I had my first cycle of FEC 4 weeks ago but as my side effects were so bad my cycle last week was postponed while I had some heart monitoring tests.
I had cycle 2 yesterday and the consultant has changed my treatment to just EC. He explained that there is no evidence to show that EC is less effective than FEC and that some hospitals use one and some the other. But I can’t help but wonder why they would add the ‘F’ if it didn’t improve treatment.
It’s too early to know whether I’ll feel better this cycle but with the FEC I was down and out for 9-10 days with two A&E visits.
Im am ECr too. My hospital dont give the f part. I have asked about it & been told that research shows conclusively the the f part not needed so they dont give it. No idea why some still do am sure must by valid reason.
Im on cycle 4 out of 6 and its been a hard slog. Floored for 2 weeks. Ive wanted to give up at times but by 3rd week been kind of ready to go again.
Sorry I its not better news but I dont want to lie to you & of course we all react differently but be ready to continue the slog.
All hair gone after 2nd despite using cold cap. Nurses tell me this normal for most on EC.
I have just come from oncology yesterday and I am to start on just EC when asked why that regime she ( I think) this is what she said. For my particular cancer grade 3 , clear lymph … ec is no less effective in clinical research studies on the breast cancer, but has much less side effects. I was led to believe that the F part chemo was particularly effective for the node involvement if this is quite significant.
I have just asked my husband who was present if this was also his understanding and he agreed it was his too.
Yes im the same as you Kurup grade 3 but no spread thank goodness so sounds sensible.
re side effects…
Well, ive had the lot & some but l hope you dont… Onc reduced my dose after 2nd cyle due to se but still an epic slog for me.
x
Thanks Caroline and Karup, I am also grade 3 nodes clear so you have reassured me that I’m not getting second best in terms of treatment… pretty much what the oncologist said. Still seems odd that they are as effective though… maybe the doses are different.
Anyway, at the mo I’m exhausted as the huge dose of steroids I had yesterday for chemo at about 4.45pm kept me awake most of the night! Currently working up the energy to get out of bed for some lunch!
I did cold cap for cycle 1 and was going to persevere for cycle 2 despite a lot of hair loss, but in the week between the cancelled cycle and yesterday so much more came out that it really wasn’t worth doing… And it made treatment so much more pleasant without it!
So, (onwards and upwards as they say!) I’ll see how I get on this time, thanks for the warning that it still might be a nightmare, its good to be prepared!
Caroline - good luck for your remaining cycles, do you have to have further treatment afterwards?
Karup - good luck with chemo, I hope your se are minimal. When do you start?
Carmon …I will be having hormone treatment for 5 years following chemo. This is my second brush with bc as was here in 2010. Had WLC .& Radiotherapy back then.
For me the hair loss has been very upsetting. Lost so much by 2nd cycle decided to give up on it as was just taking up way too much energy . Some women manage to keep some hair but not many on EC.
Our hair will grow back in time.
My team tell me that im particularly sensitive to the drugs just unlucky I guess.
Hope you cope really well and get through it as well as you can.
Hi all,
Waiting (Caroline) I have seen/felt the bean bag swimming prosthesis from Nicola Jane in real life and am going to purchase now chemo is over and my PICC will be leaving me soon. It is very tactile, light and reasonably priced at £30 ish. I’ve never been a big gym bunny/swimmer but do enjoy my spa breaks so will be ideal for these weekends away.
A tip i got was to go to a shop selling prosthetics (luckily I live 1/2 hour drive away from Nicola Jane) for a fitting before my NHS fitting which I did and they gave me the name size of one I was happy with. I went to my NHS fitting and tried several not an easy job matching an F cup not a lot on the shelf in an appropriate size and don’t get me started on mastectomy bra choice!!! Anyway decided on one not the Nicola Jane one and tried it for a month but it kept moving around too much so rang my BCN and they ordered the recommended one for me, which fits/stays in place much better and have even worn it in non pocketed bras.
I guess what I’m trying to say is don’t be afraid to try a few different prosthetics
How you getting on. Hope you feeling better this week & the nausea has passed.
im due EC 5 7on Thursday. Been making the most if feeling well. Although have felt much more tired this cycle. Assume its the cumulative effect.
Hopalong … good that you got warning to avoid oils etc… with foob.
Great your scar fading to silver already.
I keep getting asked if ive had or will be having recon & folk seem suprised ive jot gone for it till I tell them what it would involve for me.
Ha ha your making me laugh…
Great your up and about tho & eating well.
Your body must need the calories to recover & you must listen to your body!
It has opposite effect on me I really struggle to eat & drink for the first two weeks as get sore mouth & oral thrush and awful smell & when I do eat get stocking reflux.
Have been getting appetite back by 3rd week & digestion seems to settle by then.
I have tabs for se but then they give me the runs … oh joy … soooo glad nearly done with it!
Hope reflexology nice & relaxing I didnt get to my aromatherapy session as weve had snow again so chaos here this am. Going to re book for my next good week.
