The Chemo Club is so excited to get to know you!!! Please introduce yourself (Name, where you’re from) - What was your life like before undergoing chemotherapy?
Melissa Korc – Los Angeles, CA
I was an active runner and training for a half marathon. I was going Pilates and yoga. I would hang out with my nephews and we would often swim and do cannon balls when the weather the was nice.
Bring us along your journey – when were you diagnosed with cancer? What was your initial reaction?
I found a lump in April or May and like many at first didn’t think anything of it. I have dense breast tissue and no family history. I got it checked in July and on August 7, I found out it was cancerous. This is my older brother’s birthday so I remember saying to him sorry for telling you on your birthday. My sister-in-law just fought this in 2020 and now me. I was in shock but also ready to tackle this.
I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. The plan was for 16 rounds, 12 rounds of Paclitaxel, Carboplatin, and the immunotherapy drug, Keytruda. Then 4 rounds of Adriamycin and cyclophosphamide.
What was your first chemotherapy treatment like? What treatment/treatments did you or are currently undergoing?
I began treatment in September with Paclitaxel, Carboplatin, and the immunotherapy drug, Keytruda. I enjoyed chatting with my infusion nurse during the session. I took a short nap. I went name and felt well, but tired. The next day I worked, from home and all was good except a little bit of nausea while I was leading a meeting. That passed and all was good until sometime in the middle of the night when I woke up with a fever. The next morning I felt really bad with the fevers and went back to my doctor. I was checked for infections and bacteria but everything was coming back normal. I was prescribed antibiotics and told this could be a side effect of the chemo. By Sunday, my fevers were further spread apart and while still there, I thought it was going away. On Wednesday, I woke up with a high fever and texted my doctor. It was a chemo session day so I went in to be tested and they decided no chemo, but I would get fluids. While getting fluids and checking my vitals, my temperature was almost 105 and my oxygen was low. I was admitted to the hospital. My oncologist believed it was the Keytruda but wanted me monitored. I spent 2 days there before being given steroids to help the reaction. I was tested for everything and I was in isolation just in case. It was not fun. Once I had the steroids, I was so much better but could not be released on the weekend. I spent 6 days there. My spirit was not broken.
My oncologist and I decided I switch to the 4 rounds of Adriamycin and cyclophosphamide after giving my body some rest. I was done with Keytruda. Then on round 3, I developed an allergic reaction to emend which is the nausea pre-medication. I felt fine though and proceeded with the round of chemo. Two weeks later I finished my last dose of AC. In 2 weeks, I would go back to go Paclitaxel. We decided to start only with Paclitaxel as Carboplatin can cause side effects with fevers. I started with a slow dose after the pre-meds. About 15 minutes of this 2nd round of Paclitaxel, I went to anaphylactic shock. It was awful. It was much more severe than the emend allergic reaction. Both times I had hot ears which alerted me to the issue but this time I was throwing up while my throat was closing. It was awful. I was given an EpiPen and started to get better. I was moved to be observed and able to go home later that day.
My oncologist was taking my case to the tumor board. I needed some tests and more waiting. It was tough. The week felt like forever. The tumor board recommended that I move up the surgery. Get the tumor out of me and then continue with chemo. This way treatment does not delay the surgery as of this point we would be unsure when my treatment would be done. Now the surgery is done and I am recovering well. My oncologist and I meet again soon to know more about my treatment. I will be getting more chemo but I don’t know all the details. Then after those rounds of chemo, I will have radiation.
Who did you turn to as your support system?
I have a large and amazing support system. I have my family. My parents, brother and sister-in-law are all medical professionals which has been great to have along the way. My friends, the ones that live near me and the ones across the country, have all been amazing. My coworkers and colleagues are amazing cheerleaders and have been rockets.
What is something you wished you knew before starting your chemo treatment?
That I had these allergies! I honestly no idea I would have all these allergies. I have no food allergies. I had no idea I would be so allergic to all of these medicines. As someone who is a planner, taking every day by day and adjusting to not planning is something that is needed with this treatment.
Have there been certain side effects that have been worse than others?
I have been on prednisone since my hospital stay in September. I think has helped with my side effects, other than the allergies. I was extreme fatigue, but no nausea and I was able to eat. I am tapering off prednisone and instead using more antihistamines so we will see my next round of chemo goes.
Some days water tasted bad with a metallic taste. My ears felt sticky and full of ear wax often. I had no idea that would happen.
What are tips/tricks you have learned along the way to help with chemo side effects?
Nap when you can. Sleep as much as possible. Make sure you stay hydrated with water and/or electrolytes with whatever taste you can tolerate. Clean your ears but do not go to deep. Be gentle.
Do you recommend any chemo friendly products?
I prefer wearing 100% cotton these days. Something light and cozy.
Any advice for other chemo patients?
One day at a time .
