Treatment Plan

I have officially completed my first cycle of treatment and as I have learned so much more about this process I wanted to share some information about what this whole thing looks like for me. 

My plan of treatment is called TCHP: Taxotere, Carboplatin, Herceptin, Perjeta.

From what I understand this plan is used to treat early stage breast cancer that has that HER-2 positive element. 

My type of cancer is triple positive. This means it is positive in estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR) and the HER-2 protein. Basically my cancer is driven by hormones and these medicines target that specifically. 

My treatment falls into a 21 day cycle: 

Week 1- TCHP 

Week 2- Taxotere only

Week 3 -Off week

Before each infusion I have a blood draw to ensure I'm healthy and strong enough to continue with the treatments and a check in with my oncologist. I'm currently in my off week preparing for the next round and over all I feel good! Energy is decent, appetite is normal and I have even been able to work out. 

I briefly mentioned my genetic testing in another post, but I wanted to emphasize that I had a full genetic panel and everything came back negative. There are hundreds of genes known to be associated with cancer (BRCA is one you may know associated with breast cancer) and I will be updated if any new genes are discovered. This was such a relief as there was so much worry about passing this on to my daughter. Of course we will always mention my cancer as a part of her medical history, but the worry of this being genetic is not there. 

HAIR UPDATE: 

As of right now I am 17 days post my first chemo infusion. (Knocking on all the wood) My hair has shown normal amounts of shedding but nothing more. I am using a cold capping system while receiving my treatments in hopes to keep some of my hair through this process. While it's not the most comfortable thing to wear, it's not terrible. After the first 15 minutes my scalp has numbed from the cold and it's just part of the routine. I didn't even know about cold capping until a dear friend of mine went through cancer a few years ago. I was fascinated by it and when I was first diagnosed she was right there to guide me. 

I really have to baby my hair while I am going through treatment. Minimal washing, no ponytails or tight styles, no heat styling. It's been a lesson in loving my natural hair. 

After treatment I notice the side effects come about 48 hrs later. Mostly upset stomach, fatigue, nausea, dizziness and a pressure headache. I have made it my goal to drink as much water as I can every day and I know that is helping push everything through. 72 hrs after my last treatment I was able to attend Muffins with Mom at Leona's school. While I was still fatigued I was able to make bracelets, eat muffins and spend time with her and the other moms, it was really special. 

I'm learning that I will have many more good days than bad. I will take the opportunity to rest when I need to so I can participate in the activities that I love as they come. Keeping a positive outlook has been my main focus through every step. It's been very important to me to focus on healing and surviving this diagnosis. I'm lucky to have the support of family and friends both near and far offering to help with daily life when I'm down. 

Let me know if you have any questions I can help answer, I'm no expert but I have learned a lot for my specific type of cancer and I'm happy to share!

Best, Worst, I'll go first: 

Best: The mosquitoes in the south absolutely attack me this time of year.... but not this year! Apparently they don't like the smell of my chemo blood. I consider this a win!!

Worst: When Leona brings home a sickness from school I have to be really careful but it's almost inevitable I will catch something. So we are taking care of her cough and cold all while I try not to catch it. 

Honestly there has been a lot of positive things since my last treatment and I am going into my next round with a strong mindset and positive outlook!

Your Turn!