Ive been catching up with friends over last few days with tea & lots if cake.
That’s me done with active treatment. At the oncologist tomorrow for tamoxifen. Then off to the hospice for some complementary therapy.
Treat wise am thinking of getting a charm bracelet currently looking at what’s on offer will need 8 (surgery PICC line and 6 chemos.)
Am arranging an afternoon tea and several lunches with friends.
Bet your boys back now & you no time to be bored. Mine are both home, fed & now playing fifa on xbox. Football mad my two!
I not keen on xbox but must say its been a blessing when ive been feeling rotten.
Glad the nausea on its way.
Ive had loads like yours today. Think we so busy just getting on with our lives pre BC that we find it really hard to do nothing.
I keep telling myself (& my boys) that its ok to be bored sometimes & just think things over.
Easier said than done tho…
Blimey… do they think its the chemo making your heat race? Great that been picked up & your getting well looked after. Good Luck with the cardio thingy next week. Think mine races in first few days after chemo infact ive got palpitations now. Yikes…does your hospital check your heat routinely?
Treatment quick & went ok but
feeling down as know whats coming with the SEs. I didnt feel ready for the treatment today as have felt much more tired than usual this cycle. Nurse assured me its the cumulative effect of the chemotherapy.
You seem to be doing so much better on EC. Must be such a relief.
Im finding it a right old slog carmen. Will be so glad when its over.
Oh Carmen i know exactly how you feel I get very down a few days b4 each chemo. … then get mad with myself as should be making the most of my well days. Ive lost count of the times ive bubbled over & said just carnt do this again as feeling so down and wretched.
Hope you bcn sympathetic mine is lovely.
We will get through this you know Carmen as loads of women before us have. Think weve just got to let ourselves cry sometimes & then pick ourselves up as each treatment we have is nearer to blasting the disease out of sight.
Sounds like you had the most horrendous time on fec. At least you not been as bad on EC. Is the next cycle number 3 and which day.?
Its number 5 for me its knocked me for 6 again but hay it will pass.
Hope you feeling better after your walk and hope family being at home over weekend a distraction. If you can get boys off xbox…
It’s good to make plans Carmen, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself.
Week 3 was always my best week, actually felt normal again.
Have a good weekend everyone xx
Wow no anti sickness meds definately progress Carmen. Im still on the emend & onsansetron & feeling yuck but my house facing the right way for the sun & its glorious out there. Sunshine always cheers me up.
Sounds like youve got lots to keep you busy next week Carmen but dont beat your self up about feeling bit down. Think it helps to come to terms with stuff sometimes.
Hope cardio appmt goes ok next wk & probs just a reaction to the F (appropriate) drug.
Archery sounds interesting. Its great that youve got something you all enjoy together. Gets harder as boys get older. Weve all go to the gym. Tho not at the same time & they both play & love foortball. I pretend to like it but thats between me & you lol…
Hopalong hope your recovering well & did u find a fab charm charm bracelet.
I’m jealous - the first sunny weekend and I’m stuck in hospital with infection. This 2nd chemo has been much rougher than the first.
On the afternoon of the chemo(Tuesday) I ended up in bed with a bucket next to me just in case. Hubby was supposed to pick the girls up from nursery but there was absolute carnage with the trains so I ended up going the pickup in my pyjamas, green to the gills and not speaking much. I managed to keep the girls entertained until hubby arrived 1.5hrs later than planned.
By Wednesday morning the antisickness meds had got on top it all and I felt ok’ish until Saturday when I just slept and then the temp started going up. Hence the 2nd night now in hospital with iv antibiotics. Hoping to get out tomorrow and get to enjoy some of the spring air xx
Hope your feeling better Herewego, I had 1 hospital admission. It was on my 1st cycle and didn’t relish it being repeated after every session, but it was a one off
Today is day 22 of cycle 6, ie the official end of chemo. I marked the occasion by opening a packet of Tamoxifen. Have still got my PICC so waiting for District Nurse to give it a final flush, back to oncology unit on Wednesday for bloods and removal. Neutrophils not high enough last week.
I have found a charm bracelet and intend getting it on Thursday, it’s from links of london.
Take care everyone x
Thanks for your kind words Carmen it helps to know you out there.
I’m soooooo tired of feeling rubbish. Just want life back but no idea how going to get from here to there … but will I know eventually.
Think going to speak with onc tomorrow.
Sorry your PICC giving your pain. Maybe better get it checked out?
How did your cardio appointment go ; hoping your arm settled & your pain free
I’m still not feeling great and have been a bit down this week but am sure will pick up over weekend when hubby boys around tis mums day. Hoping my taste/smell returns by then as there’s talk of taking me out ?.
Hope you’ve got something nice planned.
I forced myself outside yesterday for a short walk but turned back because felt so wobbly was scared in case tripped over. ?
Been thinking about the future, getting back to work etc having bit of a melt down about how I will get from here to there. So, I’ve been pro active made an appointment with Haven for some emotional support.