I Survived 6 Rounds of TCHP Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

Today's video is a long one, a detailed chat about how my chemotherapy went this summer. As well as a head to toe on the symptoms I experienced.
If you're interested in more details of my cancer journey:
My Diagnosis Story: • Sharing my Her2+ Breas...
Overview of my treatment plan: • My Breast Cancer Story...
My Hair Loss Story: • My Chemotherapy Hair L...
If you've read to the bottom of my comments and are interested in supporting Breast Cancer Research and Patients in Canada, I am Running for the Cure on October 1st and you can donate here: support.cancer.ca/site/TR/?pg...

[@carol-annmatthew5296]

I was diagnosed in 1995 had a mastectomy of my right breast and 6 rounds of the dreaded chemo, but here I am a survivor and 69 years old. Positivity is key ..good luck 😅❤

[@Yarn_Lab]

Thanks for sharing your story, I take so much inspiration from cancer survivors!

[@dorisl1536]

My niece was diagnosed with HER2+ when she was 36. She is now 53 and doing great!

[@stella-xx1uq]

I am diagnosed with HER2+ so thank you very much for sharing this! It gives me so much hope

[@payehomage6922]

Im 35 this is great news. God bless her and you

[@yellowbaby1926]

Wow when I say you were living rent free in my body !! My absolute worst beyond is the diarrhea!! I take prescription Imodium and it does absolutely nothing. 5 hrs on the toilet is a perfect time gauge. I literally wanted to just set a bed up on the floor. I just finished round 4 with 2 more rounds to go and I am triple positive. After this I will prepare for bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction and your videos are the best in helping me mentally emotionally prepare. I was diagnosed 3/15/24 and discovered your videos in July. Perfect timing. I pray you are doing wonderfully now thank you and God bless you and your family

[@cangurotto]

This video is all kinds of helpful and validating, and made me want to hug you, Sarah. Thank you! You are so generous in sharing your experience and I found myself nodding and saying "yes!" through practically the whole thing. There's so much comfort in connection. I, too, am going through HER2+, hormone negative cancer, and have had much the same experience as yours with virtually the same chemo regimen. I haven't had as many problems with diarrea or the constipation others talk about but have had a few more stomach issues, mainly with a feeling of fullness in my stomach and dull stomach aches here and there. Thankfully, not really much nausea though. A little neuropathy in my fingers and had initial mouth sores that went away after my second infision. Had the same breakout on my face, neck and upper chest as you did but that went away after the second infusion. Just slight rashes on my fingers sometimes in the first week after each infision. I'll be doing my 4th round of chemo in 3 days (6 in total) and since after my 2nd round, I, too, have been having constantly watery eyes, which makes putting makeup on a bit of a mess sometimes. 😅 I also had my magnesium drop like you and that has given me sore leg muscles, like a feeling of lactic acid build-up whenever I bend or use my legs. Did you supplement magnesium at all to help you out? I just wanted to thank you for sharing your experience and going into all the precious little details. It makes me feel seen and heard, and that, despite how tough it can get sometimes, I'm right on track with what I'm experiencing. It helps ease the anxiousness that can come with treatment and that's vital to help you feel like you can get through it because, as any cancer patient knows, no matter how positive you are, sometimes it can feel a little overwhelming. Thank you for your insight and continued blessings to you now that you're post surgery and doing as well as can be expected. 💪🏻♥️

[@jenniferfink1728]

I’m recovering from my 6th cycle of chemo as well. Thank you for sharing your experience, I had a very similar experience as you. We’re not alone. 😌

[@usmantahir2659]

My daughter can't. Walk without wheal chair😢her 2 chemo 20 years old please tell me some hack for her weaknes

[@vegas148]

I was diagnosed with HER2, Stage 1A picked up on my routine 3D mammogram 9 years ago in 2014....I saw my oncologist yearly then 2 days ago on my last visit he discharged me from his care....my blood test for CA 27.29 was drawn 1 week ago ( a test for cancer antigen was normal meaning no evidence of breast cancer ) .....he said you are essentially CURED.!!!!! I had a lumpectomy and a port placed prior to my 6 TCH chemo treatments then continued the Herceptin for several more treatments. Every thing returned to complete NORMAL about 6 weeks after chemo #6. I also had 22 radiation treatments after my last chemo, which was a breeze. I had similar side effects except the diarrhea was mild and I had no neuropathy at all. Yes, everything returned back to normal including my hair. You are an excellent journey teller, I happened to watch your video as a recap of my experience, THANK YOU ❤ I live in Pennsylvania, USA.

