Can anyone help - I'm new

Hi everyone : I was diagnosed on 1/3/13 and have had my first chemo, I’m on dexataxol. I have three of these and then FEC. I have been told that the side effect for FEC are more harsh. Is anyone able to comment please. I am very anxious

Hi jivey,

I have started my chemo the other way around and have started Fec first. I have only had my first one but honestly the side effects are ok! Mainly small niggly things that are easily managed. For eg. Constipation, dry eyes, headache and furry mouth. Of ourse there is the fatigue as well but remember everyone is different so all of these things may not apply to you anyway! I can honestly say it is no where near as bad as I was expecting! Take care and good luck xx

Hi Jivey
Like Jlr, I had 3 FEC first and then 3 Docetaxol/Taxotere. Personally I found the Docetaxol far worse than the FEC. I described it too the doctor as FEC like being run over by a truck and Taxotere like being run over by a tank!!! The fatigue from FEC lasted about a 5-7 days, but with Taxotere I took to my bed for 3-4 days and it took me about 8-10 days to recover. I never suffered any nausea with any of my chemo. With FEC I suffered a bit of constipation but with the Taxotere I went several days not going to the toilet and then ultimately had a few episodes of explosive diarrhoea! But i kind of knew once I’d had the diarrhoea that that was the end of feeling rubbish! Til the next time!!
Good luck with the rest of your tratment
Mandy xx

Hi, I started Fec last wednesday & apart from being sick for a few days & lightheaded up until today, I’m starting to feel better & more positive now treatment has started. Hope you will too x

Hi jivey

Its really normal to be anxious.

I had 3 Fec first then 3 Docetaxol. I found Docetaxol to be slightly easier but as Mandy says the recovery time from Docetaxol was longer (due to fatigue more than anything). The reason why I found FEC more difficult was due to feeling sick (although I rarely was!)

With FEC make sure you take the antisickness meds whether you think you need them or not as they work better that way rather than waiting until you feel sick. With Docetaxol I had a lot of symptoms affecting my mouth (swollen gums, taste changes)-I found rinsing with bicarbonate of soda and salt was really helpful.

Strong tasting foods like lemon, mints etc can help. I found sparkling water and ice lollies were good

If you haven’t already make sure you join the March chemo thread as your fellow posters will help you through. The time will pass suprsingly quickly.

Lots of luck

Thank you everyone for your advice. I know I just hatonawanda wait and see how it affects me, ooh I am such a coward! I hope you are all coping well - onwards and upwards xx