Diagnosed with breast cancer & primary lung cancer: Next steps?

Thank you everyone. The latest is that I am considered Stage 3A. Mostly based on size but it scares me because it keeps getting closer to Stage 4. My doctors have all agreed that I will do 4 cycles of Carboplatin & Pem. 7 weeks of radiation at same time. Start both tomorrow. After I will do 3 years of Tagrisso and I guess they’ll address a hormone blocker for the breast cancer. All focus now on the lung. I was unable to arrange for cold capping as the hospitals here aren’t set up for it and I just couldn’t pull it together. My UCD Dr said there’s a big chance I will not lose my hair. My local oncologist disagrees and says it’s likely I will. I know I shouldn’t be so focused on that but I am. I’ve spent hours researching wigs, hats with hair, shampoos that are gentle and might prevent hair loss. My info sheet says use Johnson baby shampoo but my hair stylist said absolutely not. I’m so stressed thinking about tomorrow. On top of this I was just notified of the passing of a friend’s daughter who had Stage 4 and seemed to be doing well with chemo. I am heartbroken for them both. 3A seems so close to Stage 4 but my oncologist said it’s not. I’m sorry to be rambling but I don’t know where else to go with these overwhelming feelings. ❤️❤️

@bdurel, I'm sorry to read about your friend's daughter. It's hard to lose anyone, but right now I'm sure this news hits a little harder for you. Most of us that were diagnosed a while ago have experienced the death of at least one cancer-friend. It's never easy. And it's never fair that a parent should have to face the death of their child, no matter their age.
Each of our cancers are a bit different, and so are our bodies. Your 3A if specific to you. It sounds like you have an oncologist that is focused on your case, and on keeping things in perspective. How did today go? Did you maybe ask one of the nurses what they've seen with hair loss and if they have any other gentle shampoo recommendations?

@lls8000 Thank you so much for your reply. My nurse today said he didn’t know about shampoos but said taking biotin is good for hair. He also said my dose of chemo was going to be a little lower than what was ordered because there is a shortage so it has to be rationed. That was a little concerning. He also asked if I knew Carboplatin often caused tinnitus. I said yes and that I hope it doesn’t happen in my good ear. I also had dry run to set up radiation. Treatments start tomorrow. I’ve been a little worried because my little dog licked my leg after I got home. I hope I didn’t poison her. Then my husband who accompanied me today said he’d like us to use our tickets that expire month end to SoCal to see his kids & grandkids on 29th, 4 days after my next chemo infusion. I said not a good idea for me and suggested he go without me. Clueless.

Today was C1D9 and 6th radiation treatment. I’m still trying to figure out what I can and can’t do. I was nauseous for quite awhile. Crashed hard with muscle pain after the 3 days of Dexamethasone. Dr Gandara @ UCD told me to ask my oncologist to rx 7 days of Dexamethasone next cycle as some do better that way. I had been taking Metamucil and colace while on pain meds from lobectomy but got sloppy and missed a couple days after stopping them but still taking Zofran. So I’m pretty uncomfortable currently. Was doing better but today I felt nauseated again. I also had a friend over and after visiting for a couple hours I started feeling awful. I think I got a little dehydrated. Happened fast. My ankles have been swelling last couple days but I’m too tired to exercise and afraid to go around any groups of people. The radiation nurse only addresses radiation. I don’t see medical oncologist till next infusion. I have hair appt Friday and have no idea what to do regarding my hair. I washed it with vanicream shampoo and it feels awful now. Not sure if Carboplatin and Pemetrexed are going to cause major hair loss.

@bdurel thanks for letting us know how you're doing. it's not an easy path that you're on and you're showing a lot of courage. my cancer center has oncology nurse practioners that help with managing chemo side effects. if your clinic in Redding doesn't have those, I imagine UC Davis does. as far as your hair, I would do what will be the least worst emotionally for you: ordering a wig to have on hand just in case, going with a shorter style for now. I've just cut my hair into a short shag style to try to work with what is left, so I get it. sending you lots of hugs.