Hi
I know there are lots of threads on Tax and side affects but feeling so rubbish do not feel like searching. Sorry feeling a bit pathetic. Well I found FEC quite hard with sickness but Tax side effects hit me on day 3, I ache everywhere and I mean everywhere and my mouth and face is sore, I feel like I have lots of little ulcers and I’ve been blowing up ballons. Weird shooting pains everywhere too. Just do not know what to do with myself. Just send hubby off for mouth wash and painkillers. Any tips would be gratefully appreciated and please how long will this last?. All I can manage to do is have a bath which help joint pain. Sorry to moan but I feel so useless the kids are tearing around and having fun and I’m just staring at them unable to talk, although the noise of a 2,3 and 10 year old I do not think they would hear me anyway.
Thanks
B
xx
Hi Bugnut
You are not alone - I’m on day 3 (3rd cycle of 6) at the moment and going downhill fast! I don’t feel like talking either…
I get v depressed, sore mouth, headachey. I sip cold water with a dash of lemon juice to take the foul taste away! Or sugar free sweets. I do my best to get some fresh air , somehow, each day, but it must be diificult for you with three young children.
I’ve been finding the worst is over in about a week (starting on day 3), maybe less. I understand it’s OK to take painkillers if you need them and that your hospital can sort out/advise the best ones for you.
I’d say only do what YOU feel like doing, don’t do ANYTHING you don’t have to, sleep as much as you can. Eat whatever takes your fancy, whenever you want it. Try and drink as much fluid as you can - hard with a swollen tongue, I know.
I have also been advised to brush my teeth with a soft toothbrush and just water after each meal before any little specks of food can grow enough bacteria between your teeth and attack your immune system (and give your thrush, etc) Rinsing your mouth out with a bicarb solution is also supposed to help to prevent this.
Hope this helps - I know just how you feel!
X
S
I can endorse everything Bahons has said.I found that there are two levels of painkillers that worked for me.My GP had to come to the house on first tax and prescribed Voltarol and Co-codamol taken together.My onc agreed then said that if you take paracetamol and ibuprofen together before you have pain so from day3 and take it every 4 hours you can avoid pain altogether.It worked for me and after 2nd tax I had no pain.The worst side effect is probably the extreme fatigue-you cant fight it so make sure the kids are aware.It slowly improves and by the end of each cycle you feel almost normal…in time to start again!The soft toothbrush is a must.You may be able to drink diluted lime cordial with ice and fresh pineapple is good.Remember to take your final dose of steroids before 4pm so they dont keep you awake at night.Do try to get help with the younger kids if you can ,at least for the first week of each cycle.Do you have a partner,a sister or mum who could help you in the daytime?If not maybe look into childcare for some of the time.It is hard but you will do it.Love Valx
Hi Bugnut
Just wanted to let you know that you are far from alone in all your suffering. My 1st TAX was on 12th August and I have had a lot of horrid side effects. Spent 3hrs in hospital today as I have developed 2 anal fissures (tears) and piles, and it was all bleeding and seriously painful. This after all the pains you describe and more, and a temp of 38 which required penicillin and antibiotics. Tax is tough; just think what it’s doing to the cancer cells. Next one on Tues and feeling scared. Onc may not do the 3rd one, but it will be a really tough decision as to whether to insist on it or not.
Had 3 FEC before TAX and lost hair, but now it is starting to grow again, maybe that’s my silver lining.
Hugs and hang in there
Kinden
x
Hello Bugnut
I’ve had 4 out of 8 tax, I think I tolerated the first 3 quite well, but still had all the normal side effects, muscle aches & pains, tiredness, constipation, diarreah, stomach cramps, horrible mouth, runny nose, dry skin, bloatedness and more. Since my 4th tax I’ve been fighting a strong infection as well so have been really down. It did get better after about 10 - 12 days so I had a normal ish week before the next one.
But, I would not want to change my treatment - after 3 chemos my tumour had shrunk by half so I think thats pretty good going. My advice to you is the same as everyone else - do what you feel like doing and rest when you can and it does ease.
Think of the benefits in the end to keep you going and you are one down already, so only 3 to go!
Bon courage
xx
Thanks all, it really helps knowing I’m not alone, not that I like to think of you all suffering aswell, but you know what I mean. Luckily offloaded kids to in laws so peace now, I am really lucky with child care. Will try the lime and pinapple. I keep having baths, not good for the enviroment or electric bill but got enough to worry about.
Kindersurprise. I’m so sorry to hear of your added nightmare, good luck for Tuesday. We will all get through and come out laughing.
Positive thoughts to all.
Hugs
B
xx
Hiya Bugnut,
I know - it can be hell. I got morphine syrup from GP which really helps, although you have to take it every 4 hours (which ruins any idea of a full night’s sleep). It really does make the nights bearable though and I recommend it.
Pineapple is HORRIBLE (I hate it) but FANTASTIC for clearing the mouth - advisable before eating a meal - you may actually taste it if you have a chunk. Apparently there’s some enzyme in it which helps immediately.
Hang in there - you’ll come out laughing (perhaps hysterically though!)
Thinking of you
Sue xx (who has now FINISHED all 4 despite the trauma!)