Hi Deb, No problem jumping in this thread. I felt exactly like you do. I never normally join anything like this but desperation drove me to it. It’s the best thing I’ve done. It’s awful that any of us have to go through this but to know you aren’t on your own does calm you down. I have found that a horlicks before I go to bed does help with the burning sensation in your chest and also eases the stomach pain a little. I also drink hot water with a slice of lemon some honey and a sliver of root ginger. This gets the fluid in and soothes my throat. I have one more week beefore my next Tax and the thought of it makes me shudder. I have a good supply of prune juice and Movicol so I am praying that this time I am more prepared. Good luck with the rest of you treatment. Julie xx
Hi Julie
Thank you for the tip about Horlicks, its 3am (before BC I slept like a log, now I sleep like a newborn - waking every 3 hours!) I have just read your reply and made myself a hot chocolate (no Horlicks in the house… yet!). I have also eaten a slice of Go Cake, which I find really does work. My next Tax is later today, I am having my 4th Herceptin too, so I could really have done with a good nights sleep but oh well I am watching the Oscars instead.
My mouth started getting sore earlier this evening too, my tongue is white and furry and I have a waxy feel inside, so it looks like I have yet another SE to add to the list. I have made a note of meds recommended on here for the different SEs so will be chatting to the nurse at my appt.
One thing I have noticed on the forums is that people mention their GP being involved in their treatment and prescribing different meds - mine has had nothing to do with my treatment (apart from putting me on ADs) since I was diagnosed. I had the impression I was in the hands of the chemo unit/my oncologist/my surgeon and it was nothing really to do with my GP now. Should I be consulting my GP when I have problems do you think? I just assumed the chemo unit would be more “up” on what to prescribe for the various SEs.
Sorry, more questions lol
Thanks again for all your advice, it really has helped.
Debs x
Hi Deb,
During my FEC treatment I coped quite well and didn’t need to go to my GP although he did call me in to see him just for an up date. Since the Tax I’ve seen him twice, first time for the awful constipation and second time for phlebitis. He prescribed penicillin and also gave me some alternative anti sickness as Dom Peridone wasn’t even touching the sides. If you feel bad go and see him, he should be involved in your care. My GP likes to keep up to date with where I am at with the treatment.
Keep your chin up, my treatment is every 3 weeks and I’m in week 3 now and feel human again.
Love Julie
xx
I just want to say that my 1st Tax hit me like a ten tonne truck… and it was my sons 13th bday 4 days after treatment… But Tax 2and 3 were so much easier, not totally unaffected but so much easier. Have a word with you BCN and or onc and give number 2 a go you might be surprised.
good luck x
Hi Ladies
Well, I have just got back from 8 hours in the chemo unit (where’s the yawning smilie when you need it lol). I spoke to the nurse about my chest and stomach pains and how none of the meds are working. She got the on call onc to look at me and I was promptly sent off for an x-ray with the words “we want to make sure there isn’t a hole in your stomach” ringing in my ears - EEK!! An hour later another Dr reviewed the x-ray and came to tell me my stomach is inflamed and I have lots of “faecal matter” (sorry if you are having tea) in my upper abdomen - hence the feeling like my ribs are about to explode! What a relief (if you will pardon the pun) to know what the problem is finally. I had no idea as I have been going very regularly (I make a Go Cake each week and take ducosolate? sodium daily) but Dr said the problem may have been caused by the inflamation of the gut making things difficult to move (I think that’s what he said - I was too busy thinking “constipation???”"). I am glad to finally know what is causing this and that I can help avoid it in future by drinking more and knowing the signs in future. I’ve been sent home with Movicol and have already taken the first dose. I’ll be spending tomorrow within racing distance from the toilet lol.
Thanks again for all your advice and words of comfort
Debs xx
Hi Debs, That’s a relief to find out what was causing your pain. Isn’t it awful though that this ‘treatment’ affects us like this. It does get better though. I’m more or less back to normal. Still a bit tired though but I’m sure that will be ok before Monday.
Thanks Charlotte for your post. It has given me a bit of hope for my next 2 Tax treatments. Fingers crossed.
Julie
xx
Did three FEC & the first TAX. The TAX at 85% dose because of neuropathy concerns. The TAX gifted me with extreme diarrhea and sore stomach, I was flat on my back (treatment thurs) from Friday night to Monday and continuing unwell but less extreme. I was dizzy, extreme fatigue, sore achy hips to toes, seeing black spots and a lot of nausea. Eating only saltines, unable to take in enough water. I could not stand watching tv, net, hard to tolerate even talking or noise. I couldn’t even think… OMG!!! I am taking my next and second last tax tomorrow, I have three 8mg doses of dexamethasone all taken before the treatment and only omprazole and immodium following the treatment. I asked for another two treatments of Dex and was denied. I feel totally unarmed when I know I’m likely to have a replay… I’ve read suggestions for natural remedies but if I can’t swallow them what should I do? I’m at a loss…
Hello, I just finished 3 of tax and am now on fec for 3 more. The tax made my body ache terribly, like being beaten up from the hips down so on bad days I took a lot of Ibuprofen, 800mgs in one dose lasted me almost all day. The aches for me were cumulative and by the third one I was also getting muscle weakness and could only go for brief walks with my dog if I knew there was somewhere to sit diwn. It clears up wuickly enough though and I keep telling myself it’s working, which it is so hurrah! My tumours are almost shrunk to nothingness. The fec is a walk in the park in comparison. Take heart, stay strong and if all else fails, drink a couple of glasses of your favourite tipple! Works for me. 
Love from Nelly. Xx
I couldn’t drink enough water because it tasted so awful. I laced it with lemon juice which made it slightly more palateable. Love from Nelly. Xx