[@marshallkirst2579]

My wife starts her first round of almost identical chemo treatment that you described here. Your video was super informative and helpful!! I wish and pray for the best for you and your family!!!

[@correnebide5915]

Hi, I’m about to have round 5 of TCHP next week. This video is so affirming and informative. I’ve had all of most of these side effects but not so much of the peripheral neuropathy (so far). Round 3 on day 4 the shortness of breath and dizziness kicked in until day 14 so much that 3 steps and I was horizontal! Was really concerned it may have been cardiomyopathy but the resolution by day 14 indicated it was more likely the bone marrow production of red blood cells and haemoglobin being wiped out then it working overtime to rectify the situation. Our bodies are amazing ! Also had a tender red rash appear on my hands which faded then peeled during round 2 only. Can confirm the KP improvement - loving that 😊. Thankyou and wishing you the very best of recovery.

[@deannaparsons6463]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am starting same treatment on July 15, 2024.

[@carlathomas6257]

Appreciated this. My 3rd chemo is on the 24th..i had" reactions" to the taxol chemo.. but they just gave me extra benadryl n a steroid..scares me to go for the 3rd...

[@catherinewithall8344]

Just came across your podcast, loved your podcast. Thanks for sharing your cancer journey, I am 57 and a breast cancer survivor, 6 years this October. Crafting has kept me sane during treatment. Hang in there, feel what you need to feel, this is a tough road but you can do this. I had a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation, I was a stage 3 and now very stable. Enjoy life to the fullest. Wishing you the best during and after treatment. 😊

[@mattiesful]

7 yr. HER2+ survivor and you are telling my story also. You look amazing for just finishing chemo. I looked awful, lost 30 pounds, pale, and my teeth fell out. I also lost fingernails and toenails. YIKES. But I'm here, and pushing on. Thanks for your positivity and sharing your story. 💗 I'm also a crocheter and knitter.

[@judybee6698]

You mentioned the horrible diarrhea, right now I have unbearable constipation, just three days after first infusion. Praying for relief tomorrow.

[@lillianbarker4292]

They gave me something for constipation in the infusion I had and that was great. 😊

[@erinm4338]

I'm starting my TCHP in 2 days and am so so thankful for your straightforward, detailed summary of this! Congratulations on making it through!!

[@lisampeeler8294]

I am starting in 10 days. I wish you well and hope you share your journey

[@lillianbarker4292]

The Benadryl made me very sleepy. I had to get over feeling lazy. I just needed sleep. I liked head wraps more than my wig.

[@-lisamchuk]

Thank you for this! I’ve watched your podcast for years, and have been rooting for you these past months and inspired by your openness about your experience. And just this week a family member had a cancer diagnosis and now your journey has a new importance for me. So thank you for sharing! I know your story will be helpful and inspiring for my family member now too.

[@loriscallon8678]

This is exactly the conversation I have been looking for!! I start TCHP Tuesday. I can plan to have some of your tips in the house beforehand. I get tired of hearing "every body is different" from docs so I can't prepare. Thank you so much for this video.

[@Ahlathein]

You look fabulous in this sweater 💕💕. Praying for you as you prepare for surgery

[@samphorschea5963]

Thank you for sharing. I learned a lot to help prepare my 65years old mother for her chemotherapy.

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

You are so smart, funny and inspiring. I wish you continued recovery and ease. ❤

[@Yarn_Lab]

Thank you so much!

