hi i have had three fec. no 3 was worst i was very sick. in beginning i was told to go for 6 but could stop after 4 and be allowed herceptin. i feel i want to stop now i am a coward i hate the thought of going to hospital pumpimgthis into me to makeme ill for a week. any advice honest please. chemo was my choice in first place to have it as i was borderline and only gained 2 percent more chance bu having it. oncologist today said happy if i want to stop. so why did she want me to have 6… i forgot to ask this. my history. is lumpectomy snb clear. cancer spots in margin so mastectomy and reconstruction imm no rads. 4 or 6 fec herceptin then tamoxifen. thanks still worrried
julie
hi julie
my fec no 2 made me really sick with a full blown migriane for days so they reduced the dose for 3 and 4 - perhaps this might be an option - better in my view than cancelling it
good luck
FizBix xxxxxx
Julie
First of all you are not a coward.
What a dilemma you are in. Will you still be able to have herceptin if you stop at 3? If not then this might be the crucial deciding factor for you. In statistical terms there is probably no or very little difference between having 4 or 6.
I’m in a different place to you but recently I decided to have a reduced dose of the chemo I was on (carboplatin and gemzar…was supposed to have gemzar on Day 8 as well as Day 1 but after 2 cycles felt I couldn’t bear the continuous exhaustion so stopped it and compromised).
Only you can decide…sometimes it is right for us to take a lesser treatment in order to feel better.
As I said you are not a coward. I do think though that we all respond differently to side effects (and indeed get differently intense side effects) and some of us are more stoical than others around physical discomfort. Speaking for myself I know I am at the wimp end of stoicism as far as any physical illness is concerned…this isn’t to make a negative judgement of myself…I just think its an accurate description. But I also think it can be as ‘brave’ to cut down tretament as to take more
very best wishes whatever you decide.
Jane
Hi Julie
I have been in your position. I had WLE with clear nodes and small lump and was borderline for chemo . I decided to have it and was supposed to have 4 FEC and 4 taxol. FEC made me SO ill that I stopped after 3 and my onc said " it wouldn’t make much difference. I then had 4 taxol which compared to FEC was a breeze. Why dont you ask if you could have taxol for your last 3 or if not I would stop after 4. I know physically and mentally I could not have stood another FEC.
Good Luck
love Alise x
hi julie,
I started suffering secere anxiety attacks after my 4th FEC…It was discussed with 2 Onc., BCN and GP…Onc., told me I had been borderline chemo., and that I’d been down as zero chemo’ as I was so negative/scared about having it…I did stop at my 4th…wasn’t an easy decision but was discussed in depth.
Your definetly not a coward, only you can make this decision…discuss it with all medics you can… talk to your family…as has been mentioned maybe they could reduce the dose c to see if that helps.
What janeRA has said are very wise words and make a lot of sense…[as she always does].
A very difficult decision, I know, I’ve been there…remember you have to be able to live with whatever decision you make.
karen x
Hi Julie,
Why not phone your onc with a list of the questions you forgot to ask? She may not be there when you first ring so her sec might be able to book a phone call. I should think that having all your questions answered will help a lot in making a decision you will be comfortable in the weeks and months to come.
I don’t think you’re a wimp at all. Like you I’m wondering what the fec posessed me…and my ‘gain’ was 4%! I was really sicky after FEC 3 and getting the cannula to work was a bit of a palaver (made me sweat a bit!) so I’m madly trying to convince my self it was just a blip.
I can’t remember if you’re still at work? If you are, then maybe you could either be signed off for the rest of the course, if it helps, or make arrangements to work shorter hours so you don’t get so tired. At the end of the day, if you’re working, your employer should be grateful for whatever they get!
Julie
Sorry it is so horrible for you honey. Just to say that I have seen lots of people on here hit that"LOW" about number three or four and then the following chemos are not so bad…I felt after number three EC as if I wanted to jump off a cliff and I couldnt possibly go on and have another three chemos. However, I did number four and it was fine and have now done number five and it is even easier…so my “advice” is have a chat with your onc about what difference there is between 4 and 6 treatments. You could always go with number four and see how you feel then, knowing that you could then stop?
