Hi ladies.
I had my first FEC treatment 20 days ago, my next one is this Friday - 19th March. I’m going to get my bloods done this afternoon but I won’t be seeing my onc.
I know it sounds ridiculous to be worried that I haven’t lost my hair, but I am concerned that it means that the chemo isn’t working. Am I just being paranoid?
Sue xx
hi,i lost my hair after the second one.not all at once,just like finding a pile on my pillow on a morning or washing it.im sure the fec is working for you.take care.xx
Hi Sue,
I’m sure the FEC is working, but if you’re worried speak to your BC nurse, or the nurses when you go in on Fri.
Mine started on day 17, but it was more apparent after my 2nd treatment.
Take care of you, Jo xoxo
Hi
I too hadn’t lost much hair by the time I went for my 2nd FEC-the nurses seemed quite surprised. A few days after the second one it started to really come out but not all of it so everyone is different. Am sure fec doing its job fine. Have had 3 FEC now and due 1st Tax next week-am dreading that as am expecting to feel worse-any views out there?
Love Janey
It started a few days after the 2nd treatment for me.
I used the cold cap twice, but still lost a lot of hair. So I’ve given that up now. I still have hair after 5th chemo, but I’ve shaved it off as it was distinctly patchy!
Hi janey123
I have just had the last of my 3 Tax, that was after 3FECs. I too was dreading them but I think maybe I was lucky, had the ‘heavy’ legs and aching shoulders and arms (like flu). Then a nose bleed and running nose and eyes. Taste buds were shot too. But so far have got my nails - used lots of hand cream and almond oil on the nails.
Also had cold mittens whilst having the drip. That was bearable, I guess not unlike the cold cap for the head. You can take your hands out and give them a good shake during the treatment when they feel TOOO cold but not too bad and it is only an hour. Still losing hair though.
Good luck with your next 2. Love Pat XXXX
Hi
I had my first chemo (FEC) on 29th january, then the second in at end of Feb and by then my hair was patchy. It had been coming out on the pillow and when my husband washed my hair over the bath he said it was coming off in his hand but I couldn’t see because I wear contacts!
He washed my hair because I had just had a Portocath put in and was not to have a shower for a week.
I eventually had my hair shaved off at my hairdressers as my hair was patchy and looked awful and I feel so much better with no hair apart from a sprinkling of 1mm soft spikes - its so much easier.
I have my third FEC this Friday 19th March and then it will be the Taxotere which I am really really worried about simply because the FEC has not affected at all really apart from the hair and three to four days of nausea and not eating.
Ask your BCN about your hair but I am sure it will be fine. I didn’t think I’d still have my splattering of 1mm spikes and I still have.
xxxxx
Flossie No you are not paranoid I also felt that my first 3 chemos MM were not working as felt OK not at all ill, bit of poor appetite but that was the same as when I was first diagnosed, No hair loss but not to be expected. Lack of bad SE not an indication of whether Chemo is working. Then had to change to FEC and was told hair loss definite and bone marrow hit worse too.Used cold cap with 1st FEC and also continued GCSF. On Tues23/3 Oncologist v. surprised that my white cells best they have been since on chemo ( expected to be far worse} and only slight hair thinning, he says the next 7 days will tell if it falls out more that will be it.Had 2nd FEC yesterday with v.uncomfotable cold cap. Still have few SE on FEC so far but am assured that this does not mean it is not working. Have 3rd FEC lined uo for 14/4 then
will have to have a MRI scan to dictate way forwards, so far could be TAX but Onc says we may have to 'bale out at that point’as I will have had 6 chemos and go straight to surgery.Having been very averse to chemo I am now hoping that it will have shrunk the lump which is in an awkward position am and hoping that on a small Grade 1 lump this will show some response so not haveing too much in the way of SE is not an indication of chemo working. Hope this helps LOL Libby 2010
Hi Everyone, I’m having Taxotere for secondary breast cancer in my liver. I have to have 18 weekly treatments, 3 weeks on and one week off for good behaviour! I’ve just had my 4th one and so far I haven’t lost any hair. It’s a bit dry looking (but I did have some streaks put in two weeks ago - thought if I’m going to lose it, it may as well be a nice colour!) When I had the initial breast cancer 18 years ago I had chemom, rads etc and never lost any hair then either. My onc did say that because I’m having it weekly I may or may not lose it. Hope everyone is doing well. I’m new to the site and if anyone knows any good tips for getting a decent nights sleep I’ll be happy to hear them. I seem to be sleeping less and less after every session of chemo. Thanks in advance, Dianne x x x