What to Expect During Dose Dense Chemo for Stage 2 Cancer?

What chemo drugs?

Hi Rebecca! Dose dense AC ( doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide) and paclitaxel.

That's what I had for chemo as well. The side effects weren't nearly as bad as I expected. Mainly I was just tired and just kind of felt achy all over like I was getting over the flu or something. They give you so many pre-meds before the actual chemo that really helps control the side effects. If you get feeling too bad, you can always ask them to give you fluids a couple days after chemo and that makes a world of difference. I can't speak to cold capping I didn't do it because my doctor said it was kind of hit or miss. My hair started falling out on the 11th day after my first treatment with A/C at which point I went ahead and shaved my head completely.

Thank you for sharing Monica.

My Dr said the same thing.. it's expensive and he hasn't seen one that worked YET so I didn't use them... Hair started falling out after session 2 of red wave chemo. I am now a year out from my last radiation treatment and my hair has just hit shoulder length.

I tried the cold capping, but it was too uncomfortable for me. Lost almost all my hair, but that’s fine. I just cover my head with a scarf. What I didn’t want was the neuropathy that comes with the taxanes, especially paclitaxel. Do yourself a huge favor and invest in the cold mitts and socks. They’re not expensive, and I think they saved me from neuropathy.

Lori I am stage 2A with 1 positive node. HR+ HERS-. Did you do an oncotype dx test? Did it recommend chemo? My score was a 5 with zero benefit for chemo, I am post menopausal. I am about 2.5 years from surgery and taking letrozole.

Diana, we are similar, I am Stage 2 B with 2+nodes, HR+, HERS Neg. My oncotype test was exactly yours. I’ve had a double mastectomy last month, recovering and waiting to start radiation. Did you have your radiation? I’m supposed to start the same Rx hormone blocker as you after radiation is over.

Diana, I’m almost 67 and will start with letrozole after radiation, how are you doing with this medication?

I was diagnosed with stage 1b. I just finished dose dense. 8 rounds. It was tolerable. I tried the cold cap but I gave up. I was losing my hair and I couldn’t stand wearing it for 4 1/2 hours. You need to wear it one half hour before and and hour after the chemo. It was so uncomfortable for me. I did lose all my hair but it’s now coming back. You can do this. Force yourself to move every day. That helped me. Like a nice walk. And rest when you need. You got this!

Dose dense chemotherapy can feel overwhelming to start, but connecting with others who've walked this path can provide valuable insights and encouragement. Many community members have shared experiences with cold capping and managing quality of life during treatment, so hopefully others will chime in with their perspectives to help guide you through the next few months.