[@IreneRattray]

Thank you sarah for being specific. Enough that l can understand what my daughter in-law and my son , who are overseas, are going through. She was diagnosed approx the same time April 2023 with HER 2 Positive Breast Cancer.

[@deborahalchin3360]

Thank you for sharing your experience. As a nurse who deals with cardiac/ surgical patients this was very helpful to understand what some patients I contact could be experiencing. I pray for your health and continued strength during the next phase of your journey

[@Yarn_Lab]

Thanks for your prayers and I'm glad you found a helpful perspective in my video!

[@lilyrose5368]

I watched to the end! Thank you for taking the time to record this. I start TC on Monday 4th March, and gained so much strength and courage from your video.

[@Yarn_Lab]

I'm so glad you found it helpful, sorry you have to be on this cancer journey as well, but you've got this! Good luck on Monday!! Chemo feels like it lasts forever when you're in the thick of it, but one round at a time and you'll be on the other side before you know it.

[@brooks6348]

Best wishes for a continued recovery! Thanks for sharing.

[@lisampeeler8294]

Thank you for sharing. Im glad you made it through

[@barbarajohnson6026]

Thank you . God bless you.❤😊

[@SamM-jd3fm]

Great information. Thank you so much! Wishing you the best!

[@judithdonovan6832]

Thank you for sharing! I had very similar responses to chemo. It’s helpful to hear your experiences. Most family and friends just don’t understand what it’s like to have chemo. Wishing you the best with your surgery.

[@lgassin]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I so appreciate how you clearly infused all your medical knowledge into your personal story as well. Take good care.

[@judybee6698]

Thank you so much for sharing. I am just now into day three of round one. Hearing your experience is helping me to be prepared. I am not good with words, so I may share this with my family as I don't think they have any clue about the "rounds" of effects.

[@catherinewithall8344]

You have a beautiful soul! Don’t let cancer take away take you down, keep smiling you are beautiful!😊

[@margaretnslfstylemotivational]

Thanks darling for this great information! Congratulations 🎉!

[@beccyholland]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. I’m in the UK and have had 2 rounds out of 6 of TCHP. My symptoms are almost identical to yours but the anti-sickness drugs have left me very dehydrated and constipated. Your video has helped me realise that my symptoms are normal for this regimen AND one day, not too far away, this will all be over. I also miss my hair a lot but more especially I miss feeling well. Here’s to a speedy recovery. ✨💕🌷

[@lindalittle6802]

Great information, thank you for sharing. ❤

[@melanieadcock750]

Her2+ here as well. I have round #5 out of 6 in a week. I am so glad you shared your experience. Mine has been a similar experience so far. The biggest shock was the Neulasta pain two days after the injection. It was excruciating. Claritin was no help. Mine was an auto injector pod and it fell off before injecting me on round three so I got the manual injection and the pain was 10% of the pod and only one day. I started scheduling fluids after round three because I couldn’t eat or drink for about 10 days after each round. I had the worse chemo acne on round one that took about five weeks to clear up. Like you I have had great skin since. Fortunately no mouth sores for me. Fatigue is really bad but lack of food is likely making it worse than normal. My biggest hurdle is I had parosmia (skewed taste and smell) from Covid I had prior to BC. Instead of a few foods tasting awful chemo made all food taste like feces. I’ve lost 30 lbs so far. If I am lucky I get a few days where I can eat something before the next round. The metallic taste never goes away. I also ice my hands and feet and so far no neuropathy. Nausea and diarrhea have been the worst this round. Had to go in for more fluids this week. The most unexpected side effect has been nose bleeds and a continual runny nose. That and I ended up with appendicitis a week after round#3. That was a three day hospital stay. Probably the best I felt in a while with all the fluids, a blood transfusion, and pain meds. My last chemo is May6th. I am praying that parosmia goes away with the chemo. I’ve noticed i can smell things I couldn’t before.

[@shirleypoplo-ej7lz]

THANKYOU so much you speak n explain very nicely!!

