days after off work..to hydrate, rest, walk etc then back to work. Today I'm more tired than usual which is a first. Walking 3 miles a day. I left work early ( nurse in pre-op) came home and took short 2 naps. I do get the neulasta shot after each treatment and done fine there too and I do feel that helps. Everyone is so different with how they respond but in general it seems like most are blah days 3-7 then feel better. There are always exceptions of course. I honestly wish I could bottle up my experience for everyone going through this as it has not been bad at all. Take care. You will find a lot of support here! PS, my hair is actually coming back in already. Go figure. No neuropathy. My biggest concern would be you caring for infected patients while you are receiving treatment.

Hello Emac! I think you are doing a great job seeking out information and asking questions. Receiving your diagnosis and jumping right into treatment is challenging....but you have found a great group here on BC.org to ask questions and seek support.

I received 6 infusions of TC....and boy did I not want more than the standard 4, but my doctors felt it was necessary with my extensive nodal involvement. I forged through and made it to the other side. I never found it as difficult as I had anticipated. My body would feel completely off for about 48 hours-- aches, chills, gurgles, etc....but never fever, pain or neuropathy. I did ice my hands and feet as a precaution. I chose not to take the Neupogen shot until my body could not rebound on its own, and I never needed it. I chose to Cold cap, and had some success with saving a good portion of my hair, and what I had lost is growing back just fine. I am almost 48, and other than this BC, I consider myself a healthy person with healthy life habits. I limited my work while receiving chemo but mainly because I limited going to highly public places because of winter flus and the like....so you would need to be careful working in a hospital--& Neupogen shot would be helpful to bring your counts back up quicker so you can continue safely in your job.

I am always happy to answer mor specific questions you may have-- here or you are welcome to PM me. Best wishes and keep a positive attitude-- it does wonders for the spirit! 😃🦋

Dear Di356,

Is there any redness or swelling along with the pain? Any drainage? Have you taken your temperature? If you don't have any of that, it's probably residual pain, but it is something to mention to the doctors and ask them to check it out. Please do so because my wife developed an abscess on her mastectomy site after her first TC infusion. It doesn't sound like you have an infection, but please ask the doctors to check it.

My wife is scheduled for her 2nd infusion tomorrow, but the incision is still draining slightly. This has caused two delays to the second induction so far. She is calling her surgeon to day to see if he thinks we should go ahead or postpone again.

God bless you.