TLDR: the First round was the worst for me. My symptoms typically started on day 3, the worst subsiding by day 5. I counted on the week after chemo to be my "down week" and I had better recovery each round. I learned to take my nausea meds on a schedule instead of chasing the nausea and it made a huge difference. Ice chips during infusion were a game changer. Acupuncture for dry mouth and neuropathy helped. Scalp cooling was unsuccessful. My WBC ranges were all over, I also had mild anemia. I had one mild, and one severe chemo reactions. Two visits to the ER just for testing and observation. I couldn't finish my last carboplatin infusion due to severe reaction. My breast has been visibly almost normal since round 2.

Round 1: Was the worst for me. My providers shared that typically it gets worse as you go through with each round, so I was atypical in this. During infusion I could feel pain throughout my breast which was oddly satisfying. It only happened the first time. Recovery was rough, The nausea, dry mouth, mouth sore, poor appetite, fatigue were all bad. Constipation and diarrhea both were issues. I was mostly in bed, eating what bites of food I could. I met with dieticians who gave tips on adding calories (like adding olive oil to my bowl of soup, drinking ensure complete) and to up my protein. I had no bone pain, but took Claritin daily (I had neulasta).

I had a supportive care visit week 2 with IV fluids, steroids, zofran about a week after chemo. I started taking my nausea meds (compazine and zofran staggered around the clock and it helped). I also developed a UTI week 2 which they prescribed levaquin which amplified my symptoms, I hated levaquin. No neuropathy (I used suzzipads cold mitts). I tried to walk daily, or every other at least.

I tried paxman scalp cooling also, stopped after round 1, it didn't work for me (black hair texture, I had a few loose cornrows in place and maybe that wasn't a good technique)

Round 2: I had a mild reaction (chest flushing) with docetaxol. They paused and restarted it slowly and I did fine. This round recovery was better because I took my nausea meds (compazine, zofran) pretty much around the clock for 3 or 4 days, regardless of feeling nauseous or not. I still struggled with appetite, but now due mostly to dry mouth and tastebuds being off. I preferred bland foods, but then salted heavily and sauced heavily. Lots of protein rich, calorie dense, and electrolyte drinks helped.

I had a supportive care visit a week out for IV fluids, steroids, and pepcid. I did experience mild neuropathy in the fingers, acupuncture helped tremendously with dry mouth and neuropathy, I did acupuncture about every two weeks. I constantly battled with diarrhea and constipation. Continued with my walking routine daily or every other.

Round 3: I started using ice chips during infusion, and it was a game changer. That plus acupuncture helped my dry mouth tremendously. I could tolerate much more variety of foods, and had less taste buds changes. They were still there but tolerable and I had a regular appetite. I had a thanksgiving plate, and while everything tasted like nothing, none of it was terrible. I had more energy, I actually cooked some of the Thanksgiving meal. I figured out the patterns with my bowel changes and when to have my immodium and senna ready. I was walking more daily. Acupuncture and ice pads also helped keep neuropathy at bay. Neuropathy was a little more noticable this round because my ice pads melted during infusion, but still tolerable.

Round 4: again, recovery better than the last. Still no bone pain, and I was down to taking Claritin (for neulasta) for about 4-5 days instead of 7-10. I was decreasing the amount of compazine took as I realized I hate the way it made me feel. I began embracing my bald head a little more. We had a cold virus in the house, and I had cold symptoms much longer than I normally would have, but none required intervention.

I did have more actual breast pain after this round, and to rule out chest pain I was advised to go to the ED for testing which all came back normal. I had breast imaging at this point also, mainly because I was anxious about it. It showed positive changes, but nothing definitive. My breast was too dense to get useful measurements, but it did show a decrease in affected lymph nodes. I started having "chemopause" symptoms (hot flashes, irritation, mood swings) and my appetite really picked up at this point.

Round 5: As far as symptoms and side effects go, I still had my one week of down time after chemo, but overall I felt more normal, more good days than not. Ice chips, acupuncture, cold mitts, and appropriate use of over the counters at home we're working well. I had my 3 month Echo for herceptin come back normal.

During infusion, I had a severe reaction to carboplatin. Sneezing, itching, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, lethargy, and chest tightness sent me to the ED to rule out cardiac issues. All normal findings in the ER. I did have to refuse Percocet I didn't need, and zofran after I'd already had aloxi so I'm glad I was alert by the time I got there. I was more fatigued this round of course, but still no major issues after the infusion.

Overall I was okay, I started to do Pilates to increase my core strength ahead of surgery, and I started working from home (on my own business at very slow pace). My oncologist did mention again that usually people feel worse towards the end, not better, so this is not typical.

Round 6: Was split into two days, the second day being an attempt at repeating carboplatin with desensitization. I was supposed to get 4 carbo bags, each a higher concentration, last bag being the full dose. Halfway through the 2nd bag I started having lip itching and mild sensation in the throat. I so badly did not want to tell them, and it actually went away after a few minutes. I just wanted this last dose to get in and kill these cancers. I did tell them though, and they stopped the infusion so I did not get my last dose of carboplatin which I am bummed about. I know in my heart it was for the best and I'm trusting my body that I got what I needed. That was today.

My regimen will continue with hopefully herceptin, perjeta every 3 weeks to complete the year. Depending on pathology I may need a different regimen.

Surgery is in a few weeks, I need to make a final decision of removing my healthy breast or not. I have no genetics, no family history, no risk factors. These are supposed to be reassuring but to me they reinforce the randomness of this disease, and I'm leaning towards double. I was pleased to learn that surgery is outpatient, and less restrictions on recovery than I thought. They said the worst part is the drains. I have a couple of drain holders and shirts I plan to use.

The month after surgery I will start radiation. No idea what that will look like yet.

I meet with plastic surgery soon just to find out what options I might have if I choose reconstruction.

I can update and answer questions if any would like. Hope this helps anyone in some way by sharing my experience.