[@TimelessJewelsTTJ]

Thanks for shearing ❤

[@KnittingsAndSewings]

Sarah, I've knewly discovered your channel. I am not sure if I'm spelling your name right. I am praying and sending healthy vibes your way. Oh my gosh, I really appreciate your being so forthcoming.

[@anneherman6745]

Oh yes, till the end. You are a very good speaker, teacher. Love your humor and your emotions. Hold on, step by step, live in the present. Time flies that way. And you are surrounded by love. The best medicine. ❤️🐞

[@user-gt2hr8yk4x]

ok, just watched you clarify, so thank you for that. Hope all's well.

[@donnamiley6778]

Good luck to you!

[@jeanroth159]

Great video Sara 😘...i wish you the very best during the rest of your treatment plan, I will keep you in my prayers ❤, oh by the way, your so cute and also kind to share your journey. Take good care of yourself.

[@MamaVee50]

So helpful. ❤ I got my biopsy results Christmas Day, get my port next week, then my 1st infusion the week after that. I’ll be receiving the same drugs as you, so your post was massively informative. Thank you for sharing!

[@Yarn_Lab]

I'm glad you found the video helpful, I am sorry to have to welcome you to the cancer club. I hope your treatment goes as well as it can. It can be different for everyone, but I know for me knowing a little of what to expect was helpful.

[@jamaaznyaboke9434]

Hi, been following you. My mum has exactly the same as you. She is beginning her chemo on Tuesday. I like the fact that wherever am watching you always say the type, so we know exactly what you are talking abt

[@scarletteanngilster8915]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I start my first chemo on Friday. I appreciate and value your courage, honesty, and ability to communicate what to expect, as it’s not what they told me during my Chemo Edn. appointment with respect to the side effects. God bless you and sending prayers for your cancer free recovery. You are beautiful in every way🌹

[@tingcan7168]

Same cancer Her2 positive chemo ongoing and from Alberta as well we will kept fighting 😊

[@ladytravel]

Hi Sarah, I have to tell you that i found your channel while looking for people who where getting ready to do the Stephen West's MKAL 2023 which i am going to do for the first time. And then noticed this post. We share something else besides the love of of knitting. I was dx with P+ E+ Her2+ breast cancer in 2012. I had bilateral mastectomies with reconstruction and 6 rounds of TCH. Our treatments sounded very similar.. Congratulations on making it through! Getting a port was a great idea, espically since the Herceptin treatments are for a year..I had my surgery first but it was a cake walk compared to the chemo..so have no fear, you got this. Looking forward to knitting the MKAL with you. Always here if you need a Pink Sister.

[@Yarn_Lab]

Looking forward to the MKAL as well. There are so many cancer stories in the knitting community, and I am so grateful you took the time to comment and share yours. Not going to lie, I was eager to get the treatment started but have a lot more anxiety about the surgery. Can't wait to have it all behind me. Casting on for the MKAL should provide a nice distraction tho!

[@marleneg1312]

Hello i have not gotten a diagnosis but going for a biopsy.thank for sharing it was very detailed thorough and that prepares me for what coukd be if i do . i can know what prep for to be as comfortable as possible thank you with all my heart as my mom would say dont let anyone steal your JOY🦋

[@solitaryesme6417]

When did you start chemo? My daughter has the same breast cancer as you, and she completed her 6th cycle on 9/1 and is scheduled for a double mastectomy on 9/26. She told me at this point, she doesn’t even care about the surgery - as long as the chemo is finished! It was horrifying. Congratulations to you, and I’m sure you will have a healthy future in front of you. ❤

[@ASH-T786]

Wishing your daughter all the best for surgery. I am also undergoing chemo for her2 positive stage 3 I would also go for surgery anytime over the chemo side effects 😔

[@solitaryesme6417]

@@ASH-T786 All the best to you. TCHP chemo is horrible, but effective. Keep pushing through 🫶

[@lilietatakau7645]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. I've just recently completed my 6 cycles as well and can relate to a lot of what you went through. Thanking God for the journey so far. Next phase, prep for surgery. Wishing you complete healing ❤

[@mohdshafidar4066]

My wife is undergoing 5th cycle out of 6 followed by surgery hope u ll share and guide

[@ASH-T786]

Good luck for the surgery I have the same cancer as you stage 3 jus complete round 4 😢😢 every round had nasty side effects for 10 to 12 days. In uk we don't get port I have picc line which is similar to port but in our arm omg painful when i get it cleaned on weekly basis i can't no longer drive as i can't use my hand most days.

