u/Deep-Care6975

If you are newly diagnosed, just know that you will do great on chemo and stop reading. 😉😘 (although this is not a horror story)

OMG I didn't think I could do this. 18 weeks of TC. Explanation: had a TNBC tumor and a HER2+ node so I did immunotherapy for both types. The HER2 meds have cardiac risk that would compound the risk from AC so I did not do Keynote but it is the protocol for the Scarlet Trial which is in phase 3.

Anyhow, the weekly infusions were brutal as I never recovered. We had a 5 hour round trip drive. ​5 pokes a week for bloodwork, infusion, and nivestym. 18 hours with ice packs and I got neuropathy anyway. Pretty much every other side effect but they at least seemed to take turns being dominant. These last 2 cycles have had me in bed for 3.5 days/ week, even with dose reductions at the very end. BUT I FUCKING DID IT!

I'm thankful I avoided illness, infection, reactions, and serious complications (knock on wood for this week). I did restrict myself and avoided a lot of public places. I was not working at the time of diagnosis but it would have been very difficult to do so. I don't know how many of you do it and I'm grateful I didn't have to try (thanks to hubby).

I'm 49 so old but not super old and honestly I thought I'd handle it better. But it's true what everyone says: this is hard but you will get through. And I did! I showed up. Sometimes with a smile and other times in tears but I FUCKING DID IT!

And next I have DMX to AFC, radiation, and maybe (my MO thinks probably) adjuvant chemo, you know the usual trudge for us. But it feels so great to have this part over (except for the long recovery, but whatever!) I'll do anything to be here for my kids (15, 17). Didn't realize I had so much to say, lol! Thanks for providing support in this space. 💜

Hi all, tomorrow is #13 out of 18 weekly TC infusions + immunotherapy (Scarlet Trial protocol). I'm 2/3 of the way there but am feeling like I "just can't" with these last 6 treatments. Obviously I will, but wondering how you got yourself through the end when it still feels like it will be forever. I am starting to feel worse--and mentally down when I'm physically down 3-4 days/week (even though I try to stay positive). I'd love your best rally tips!

I know many people are working and thriving but I feel like I'm not even fully recovering before having to get my next dose on Tuesdays. By Monday I feel "better" but definitely not back to baseline. Just wondering how others are doing. I'm on a Scarlet Trial protocol so I've got 11 more weekly infusions 🫣

I'm on week 7 of T/C & Keytruda. I read many women say their tumor "melted away" or disappeared so it really bothers me that mine is still so palpable. I get a breast exam every 3 weeks and no imaging planned. The PA said my tumor isn't growing (a fear of mine) and believes it might be softer but not smaller. I do get "zaps" or shooting pains in the tumor area which I like to think are from the cancer dying. Can anyone share their experience with a "non-melting" tumor?

I will be doing chemo for triple negative. What should I do with my 90 houseplants? Do you assume you're immunocompromised the whole time? Can I mask and water them? Get air filters? Have someone else water? Try to get them fostered until treatment is over?

My plants are self care but then I read my info sheets about the risks. Gah!

Hi, I have read through many posts and the helpful thread for the newly diagnosed. I am in the middle of testing to determine stage, looks to still be early. However, I am having a hard time with motivation for regular life right now and am worried I will be too depressed to maintain the mental edge to go through all of this. I feel shaky and wake up in fight or flight and today I just want to be in bed. I have been very strong for my son who had a serious health condition but I'm worried I won't be able to be strong for myself. I also fear I'm only making myself sicker with my angst but I can't stop. My husband is amazing but I'm not coping well when he's at work. I already have a great therapist and some wonderful friends. I feel like I should have more capacity and be doing better at this point. I thought I'd have the "I'm going to fight this with all I've got" mentality but I just want to hide. This is not my norm for any hard time, I'm usually a go getter.

I'd appreciate any feedback. This might just be a rough day but my weakness feels very real.