I just finished TCP but still getting Herceptin through Dec. I tolerated the chemo pretty well! I would say pay close attention to your body. Report any concerning side affects you have to your onc. And do what what they tell you to do. Stock up on Miralax, Udder Cream, a probiotic that's approved by your onc, Imodium multi symptom, ask them for heartburn meds in advance and hang in there you can totally do this!

You know I also found my regular toothpaste was too harsh so I bought Biotene toothpaste. My onc had me rise with a tsp of baking soda and cup or so of water 4-5 times a day to prevent mouth sores. My nose bleeds every time I blow it so they told me to alternate putting petroleum jelly and Neosporin in it w a Q-Tip. I also bought Neutrogena wash for sensitive skin and a Cereve facial moisturizer. My skin was super dry and got irritated easily so this helped. I also got a side effect called Hand-Foot Syndrome. It started, I realize now, looking like my shoe rubbed me wrong and left a small red mark. Well that turned into a pretty bad case if it. So, if you see stuff like that on your hands and feet tell your medical team early. Sorry I guess I have a lot to say about being prepared for side effects!

@A MyBCTeam Member and @A MyBCTeam Member
I started with taxol and then did AC, and tolerated treatments really well. I attribute it to luck and lots of walking. My friend who had to join me when she visited teased I was taking her on "walkabout." Positive attitude helps, too. Nitty-gritty-- I avoid mouth sores with twice daily rinse of pinch of baking soda/powder (the arm and hammer one), pinch of salt and just enough warm water to cover, and my using arm and hammer toothpaste with peroxide and a really soft toothbrush from Trader Joe's. Drink lots of water. I also ate fresh blueberries during the treatment -- prevented queasiness and didn't bother others around me with crunchy noise or odor. For anti-nausea drugs, I tried each one my doctor prescribed but settled on Atavan. I tried to only take what I needed so I wouldn't get addicted, starting with a half a pill at a time. It worked really well. Finally, I let myself nap when I needed to, and ate what I wanted.

Re antioxidants and supplements -- I didn't take them because I didn't want anything to interfere with the chemo, but I think people have had success working with integrative specialists. I'd be curious to know what your doctor says about that.

Good luck!

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A MyBCTea...

A MyBCTea...

I just finished my 3rd round of TCHP. It’s hard to wonder what will happen. My side effects are stubborn and wait a week to show up. So far in my cycles it’s been a lot of diarrhea, uncomfortable mouth stuff, rash/skin issues... and my lovely period won’t quit! 😡
RX lomotil and Imodium help with the D, baking soda water helps with the mouth and Valium helps me chill about it all... wishing you all the best.

Great to hear! It's such a relief to have the first treatment over with.