Good morning all, I’m now into week 7 of a 22 week treatment plan. I was diagnosed with triple negative 4-5cm grade 2, no lymph nodes involved. My treatment is in 2 phases with first phase lasting 12-weeks. The cycle begins with Paclitaxel/carboplatin chemo drugs and pembrolizumab immunotherapy. Week 2 and 3 of the cycle is just the paclitaxel. I’ll finish phase 1 end of October and begin phase 2 which will be Epirubicin/Cyclophosphamide and the Pembro but this will be every 3 weeks. The weekly treatment is a lower dosage than the 3 weekly treatments. So far the main side effect has been fatigue. My hair began to thin around week 3/4 and continues to fall out (I was told I couldn’t use cold cap). Nurse told me it will 100% all go when I start Epi/Cyclo as they’re higher dose (to last 3 weeks).  I get a dry, icky feeling in my mouth after each infusion. Can’t really taste anything properly. My throat was sore too but that comes and goes with each infusion. I’ve had pins and needles in my feet, less so in my hands but again, this comes and goes with each infusion. 

Two recent side effects are an itchy rash on my forearms, a little on my face, and bleeding in my nose. Apparently chemo makes blood vessels in your nose fragile and they bleed easily. I use a lot of moisturizers on my arms and keep my nostrils moistened (wet tissues). I had been taking steroids after each infusion and I honestly got the worst side effects from those compared to the chemo drugs. I had to take sleeping tablets to help me sleep as they kept me awake and wanted to eat everything in sight. Also gave me anxious, heart-palpitation feeling. Spoke with my consultant about this and they’ve reduced the steroids. I have a PICC too which I’ll request get removed when I begin 3-weekly treatment. I’ll have my mid-treatment ultrasound 3rd week in October but I already can feel tumour is smaller. Consultant said I’ll have lumpectomy after chemo and more treatment after surgery but what the treatment is depends on where we’re at by then. Could be 5 weeks of immuno +/- radiotherapy.

I was told having a positive mental attitude towards your treatment and diagnosis is like having another drug in your arsenal. Stay positive, avoid sugar and alcohol (needs to be processed by your liver, which is already doing a lot managing chemo drugs), and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to load up on antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and vitamins, all of which help manage side effects and contribute towards boosting your immune system. 

I really admire you all for giving up the sugar. I've cut down but I really struggle. I like a row of a large bar of Galaxy or CDM after dinner.

I'm due to start chemo in the next 2 weeks. I had my echo this morning and blood tests yesterday. I'm just waiting for my PICC line.  

Did you have surgery first? What sort of chemo are you having? The picc line is a pain when it first goes in but you do slowly get used to it. I’ve bought some covers from Amazon which help to make it feel secure 

Thanks Chirl  that's a good idea. 

I had surgery first - a lumpectomy and partial reconstruction with a LICAP flap. Smudge24  thank you for the tip. I'll get those. I'm having 3 lots of EC (once every 3 weeks) and then the same number and frequency of Docetaxel. What have you had? 

Thanks Chirl  that's a good idea. 

I had surgery first - a lumpectomy and partial reconstruction with a LICAP flap. Smudge24  thank you for the tip. I'll get those. I'm having 3 lots of EC (once every 3 weeks) and then the same number and frequency of Docetaxel. What have you had? 

I also had surgery first , also a lumpectomy. I got a PICC line cover from the hospital but b it still slips without a tubigrip type thing underneath. Get someone to measure your arm first!

I’ve also had lumpectomy. I’m having 12 weeks of paclitaxel (weekly). 5 done so far. This is the link to the covers I got in a range of colours:
https://amzn.eu/d/guA0Q75

I got large because I didn’t want them to be too tight- I’m a size 12 and my arms aren’t huge but not thin either. Medium just felt tight so I sent back without problems. They have a rubber grip at the top. I also have a shower cover which is great. 
https://amzn.eu/d/9bwnk1I 

Thank you for this. 

Good luck with starting chemo. I think you said it was around now. 

Wondering how everyone is? I had a blip last week, they cancelled my chemo because my liver ALT was too high at 140. It’s not need added to the end, just omitted so I’m in for number 7 of 12 today as the levels have improved. I have fingers crossed that it doesn’t happen again. I haven’t been drinking alcohol, have a healthy diet and do 2-3 long walks a day with the dog so can’t see what I can do more to help. 

Oh no. I'm a bit surprised that they aren't going to add it onto the end.  I hope today's treatment goes OK for you. 

I start EC tomorrow. I'm hoping it's all going to be OK. I'm hoping to still do the school run walks morning and night. I've decided not to cold cap. I don't think I'll tolerate it well and the extra time and care for my hair I don't think I can manage with the kids and everything else.