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

Love you sweetheart! ❤😊🎉

[@nancyshookedoncrochet526]

Im waiting on a biopsy. I hope its not Cancer. Hope your treatment and surgery goes well. I'm all about the yarn too. I crochet. I tried knitting but haven't been successful at that.

[@1scorpiogem]

made it to the end … diarrhea has been the WORST side effect for me too … and the abdominal cramping and pain that goes with it!

[@lillianbarker4292]

I missed my eyelashes most and they are slow to come back. My nails were fine until the end of my infusion and they are still not normal 6 months after. Check your ears since chemo can cause hearing loss. I had to get hearing aids but I’m 74. Getting my energy back lately has felt magical. You’ll see!

[@christophersandmann]

I watched till the end with a few breaks in between. 🤞

[@vikkizoo1]

❤

[@lillianbarker4292]

I had -and still have some nose sores. I loved juice and hated wine and spicy food. It’s taking a long time after chemo to get my tastebuds back.

[@jenniferoran3494]

💗💗💗💗💗💗💗

[@brendalee6983]

Just about to have my 4th round. Dreadful

[@mohdshafidar4066]

Hi my wife has completed 4 cycles , her2 +ve tmrw is her 5th, hair loss, now she is having back pain too much , b4 this she had mri L4, L5 disc dislocated,

[@Yarnloveturtle]

Watched the whole video. What an act of grace and generosity. May the worst be behind you. 💕🧶🙏🏼

[@lesamitchell3937]

Are you putting numbing cream on the skin over the port 1 hour before infusion?

[@elsyromero5580]

Hi! Good to know that you are doing fine! One question, Herceptin in Canada is injection in your leg or IV? Thanks

[@lillianbarker4292]

How did you manage taking care of your kids during your treatment?

[@SumairaSiddiquiMasood]

I am her2+ and my oncologist suggested pertuzumab trastuzumab + radiotherapy, I have severe inflammation in my breast and wondering if will go away

[@mohdshafidar4066]

We were suggested , phesgo(pertuzumab trastuzumab) docetoxial and carboplatin 4 cycles done out of 6

[@anneherman6745]

🩵🐬

[@user-gt2hr8yk4x]

By "transfusions", I figure you mean infusions? I think you're likely to confuse people rather than inform them.

[@user-gt2hr8yk4x]

transfusion means, specifically, blood. You're confusing people here.

[@sarahstevens5734]

You are correct, she is meaning to say "Infusion". She also acknowledged her mistake and clarified at the 6:53 point in her video, so that she would not confuse anyone. Her talking about her TCHP experience is very informative.

[@user-gt2hr8yk4x]

I don't know anyone that had "multiple" days of one round of chemo. But ok

[@sarahstevens5734]

There are so many variations of chemotherapy administration. I also had TCHP infusions for Triple Positive, stage 3b, breast cancer in 2020-2021. I would agree with her that while a single TCHP infusion round(whether 1st, 2nd, 3rd, ect.)lasts on average 6hrs, the side effects may not begin for a couple days and linger for several days after. For me, the side effects that I experienced: flu-like aches, fatigue, diarrhea, palpitations, blurry vision, loss of appetite (symp. can be different for each patient),would begin two days after infusion day and taper off two weeks later. So if I interpreted it the same way as she does, my round of TCHP was 2 weeks long. She is simply referring to the context of being congratulated for completing a round of chemo at the *end* of her infusion, when she knew in her mind, that this was more the *beginning* of a round for her, since the effects had not even begun yet, would last several days, and then taper off, before she started her *next* round. Hopefully that helps clarify what I believe she is explaining.