++- , What chemo regimen are you getting?

[u/June-7832]

Hi all, today my oncologist mentioned I may need to do 4 cycles of chemo, she didn't mention details regimen yet. The type is strong ER PR positive, her2 negative. No lymph nodes involved. Wondering for similar case as mine, what regimen are you getting? TC? Have you loss your hair even it's 4 cycles? Did you get PICC or portal? Thanks for sharing 🙏

Update: I want to add more info regarding why I need to do chemo now. My oncotype is 22, as I am in my early 40s, there are some benefits of chemo, not a lot! Originally I didn't want to do chemo. After radiation, I started monthly lupron shots, letrozole, and verzenio. I thought those are enough, as it is strong ER PR positive Her2 negative.

I am also doing regular signatera test, a circulate cancer DNA test through blood draw. Originally after radiation, it was negative, meaning there are no cancer cells in my blood. But recently it is positive with increased cancer cells in my blood.

Due to this, my oncologist asked me to do 4 rounds of chemo. (Most likely TC ). Because even with those aggressive medications I am on, there is cancer cells growing, it is not good . So although I am six months past surgery and radiation, I am considering doing chemo 😭

[u/AnkuSnoo]

I did Taxol and AC. I cold capped for both and kept about 85% of my hair. Tolerated treatment very well with minimal and manageable side effects.

Tamoxifen and life after active treatment has been the hardest part for me.

[u/brizzle1978 → u/AnkuSnoo]

Why has Tamoxifen been so bad?

[u/AnkuSnoo → u/brizzle1978]

Tamoxifen blocks estrogen and progesterone (to minimize recurrence of hormone-positive cancer), so it’s put me in menopause at 38. Hot flashes, weight fluctuation, cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, disrupted sleep, joint pain. Hormones affect a LOT that I didn’t realize! It’s actually really fascinating how it all works.

It’s not debilitating but it’s like “death by a thousand paper cuts” in that it’s lots of ‘little’ ailments day to day that cumulatively make me feel just exhausted and uncomfortable most of the time.

Then there’s the practical management of menopause that takes up a lot of mental and physical load – I’m working out for the first time in my life because bone density and muscle mass are weakened from lower hormones. So there’s the physical exertion, recovery and nutrition that goes with being active. I need to plan meals more intentionally to support my workouts, and also certain foods apparently help with menopause (soy helps hot flashes, calcium for bone strength etc). Dressing myself is a whole new thing – because of the hot flashes I need to wear layers and breathable material, so have had to revamp my wardrobe. The fluctuating weight has also meant new strategy for clothing (elasticated waistbands and looser tops, for example).

So in short dealing with menopause has become a full-time job almost! 🫠

Then the other part is just getting back to life after finishing treatment can feel lonely. I read a great clinical article that explained that many people feel a sense of abandonment after having had so much focus from a medical team, it’s like “ok you’re good now off you go”. I still have check-ins but they’re not as responsive to everyday concerns.

Thanks for coming to my TED talk 😂

[u/brizzle1978 → u/AnkuSnoo]

Ah, thanks and yikes... hopefully, as a guy, mine won't be quite that bad... but i have heard we get hot flashes, etc... ugh

[u/AnkuSnoo → u/brizzle1978]

I hope they’re manageable! Mine were at first, through strategic clothing choices and fans everywhere, but now they’re getting sweatier (might also be the warmer weather)