Effects whilst on CMF

Hi
I am about to start CMF this week and will do the cold cap with it, i have been told i am less likely to lose hair on this regime. Please could any of you who have been on this let me know how you did , felt etc. I will be having it on day 1 and 8 and then 2 weeks later for 4 months starting Thursday.
Many thanks

lisa x

Hi Lisa,

I finished E-CMF chemo last month. I did not use the cold cap at all and my hair started to grow back as soon as I started the CMF. Like you I had a day 1 and day 8 dose but then I had a 3 week break.

The CMF tends to be much better tolerated than the Epi and I certainly found this to be the case. The only probs I really had initially was a tummy upset and diarrhoea. I was given tablets to help with this but the best thing that I found was to cut down on my fruit intake and fibre during the initial few days after each session. This completely stopped me getting any bowel troubles!!

To help prevent mouth sores and ulcers it’s important to use an alcohol free mouthwash regularly. Also, I used to suck a calipo ice lolly whilst the treatment was being administered and I never had any mouth probs.

One of the drugs can make you feel a little light headed and woozy when its being given (I won’t tell you which one cause you’ll be looking out for it! LOL). Its not an altogether unpleasant experience but it can catch you a bit off guard if you’re not expecting it! If it happens the best thing to do is just sit back and shut your eyes. It goes as quick as it comes and when you are used to it its actually quite nice!

I hope you find the CMF as ok as I did,

Take care,

Kelly
-x-

Hi Lisa,

Just thought I would let you know that I found CMF so much easier than Epi. So much so that I cannot say I remember any horrible symptoms. Apart from the metallic taste in my mouth which I had throughout chemo, I led a much more normal life on CMF. Epi made me feel sick quite a lot and I was often too tired to get through my day. You will be fine.

Wishing you well.

Regards.

Jeannie

Thanks to you both for your comments. i am starting tommorow so i will let you know how i get on.

many thanks

lisa x

Hi Lisa
Yes, CMF is much kinder than epi, although I struggled with my first cycle, cycle two went like a breeze! I had cold cap with epi - very successful. My unit do not offer cold cap with CMF and I have lost so much hair. I shaved my head last Sunday. If cold cap has been successful with epi for you I would say to continue. I must admit though, it is much easier and quicker not having cold cap and I have come to terms with the Sinead O’connor look!!

All the best Lisa, hope your treatment went okay

Carly x

Hi
yes i did the first one and apart from being quite sick yesterday evening , this morning i went for a 45 mins walk which did me good. and have just felt slightly sicky! So know just on the count down to it finishing and then on to the next stage!
Lisa x

To quote Lisa - this morning i went for a 45 mins walk which did me good

I had E-CMF and found no matter how yuk I felt, after taking the dog for a walk I used to feel so much better when I got back.

But the bit I hated most was that damn steroid injection that goes straight to your bum and stings like mad!!!

Lisa26 - beware the dreaded constipation and piles with CMF! - see earlier ‘Piles’ threads. Seems to be a common problem and it hit my wife badly but this forum helped enormously - thank you girls

*** lactulose, sennakot and movicol - the combo does the trick - keeping things moving ***

BTW is there a glossary of terms anywhere? - I’ve worked most of them out, but what is NS?