JGJ, prayers that your arthritis doesn’t complicate matters. My AC treatments were every other week, so our experiences with that might be a little different. Good luck with everything, & I’m here if you have any other questions!
(((Hugs)))

JGJ, I just finished 4 rounds of AC on 6/20. Like you, I was dreading it, but I have to tell you, it wasn’t as bad as I had imagined. I really think keeping a positive attitude helps. If you’ll be getting the Neulasta shot, I highly recommend taking Claritin & Aleve about 30 minutes prior to the shot & for a couple of days afterwards. This really helped me with bone & muscle pain. You’re obviously a strong woman. Look at what you’ve already been through. Good luck to you!

Cindy, I had triple positive stage 3b. I had chemo , double mastectomy w/13 nodes removed from my right side. My surgeon biopsied 2 that looked swollen and suspicious before I had chemo "they came back negative"after chemo she said I would like to take 13 nodes out because of the suspicious nodes when you started chemo, so I said ok but they all came back clear. I think if I were you I'd see if they can just biopsy them without going straight to chemo. I'm sure whatever decision you make will be the right one. I'll pray that God help you and the doctors to make the right one. If you ever need someone to talk to you can call me anytime. My email is (Email address can only be seen by the question and answer creators)

Angie Camp

Hi Amy,

Thanks for the positive words and advice.

Yes, I have to do four rounds of AC (every 21 days) and then 12 rounds of Paxlitaxil (every week). I think I am more worried about the latter because of how it causes bone and muscle pain, I already have psoriatic arthritis in both knees so I'm guessing its not going to be a walk in the park.
Again, thank you so much for the advice, I will happily follow it.

Best, Jane

Hi CindyLea,
No, this is my first time for chemo.

I had a biopsy, then a lumpectomy and then a mastectomy all within 6 weeks. My oncologist says that because the type of cancer I have is so aggressive and so likely to recur that he wants to hit it with everything he's got. I start with AC chemo tomorrow and just spent the morning looking it up. I wish I hadn't now as I have freaked myself out a bit.
Should have just read a book instead!