Just started Ecp on 14/7. I see most here on fec. My first dose (ec) went well but second has me floored. I also notice people talking about weight loss. I am putting it on +++. Can anyone also explain the chemo test - I was never offered this. My tumor was 2.4 cm - no nodes - stage 3. Neither herceptin nor oestrogen receptive. Chemo will be three 21 day cycles of ec with 9 weekly of p. 5 cycles of radiotherapy and 5 years of tamoxifen thereafter. Long journey - worth it?
Hi Deniseelizabeth,
Great to see you on the forum. To help you with some of your questions and gain the support from other people, who are going through chemo at the same time as you - you may wish to join the July thread.
It is a great place to moan, groan, share and laugh.
I lost weight after chemo 1, but am gaining weight steadily as I move through my cycles. I am on 6 x FEC and have just had treatment number 5.
So do not worry too much about gaining weight, you can lose it again afterwards. You need to be kind to yourself through your active treatment, and if this means spoiling yourself with something specific you fancy, so be it. Try and add as many fruit and veg though.
The chemo test - It is an OncoDX test, which is done in the United States. There are very strict criteria, as who is suitable for this test, as the cost to the NHS is just over £2,000 per test. The guidelines as to who is suitable probably varies between different health authorities. It tends to be done when there is a question of whether the rigours of chemo will benefit the patient enough to make a major difference to their 5/10 year prognosis.
I requested the test and was rejected, but as the Predictor chart, which tends to be used by most oncologist predicted an 8% better outcome of no recurrance, chemo was a no brainer for me.
Hope this has answered your question to a degree. Has your oncologist discussed this particular chart/tool with you yet? If not, you may wish to ask at your next appointment, if you really want to know.
However, it might be easier not to - you are now on your active treatment route and it has to be said that your treatment team really does know best. Trust in them, that they will not subject you to any treatment, which is not necessary. They have the best outcome possible in mind for you.
Hugs
Sue xxx
Sorry for the late response! Thank you so much. I am now in the last cycle if radiotherapy and it had been worth it! Not as bad as I thought this journey would be. Good luck to u xx