Hi Sarah, thanks for the reply. So I’m having 3 cycles of EC followed by 9 weeks of Paclitaxel (every week).
One doubt I have is: can I cope with the lack of calories on my petite frame when the oncologist has said to try and eat as the calories are needed. Its a difficult one as I want to everything I can to mitigate the side effects.
I will also be cold capping and hope that I can least keep some of my hair! XX
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bcn has got you 
ask away on here, everyone will reach out there’s the ask the nurse section, you can ring the number and speak to a nurse, the someone like me option too you should have a rapid response card/number from your team you ring that during chemo if you need to check with them about raised temperature or anything like if your antisickness meds don’t work, don’t struggle through thinking oh this is chemo, they will tweak your meds if they need to:heart: get a thermometer so you can keep eye on temperature during chemo, get your teeth checked before starting tell your dentist your starting chemo they will fit you in get done senokot the steroids can block you up (sorry if tmi) but you need to be prepared tick them off one at a time, stay focused, any wobbles (and nearly all of us have) then that’s where bcn and everyone here’s got you 
Shi xx
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Yes I’m a bit worried too so will be keeping a close eye. Presumably though, when people are nauseous and sick, they also lose weight? Or just dont feel like eating? I will probably play it week by week. Are you her2 positive?
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Hi ladies. Just popping by to offer my experience.
I’ve just emerged from my downtime after the 2nd of my 3 weekly EC.
I didn’t fast beforehand. Just made sure to drink lots of water. As soon as the drug started to go in I had horrible taste and smell which stayed with me and gradually faded after 10 days.
Nausea wasn’t an issue. I stuck rigidly to all the meds unstructed. I didn’t have much appetite after. Kept meals light. I haven’t used any of the just in case nausea meds, only the must use ones. Bought some salty crackers and nibble 1 occasionally to ease taste buds.
I had to inject for 5 days to boost immunity. I did this 1st thing in the morning. Afternoon of 1st jab I felt really tired so had a nap. Around 7pm my glands were swollen and I felt very tender from neck to waist. This lasted about 2 days before easing. Paracetamol and rest. This happened both times.
I drink lots of water after treatment, to wash away taste as much as anything, but also everything else tastes horrible.
I got sore mouth and ulcers after 1st dose, so I swilled with salt water several times a day. Onc gave me mouth drops for 2nd dose.
It definitely is another step into the unknown, but we’re getting good at that.
I hope I’ve helped to give an idea of what to expect, but of course we don’t all react the same.
Good luck and best wishes x
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Hi Alex
I got very lucky with a local recommendation for a lovely lady who was able to come to my house with a selection if wigs to try. She only covers the South East, so don’t know how helpful that will be, but Panache Wigs was the name of the company just in case!
The rush sounds overwhelming, sorry you’re having to deal with that. Even with a longer lead in, I’ve still found I’ve needed to do a lot of my own reading. Shi’s top tips have been amazing (thank you!) and I’ve found a book called Guide to Breast Cancer by Trish Greenhalgh and Liz O’Riordan (both Doctors who had breast cancer) really helpful and full of practical advice.
Mx
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Finally found the courage to join. I find out tomorrow when my first chemo session starts and am absolutely terrified, from being told after surgery to remove 2 large cancers as well as lymph nodes that i would be having radiotherapy and hormone treatment to now having chemotherapy, am devastated just the thought of being sick (when am currently feeling fine) the thought of losing my hair, the thought of everyone knowing what your going though once you lose your hair(even though will ask to try cold cap but havent heard much positive about this) the actual thought of the unknown is absolutely terrifying me. Also am in process of fostering my grandchildren who are only small one being 5mths, the thought of bow will i be able to cope and the guilt im feeling over this is just unreal.
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Hi everyone
I know we’ll all have different experiences and I’m only one week in, but just wanted to add to isitreallyme and gerry22’s posts to say that so far my EC experience has been manageable. I was sick the evening of treatment, but otherwise the steroids and anti-sickness worked well (I didn’t need the extras they gave me) and main side effects have been a very flushed face from steroids and constipation (i waited too long to ask my team about this and ended up in A&E on Saturday for them to check nothing more serious - it wasn’t, but a good lesson in not being scared to check things with your nurses).
I’ve drunk loads of water throughout too, been using the chlorohexadine mouthwash from the start, ate very little and often for days 2 to 4 and then appetite quickly returned. Also did the five days of injections - did mine about 6.30pm and so far no pain etc.
Have found the hardest thing the anxiety around all the side effects they have to warn you about and the infection risks, but trying to just deal with what’s actually happening day to day.
Wishing everyone for luck for this week x
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Welcome to the forum gems2 , glad you’ve found the courage to post . Have you spoken to the people overseeing the fostering arrangement about support during your chemo , they may be able offer some funded childcare or similar support to take the pressure off a little ?
