I have been where you are. ‘Red Devil’ is not nicknamed that without a good reason. It is severe in every sense of the word and I ended up hospitalised for several weeks but finished my course of treatment though 20% reduced. I am glad I stuck it out and just think of it as one day at a time and each day is a day nearer the end of the treatment. It did what it was meant to do so for that I am very thankful. Just put your faith in God who created you and take a step at a time. Sending you big hugs.
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Hello everyone! I had my first EC yesterday, the name Red Devil sounds frightening before you’ve even begun! I have docetaxal and cyclophosphamide 3 weeks ago but had 2. Severe anaphylactic shocks so yesterday tried the EC. No major reactions. Very bad headache and no appetite. I was really worried about being sick but so far so good but on lots of steroids and anti sickness drugs that help with that. Fingers crossed no sick! Although I have no appetite. Anyway today’s a new day it was sunny an hour ago but at least it’s starting to get brighter outside. We can do this ladies! Big hugs to everyone on here H x
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Morning everyone! I started my first EC on Thursday, I didn’t cold cap. I just wondered how quickly other people started noticing hair loss? Thanks H x
Hi @hc1973
Mine started falling out after about 2 weeks and had to shave it on day 18 as it was just falling out in clumps whenever I touched it and my head was really tender, I was advised to shave it grade 2 which I did, I’m now 9 days since second EC and I have a tiny covering of very fine sparse hair over my head which I’m expecting to fall this week but will wait and see, I’ve still got my eyelashes and eyebrows ( thinner)
I originally had very thick shoulder length hair.
Hope you are feeling ok after your first treatment, 
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Thanks so much for replying @elle16 it’s hard isn’t it as I just keep wondering when it’s going to happen! On a bit of manic steroid rush at the moment but finish them today so expecting to crash a bit tomorrow! I hope you are OK too H xx
I found it really difficult when it kept falling out, it was just everywhere and I found it upsetting and so out of my control so felt I took back a little control once it was off, I used a lint roller on it every day to mop up the bits 
and I’m still trying to get used to it,
I’d ordered a wig but hated it so ordered another which I’m collecting on Thursday 
I had a rough week following 2nd chemo but have been really well last couple of days so hoping I’m on the up until the next one so going to try and make the most of the next couple of weeks 
how are you? Xx
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The evidence shows with EC and D there’s almost 100% hair loss even with cold capping. The benefit is that the follicles will be less damaged and therefore regrowth will be quicker.
Unfortunately the chemo for primary BC is so harsh that your hair doesn’t stand much chance .
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I’m sorry to hear you’re going through this. From what I’ve heard and seen, the side effects of Red Devil chemo can vary from person to person.
Hi
I am currently on AC-T similar to EC-T and am cold capping. I am heading into treatment 6 of 8. I still have a full head. So far I have lost about 30% but you wouldn’t notice it.
Cold cap works differently for everyone and for some it works and others it doesn’t. I would say that even keeping my hair this long has made me feel better. Who knows what will happen over the next few treatments. Paclitaxel or Taxol is meant to be easier than Red Devil however I haven’t seen a slowdown in shedding yet.
One thing to note so many nurses tell you don’t bother cold capping with EC-T or AC-T. Please don’t listen to them and try it as it may work for you.
I’ve had 2 cycles and struggled mainly with constipation and mild nausea. The first few days I struggled with sleep due to the steroids but I try and take them by 1pm which helps. Also had a funny taste in mouth and loss of appetite. I also had a headache from the injections. Also second cycle I had less constipation as was given a reduced dose of anti nausea medication which helped. Again had a headache. Also very fatigued which could be also due to lack of sleep as toddler is waking up at night.
Some folks I know have had things like nausea, fatigue, and hair loss, which can be tough to deal with. It’s also common to feel a bit out of sorts emotionally, which is understandable given what you’re going through. It’s important to talk to your healthcare team about any side effects you’re experiencing so they can help manage them as best as possible. Hang in there, and remember, you’re not alone in this fight.
This is quite normal and power for the course. Can I encourage by saying, yes the hair falls out quickly and eyebrows etc all go but equally as soon as the treatment comes to an end you can see the hair growth returning fast. I finished my treatment towards the end of February last and I have a really good head of hair back again. My friends that went through the same treatment at the same time are the very same. I had paclitaxel and EC. As well as 15 of Radiotherapy. Remember the wee saying: “And it shall come to pass”. It does come and pass and life picks up again. The sun will shine again for you and your hair will grow and be lovely too. I had a heavy head of wavy hair. It is now a heavy head of more curly hair. Very easy managed. Look for the positives.
I wish you all the very best.
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