Good luck
Louise x
HI Julie
I didn’t have FEC but AC and I was really ill from the 3rd one that I dreaded it coming round. By the end I was vomitting for about 4 days non stop and then no energy for about 10 days. I would just be recovering and then have another dose. It made me anxious and I actually cried my heart out and vomited within 5 mins of having my last one it got that bad. I had 6 in total and by number 5 wanted to stop. I hope this doesn’t offend anyone but I had all six because if the cancer came back in the future, I didn’t want to have to wonder whether it was because I stopped the treatment early and regret it. You need to speak to the Consultant as its a big decision to make.
I then had Taxotere which was not as bad I was so scared of being sick that they gave me an expensive anti-sickness pill along with the normal ones which you take 1 hour before chemo and it was brill. Sorry can’t remember what it was called but it was in a card in a pack of 2. Can’t you ask your consultant for a stronger anti-sickness tablet or injection. Just remember, you only have 2 to go and then its another chapter out of the way.
Take care and best of luck.
Mandyxx
Hello Julie
Sorry you’re having such a hard time with the FEC. I’ve had 2 FEC with 4 to go so I know what you’re feeling. If it’s the nausea and sickness that’s getting to you why don’t you discuss the drugs you’re having with the Doc. I was sick on day 4 after the first FEC so rang the ward and the doctor advised more Ondansetron which my husband collected. That was the only drug that really worked for me so the next time I said I would need it up to day 6. In between I had Metoclopramide but it didn’t stop the nausea in the same way.
Before you finally decide to stop the FEC have a good discussion with your oncologist/doctors to make sure that you are being the right drugs that work for you. These days there are drugs that work so you need to get the best combination.
All the best and I sincerely hope that things work out for you. xx
Hi Julie. I really feel for you. I have just finished 6 of 6 FEC and I am exhausted. For me number 4 was probably the worst, days spent lying in bed just staring out the window feeling soooo ill. Couln’t bring myself to watch tv, read a book or even get up for a shower. Luckily I wasn’t sick but felt very poorly. The anti sickness drugs worked very well for me so I was lucky. I would echo what has already been said tho & ask if you can try the next one on a reduced dose then if thats no better knock it on the head. I think any % no matter how small is worth going for unless it makes you too sick to cope. But you should definately discuss it with your ONC.
I wish you all the best, whatever your decision. xxxx
Hello Julie,
I confirm what LadyChatterbox says. For me too being able to get through after the 4th fec was easier. Also after the third I could only think I can’t stand going through the same again, the “oh your half way through comments” only devestated me. However after the 4th I did begin to feel that I was getting through. On 26th I have my 6th and final. I dread it .
I too had my chemo reduced because of the side effects.
After this I have rads and herceptin.
The reason I have carried on is because I am more frightened of the unknown than the now. I don’t want one day to think I wish I had given myself the extra % chance. Carrying on is my ‘cowardice’.
Please do make sure that you discuss and question until you are sure that your decision is right for you now and in the future.
I wish you well
Margaret
HI ALL
i have still been feeling rough and dose no 4 due Thurs. I am sorry for delay on replying but i have tried on a few occasions and written lots then its disappeared so i am going to do shorter and a couple of replies.
Thank you to everyone for advice and i am pleased no one has said don’t stop. All replies have helped me no end. I know its down to me and i am guided by my oncologist at all times she knows best. This site is so good for q like this as get a varied opinion and its gt people take time to read and even more time to reply. It also gives you ideas on what to ask etc all this info that you cant get from bc nurses etc.
Thank you all again and hope you are all doing well in your own ways.
A lovely sunny day here in bedfordshire so must plod on strip beds etc get up to date ready for the low at weekend.
xxxx julie xxxxxxxxx
Hi part two.
