Hi
I am wondering if anyone has been on the above chemo regime?
From what I can see some of the side effects seem brutal and some seem okay compared a previous regime. I have previously had FEC and somethin I can’t remember the name of.
I know everyone reacts differently but any advice would be gratefully received as I am due to start this on 19th Feb. to
Hi MissGreen - sorry to see you’re returning to chemo - each of our own worst nightmares, so I really do feel for you.
I started chemo in May 17 - 3xEC and then 4x Docetaxol with herceptin and pertuzumab as I’m HER2+.
I’m not going to say D is easy - but it is tolerable! The worse days appear to be days 3-8 - extremely dry mouth/throat and tongue (which for me was the worse part), which commonly leads to oral thrush therefore all food and drink is a struggle. Aching muscles and joints but nothing paracetamol couldn’t deal with. Just get lots of rest and when you feel better - gentle exercise and healthy eating (not too healthy) as this regime also encourages flactulence, acid indigestion and diarrohea - there are meds available from onc which all work wonderfully so don’t panic!
Drink tips - fizzy flavoured water/lemon and ginger tea and peppermint (but not too strong), lemonade.
Rinse with salt water after eating (regularly). Use prescription mouthwashes and cordysil morning and evening.
Food tips; nothing healthy(!) - eat mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, ice cream, fruit pastille lollipops, rice pudding and noodles in the 3-8 day period. Adding in more healthier foods, ie fish pie in the good weeks but be careful of too much fruit and veg!
In all honesty, one of the best parts for me since chemo finished has been returning to good healthy food - fruit and veg have never tasted so great!!!
Also keep a good supply of boiled sweets!
Other recommendations; epsom salts (for bathing) and Udderly Smooth cream with added urea for hands, feet and anywhere else that needs it!
As for the capecitabine tablets - I only know from a fellow patient, who has been through chemo and double mx and is triple neg - she’s been offered these for 6 months as a belt and braces option - she started them on Saturday (so early days) but so far she has no symptoms just a little more tired (but she says that may also be to do with returning to work). She did say the main se’s for these tablets are with hands and feet so the udderley cream is worth investing in!
I wish you well and as you say remember we’re all different - so main advice - listen to your own body, exercise gently but rest lots too even on the good days!
Sorry such a long reply but I hope these words help you and bring comfort to you in the next part of your journey. xxx
Thank you Jay68 for the advice especially around not eating too healthy as I suffer from severe reflux already and don’t want to make the acid worse.
I am sure will refer back to your response over the coming weeks
T
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Thank you x