I’ve noticed a lot of people, my chemo nurse included saying that the effects are accumulative and that the effects will build up over the course.
I’ve been really lucky so far and as such quite a few people are assuming that I’m going to sail through the lot and are booking dates to come and visit. I’m dealing with that
I just wondered how much the chemo has built up for those of you who’ve finished or are near the end. Did you find the last one twice as bad as the first for example.
I’ve only had 2 and noticed it was slightly worse but not significantly.
Also was one suddenly much worse than the one before or was it gradual.
Did anyone find it actually got easier (wishful I know).
For me the tiredness was significantly worse each time as were the breathlessness and the neuropathy which didnt go away at all after the last one.The aches and pains were never so bad after the first.I had no nausea on tax but did have diarrhoea.After 4xfec and 4xtax and 15 rads[3weeks after]I was poleaxed and it was a few months before I was functioning near normal but we are all different you know.Love Valxx
The thing I have found hardest with chemo is the side effects change from one cycle to another! This time I am not constipated though last time I was, sore mouth this time but not on any other etc. The one thing though I think has been consistent and cumulative - definitely geeting worse is the tiredness. I think it’s because you don’t bounce right back to normal every time so you are starting from a weaker base point.
Hi Angie,
had epi no.3 on Tuesday and side effects came in much quicker. I normally feel fine for 2 days before they start so my timing has changed, will keep you posted as to whether they burn out quicker, but not holding my breath. I would think you would always be ok at the end of the cycle but just watch 10 - 14 when your immune system will be low and don’t wear yourself out too much. Space them out or think of yourself and say no sometimes, whatever suits you not them.
hiya
Ive found no. 2much better and 3rd worse again but I do think I tired myself out beforehand so going to take it easier at work. Changing to TAX next one so really dreading this
xx
I had 4 FEC already. I found 1st ok, 2nd and 3rd bad and 4th not so. I think it has a lot to do with who gives you the chemo and in which order it comes. I don’t know but my 2nd and 3rd was with a nurse that really struggled to find my veins and this really distressed me, maybe that is the reason why it was worse. It is definetely cummulative the tiredness and fatigue. I definetely feel much more not wanting to do anything. I have stopped working at the beginning of the month as I was finding it very hard to concentrate. Have lost my car in the car park, passed through red lights, all sorts!!! Put on loads of weight as well…just to complement.
Had second FEC on Tuesday and felt really crap that night but not so bad these days following just not quite with it, although some would say thats the norm. I musts admit i do find it hard to concentrate and find that really frustrating. think i may have put on a couple of pounds worse luck but I have got a period due next week. Any clues on that one girls will I get it or wont i??? Any advice on that one would be appreciated.
Also are you all managing with your veins I notice some have mentioned a little trouble. The nurse says my veins are not good but I really don’t want any sort of line in. They say they are not good but no one seems to have any trouble finding them so heres hoping.
hi Debs … from what memory I have left … I had a HUGE period - I think it was at FEC 2 or 3 and haven’t had one since … it was like my body had decided it wasn’t giving them up without a fight … it will be interesting to see whether they come back at the end of all this … not fussed either way really … good luck love FB xxx
this is just my experience but I reckon it depends on what regime and dosage you are on… personally I had 6 x FEC my last one was 30th June, each cycle was 3 weeks apart…
the afternoon that I came out of chemo I always felt a bit sickly and would have trouble sleeping just for that night
for the first week I was tired every evening and had to go to bed early even if I hadn’t done much all day. nausea and heartburn for just the first couple of days.
week 2 no nausea or indigestion but still found myself getting tired if I did too much
week 3 felt more or less back to “normal”
then time to start it all again
It was only onm my 6th and final session that my symptoms were stronger and took longer to go away, plus I caught a cold and was snivelling for 2 weeks cos my body couldn’t shake it - so I had that going on at the same time as feeling rubbish from the chemo.
2 weeks after my final chemo I am starting to feel MUCH better, helped by the knowledge that I don’t have to go back there next week (I am having ROOT CANAL next monday, oh joy, but I don’t care its better than chemo)
forgot to say, I get tired easily but then I wake up at the crack of dawn feeling wide awake, I have spoken to a friend at the hospital and she said it was the same for her but she’s back to normal now.
Thanks everyone, it’s interesting to see how we all differ.
I’ve just had 3rd, so am now officially half way and just biding my time. I feel tired and woozy today but I did when I woke up, it’s the stormy weather we have here today. Other than that so far the side effects are normal as per last time.
5 cycles on I’ve found each one different. The last one was intersting-bounced back feeling great after about 36 hours, and it lasted all week. Until the start of last week, when it felt as if I’d ran into a brick wall. I was exhausted beyond belief-pretty much the way I normally feel at the beginning! Sometimes have mouth ulcers, sometimes not-all quite strange, but I’m trying just to go with the flow, and del with problems if and when they arise. I’m also trying to be semsible (not easy…), and not be too ambitious even on days when I feel good.
Hi
epi 3 started earlier but finished at the usual time on day 7. I felt much more in control, knowing what to expect and certainly no more tired than before. However the mouth symptoms were horrendous and ended up being called in to see if my neuts had crashed. They hadn’t and were already up to 1.5 so that was reassuring. I would def agree with the view that other factors are involved.
Dose 1 I was scared silly, they missed the port completely and I got big bubbles of fluid all over my chest so had to use a vein and anxious afterwards too and it was the worst one.
Dose 2 went well, straight into the port first time, left unit on time and less symptoms but more emotional when hair deserted me in handfulls.
Dose 3, they missed the port again, in on second attempt, kept waiting ages, felt a bit ill in there and the symptoms started quickly.
So I would say my health and anxiety level, mainly due to my poor experience with my port are affecting me most. Does anyone feel the same? Hope they get it first go on Tuesday!
Lily x
