I would just like to encourage all you ladies who are just starting out on their chemo treatment.
I’ve had 6 taxotere and it has been getting tougher and tougher each time, I have definitely had enough but I may have to face another 2 that depends on results this week.
However, my tumour has shrunk from over 8cms in the beginning (June) to 2.5 cms now - almost a lumpectomy size although I know because I have IBC it will have to be a mastectomy.
So, keep going ladies, you will see results and believe me I haven’t always been positive about things.
Just wanted to say, its good to hear some positive stories and I am really glad to hear that you are sticking with it and seeing positive results despite the side effects.
Just about to start on chemo (6xFEC) as a mop up post mx.
Glad your chemo is doing it’s job. It’s always good to hear the positive stories.
Hi Ostrich, When do you start your FEC? I had my first one of six on 14th Oct and so far so good. No side effects to speak of except a bit of constipation and a raging hunger (caused by steroids apparently). There are two other threads you may want to have a look at, one called ‘first FEC 2nd Oct’ and the other ‘Chemo starts 14th Oct’. They are both positive and very very supportive full of laughter ( and a few tears ) but in the main they are invaluable.
Hope all goes well
best wishes
caz x
Glad things are looking good for you, its nice to have positive stories to read. Hi Ostrich, when do you start your FEC? Had ny first of 6 on 14th Oct and so far so good. No side effects, apart from a bit of constipation and a raging hunger!!! Due to steroids I’m told. There are two great threads you may ant to hook up to one called first FEC 2nd Oct and the other Chemo starts 14th Oct. They are both upbeat and are very very supportive and helpful.
Hi Peacock, thanks for this, I am so happy that taxotere is working for you. I have 4cm tumour and already had my 2nd and so far it is good very little side effects, next Monday having my 3rd FEC and I am very worried it is not shrinking but I guess it is early days , I am told on my 3rd they will do ultrasound and see if any effect on the tumour shrinking. If not working they will give another chemo I guess that maybe taxotere. I am hoping FEC will work and won’t need taxotere. How difference between FEC and taxotere side effects , any advice would be good.
After how many chemo have you seen any canges in the size of the tumour? Mine seems almost same as when I first discovered it no change in the size yet.
I had 4 x EC (like FEC without the F - I don’t know why some people get fluoracil-5 and others don’t), followed by 4 x Tax. the EC shrunk and seemed to harden the tumour initially, then just gave up. But virtually no side effects. Tax was a different story, it worked marvellously on shrinking the tumour, but a range of weird side FX, some of which are only just retreating now, 9 weeks after the last one. But nothing unmanageable. There’s a ton of info on Tax on these forums. Don’t be afraid of it, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.