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Hi Gems, It’s a tough road but we are stronger than we know. One day at a time. I was also told I would just need radiotherapy for 5 days but after first surgery, it changed quite drastically. It seems quite common as they dont know what they are dealing with until it’s under a microscope. My treatment is now 3 years… but will be on my mind forever I guess. Have you got a good network of family and friends? Also people who have been through this can really relate. I wish you the best but it’s terrifying isn’t it? All the unknowns and what ifs. Take care and I’m glad you found the courage to join
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Hi hope I’m posting in the right bit, haven’t used this forum before. Had my first EC 4 days ago and so far side effects have not been too bad. I’m mostly struggling with a fuzzy head and feeling a bit dizzy - does anyone have any tips for this?
Thanks for the helpful info about wigs I haven’t heard about a voucher yet but will ask. Am trying the cold cap but want to get prepared. Feels like a lot but am also relieved to have done one now and not waiting anymore.
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Chica1 yes you have posted in weight but sorry you find yourself here, bcn and everyone is here Shi xx
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Hi Chica1
Glad to hear side effects haven’t been too bad…long may it continue! I’m on day 10 after my first EC now…I think I’ve only had the dizzyness connected to nausea, when a I found a couple of dry crackers between meals just helped settle me and make me feel more balanced. Hope you find something as simple to offer a bit of relief…seems like just a lot of trial and error for this first round at least!
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Hi to all the January starters, thought I’d join the gang as I’m now 3 days in after my first treatment. I’m starting on 12 weeks Paclitaxel followed by 8 weeks EC. Followed by surgery. Sooooo relieved to have started after waiting 8 weeks to get tested and have a treatment plan. What a hellish wait that was, worst Christmas ever.
Main issue so far tiredness and constipation. If you’ve had constipation have you been given anything for it? I’m drinking loads of water and it is easier today. Tips gratefully received, I’d like a bit of relief before my next treatment!!!
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Hi, I am due to start EC on 15th, Monday. Er+, HER-. I’m apprehensive but trying to see it as a positive thing. I had single mastectomy in November. I haven’t been given much information about what to expect on the day. Any suggestions of what to take with me?
So glad BCN gives us this chance to share and help each other
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Hi Crochetlulu, as I wanted to cold cap I took a blanket to wrap up in, so glad I did. I found the cold cap ok after the first 15 mins or so. Also wore warm socks.
Take some of your own water, others advised me to drink lots during the day. I’ve also carried on drinking lots over the last few days and haven’t had any nausea or sickness yet. Plus some snacks, I ended up being there for over 4 hours.
It’s awkward going to the toilet with one hand so I wore elastic joggers to make it easier. I had to go to the toilet quite a few times!!
My treatment had antihistamine and alcohol in it, so I actually felt quite relaxed and pleasantly drunk, which made it more tolerable.
Hope your first treatment goes well x
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Hi mks1282 just wanted to say I’m on the same regime as you. I had my final EC 2nd January. 4th cycle. Paclitaxol starts next Monday.
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Hi jakifromaccy
I haven’t come across many people on this regime yet, so great to hear from you (although obviously would prefer neither of us to have to be!)
Wishing you all the best for Monday - hope the first round with the paclitaxol goes okay for you. I’ve been wondering about how different it will be from the EC so would be very interested to hear how it goes.
Hi little_owl
Sorry to hear you have had the constipation issue…I had the same problem and subsequently was told by my nurse that i should have called them on day 3 for some advice and treatment, so might be worth giving your team a call if you’re still dealing with this. Mine eventually resolved itself with water and diet, but at my pre chemo today was advised to buy some movicol and start taking it as soon as I have my next treatment.
Hope you get some relief soon.
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Day ten today since my EC chemo! This is the first day I feel human again each cycle. Otherwise each round has been bad but bareable I guess. My side affects have been constant nausea, steroid face rash day 3, achy neck shoulders day4, due to Filgrastim injection I believe. Yucky mouth taste and sensitive to odours too. Hate the mouthwash but it helps a lot! Lower back pain and top of legs pain after 7 days of Filgrastim tummy injections each cycle. Had blurry Vision on one day cycle 2 and hemorroids blood for a couple of days cycle 3. Just had a bloated tummy for a couple of days which has been uncomfortable. I will be mentioning that to chemo nurse tomorrow when I have my bloods taken ready for Paclitaxol on Monday. Thanks for your well wishes I’m nervous as I have to take 10 steroids at midnight on Sunday then another 10 at 6am before my chemo. Sounds alittle scary don’t you think? For EC I just had to take 4 steroids on the day. Are you doing the scalp cooling? I still have most of my hair after 4 cycles.
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Thanks so much for this, I’ll get some in ready. Did you order online from somewhere, or get from a shop or chemist?
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