Starting EC - what's it like?

Public Archive
1

Hi

I’m starting EC in January and wondering how bad a chemo regime it is? I did FEC back in 2003 and remember it being pretty horrible with wierd taste buds, fatigue, constipation and hairloss, amongst other SE’s. I’m hoping that leaving the F off will mean the side effects are a little less, but is that just wishful thinking?

Linda

2

Hi
I have had 5 of 6 FEC and it hasn’t been too bad. I think that there have been great advancements in drugs to help with nausea and other side effects, plus I think that maybe the treatment is now more streamlined if you know what I mean.My taste buds generally went on their holiday about day 5 to 8 of the cylce, but I havent had a metallic taste. I was given 3 capsules to take for the 3 days after chemo which helped fend off constipation, that and making sure that I had plenty to drink.I have downy hair, lost real hair pretty quickly.
Hope your Ses are minimal
xxx sarah

3

i had 4 ec and 4 tax and ec def. easier s/e inc nausea but was controlled with tablets, had no constipation as took senna, no weird taste, no other s/e except tiredeness and obv hair loss!
good luck with it all

4

Hi BoneyL

I found the EC ok - I had 4 and can echo what Billia has said re the hair loss and sickness. It’s doable but the tireness does build up, but not too bad overall.

Good Luck!

5

Hi - sorry you are having to have to have chemo again. I had 6 EC Nov 09.-Mar 10. and although not a pleasant experience it was a lot better than I had expected from reading about chemo. Did loose hair which was my major trauma. Very little nausea, in fact after first round when I had awful constipation which set off an attack of diverticulitis the ONC reduced my anti-sickness drug by half and I was OK. Think I was lucky,thank God! Had lots of minor se’s but managed by medication. Think things have moved on dramatically since 2003 so hope things will not be as bad for you. Good luck and wishing you a Merry Christmas. Marli x

6

I had my first EC on Tuesday at 12pm. I was sick at 7pm and then every two hours until 4am. I had antisickness and steroids as an infusion during the chemo. I also had tablets to take home with me to be taken at regular intervals.

I have been fine since. But I have to say I am a person who can be sick with one paracetamol.

No other side effects so far.

7

Thanks very much for your replies, I am a bit more re-assured now.

Linda