In reply to Jane ra. i can have herceptin as long as i do 4 chemos. My 4th is thurs.I hope your treatment is going ok.Thank you for saying its brave to stop, i hadnt thought of it like that.
In reply to Alise. Your advise was helpful and i think you ae right your body knows when it cant go on. Deep down i know i need to stop now i am just convincing myself if all goes well i can do another one. My veins are also suffering so if i had a break before herceptin started it woudl do them good as well as i dont want a line put in.
In reply to karen
I think you are brave as well stopping at no 4. Were there any objections from the experts… Have you got to have any other treatment. My oncologist said happy for me to stop and she wont loose any sleep over me as i was so borderline in first place. My family have hd enough of me being ill…my daughter is 6 months pregnant and would like me fit and healthy again.
Hope i have replied right to you as i didnt expect so many kind and helpfull replies…If i have got muddled i blame it on chemo effecting brain.
have good day.
xx juliex
Hi part three
i don’t believe it i had typed no 3 all out do spell check and it disappears so now got to start again. i know i am no good on computers but does anyone else have this problem.
Hi pinkyann.
we are actually conversing on another thread chemo 20th march and cold cap. thanks for your reply. iwill ask oncologist why she said 6 in the first place it has been bothering me. i didn’t realise you only had a small gain as well in fact double mine. i don’t work. are your exams done now. its sunny here in wootton hows it in Mk. i shall be in touch on other thread. by the way i still have my hair and my periods…
Hi louise. you give me hope, i have no 4 Thursday and meeting oncologist on 6th June to give her my decision so if i fly through this it may be different to what she is expecting.
hi mandy.
i fully understand your reply. i needed to make the what if decision in the beginning. all i keep thinking is my consultant said chemo was over treatment. i was also told by consultant and oncologist that if i had gone to my local hospital in bedford i wouldnt have even been offered it and i wouldn’t have known any different . its amazing what diff hospitals offer. i needed herceptin to also kill the what ifs so that’s why i went for chemo in first place.
hi fiestysister.
Thanks for advice on drugs. my oncologist was sending to pharmacy for my notes so she could order stronger anti sickness drugs. so lets hope they work. she also explained as time goes on with chemo people suffer anxious nausea.
Hi wattsit
well done for doing 6. in the beginning when told 4 or 6 i couldn’t understand why people would want to stop after 4 i do now. i also hope my number 4 isn’t as bad as yours.
Hi margret
good luck for 26rth thinking of you. i do think like you also if i get through this i will give number 5 a go. but deep down i am beginning to think ahead and all what i can do. one good week out of three was bearable and i would rush round but this time i prob only had two good days.
good luck to all thanks again and enjoy this nice day if all having it where ever you are.
xxxxxxx julie xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
hi julie,
hope you managed no.,4…there were no objections from experts to me stopping at 4…and believe me I sought lots of advice/opinions…it was the …‘’ what if I stop at 4 and it comes back…will I wish I’d done the 6? ‘’…‘’ Then I could of done 6 and it might still come back???..I had radiotherapy after and Tamoxifen…which I’m still taking…Never thought of it as being ‘’ brave ‘’ until reading JaneRA’s post.
Hope you’ve managed to make your decision.
karen x
hi all
i just have to say i have had no 4 and at first thought i was ok. putting on brave face stomach etc as i wanted to carry on to stop the what ifs. had it on thurs. my son visited and i was in a dilemma, as i wasnt so ill i said i now have decsision to carry on or not. well the next day told it all and still does. i am useless, tired, fat, sick all the time. i know its time to stop. i cant think how i am going to cope with herceptin. bc nurse said no side effects like chemo but you read on here and it tells a different story. oncoloist told me she wouldnt loose any sleep over me stopping. noone who is close to me or otherwise has told me to carry on. after all i was borderline. my body has been put through hell. thanks for all your support. i have decided now and all i can think about i9s whats next stage of treatment. i havent thought of the what ifs until i come on here or i suppose i meet with onc again.
take care all
julie