Newly Diagnosed and Undergoing Treatment for IDC

Options
Angel_Eyez
Angel_Eyez Member Posts: 11
edited March 2020 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

Hello everyone,

I am 42-years young, and was diagnosed with IDC back in Feb. 2020 after losing my aunt to stage 4 lung cancer in January. Upon finding out that the lump I found in my left breast was indeed cancerous, I immediately wanted to know what I needed to do in order to live a long life. Fear initially kicked in but then I remembered who my God was! I turned that fear into an armor and wanted to ensure I was getting the right information and what lifestyle changes needed to be made to ensure I get the most out of my treatment. I am mainly reaching out to see if anyone with a diagnosis and treatment similar to mine can share their experiences. As I know everyone is unique and different in regards to the effects of the cancer treatments, I guess I am just trying to normalize some of the things I'm experiencing. For instance, I just had my first round of chemotherapy (AC) on 3/4/2020 and I experienced little to no side effects. The minor side effects I did experience was easily manageable. As the days went on after chemo, other symptoms, such as feeling pain in knees, tingling in one leg and foot was present, but was easily managed by taking my daily walks. I noticed a drop in my appetite, about 5 days, as the chemo has giving me very bad gastric pain (i.e., gas, frequent burping, some constipation) but was able to get the appetite back the next day. Is this type of cycling normal? For anyone receiving or had AC as their treatment does chemo get worse of better, how long did you have to do AC treatment? Will the gastric issues increase or subside once I'm done with AC regimen? All experiences may vary but I just want to understand what my body is going through, as I noticed I'm moody some days, and want to make sure that this is normal. I'm usually a very positive, happy go lucky person, and even with this diagnosis I REFUSE to let it change me!! I really look forward to hearing and connecting to people within this community!


· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited March 2020

    Dear Angel_Eyez,

    Welcome to the BCO community. We are sorry that your recent diagnosis brought you here. We are very glad that you reached out for support and information. You are sure to find both here from the shared experiences of our members. We are sure that others will be around to offer their thoughts soon. In the meantime check out these two links: See the forum for those doing chemotherapy and the topic for those starting chemotherapy in March 2020. Let us know how we can help you to make the most of your time with us.

    The Mods

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited March 2020

    Hi!

    I did four rounds of dose dense AC, and I only had gastrointestinal issues during Round 1. I definitely got some heartburn and the like. However, I didn't get it after the other three rounds. THAT SAID, everyone experiences chemo differently. For many BC patients, chemo is cumulative and they feel wiped out by the end. I definitely felt that way after Taxol, but not AC.

    Good luck!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Angel_Eyez
    Angel_Eyez Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2020

    Hello Elaine and thanks for the reply. I am hoping that after my chemo appointment next week I will know how it will affect me differently or not at all and if the first symptoms will subside or get a lot easier with time. I will be asking my oncologist about how long I will have to do dose dense AC because with so much information being thrown at me at the first teaching session, I honestly didn’t pay attention to how long I’d have to do the first treatment method. Again, I appreciate you sharing your experience and thanks for the encouragement

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Angel_Eyez
    Angel_Eyez Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2020

    Thank you so much for the valuable and insightful information. I will definitely be checking out the forums you recommended for additional information and support.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited March 2020

    Angel,

    Since you are triple positive like me, you are probably doing AC + TH(maybe P). Typically, we triple positives get 4 treatments of AC, and 12 (weekly) treatments of Taxol (with Herceptin and sometimes Perjeta). You can't really do too many treatments of AC; there is a lifetime limit because AC can really be tough on your heart.

    I remember my oncologist going over chemo with me, and she printed out all of these summaries of the treatments I'd be getting. I really didn't understand them until I went over them with my nephew who is a pharmacist and who did a rotation in an infusion center! Let me know if you have any questions about being a triple positive. By the way, we also have an awesome Triple Positive thread here at BCO.org.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Angel_Eyez
    Angel_Eyez Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2020

    Okay thanks soooo much Elaine!! I do remember the oncologist mentioning something about T after AC and Herceptin, along with radiation, but I honestly just want to be done with AC. I don’t like the way it make me feel but I’m a trooper and have been able to easily manage the pain. I will check out the triple positive threads for sure!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited March 2020

    Angel,

    I found the Taxol to be easier than the AC. THP gave me diarrhea (which I managed with Imodium), but my head was much clearer and I felt more energetic. I suspect you're only getting four ACs; just take it one infusion at a time. Heck, after your next infusion, you're half-way done! Hope your next infusion has fewer side effects than your first!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Angel_Eyez
    Angel_Eyez Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2020

    Hello Elaine, thanks for putting my mind at ease. As previously mentioned I pray that I only have 4 AC’s and again I’m going to get more clarity on the next set of treatments so I’m better informed and kind of know what to expect so to speak. I’m also hoping that it will get better with each treatment as the regimen progresses. I’m just ready to get back to normal and not be so “moody” around my support system. I’m sure they understand but I don’t want to push them away.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories