After undergoing a bilateral mastectomy and lymph node clearance I am now ready to start Chemo.
As my cancer was 10cm with 3 lymph nodes affected, ER positive, HER2 negative, with no secondary cancer detected, they are suggesting TAC chemotherapy treatment. I only know people who have undergone FEC treatment and just wondered how the side affects differ. I am told TAC is stronger.
I am only 44 and I was intending on working in between and to continue to attend the gym - is this going to be possible? It would be great to hear from people who have gone through this.
As I am generally fit and healthy, have rarely been ill, don’t take any medication unless absolutely necessary I am very worried about coming out the other side and what the long term affects on my body are going to be. Will I be back as I am now after it all? Will I be able to go on my much loved cycling holidays, ski, golf, etc… or is this thing going to change my life?
They say everyone is different and the Oncologists are being vague in this area - ‘Relatively a good quality of life’ whats that mean???
They have offered the less stronger FEC as an alternative. So am now confused!
Should I take the TAC as they advise and suffer the consequences or should I opt for the FEC with probably less side affects so I can continue life in between. But will this still do the job?
I know only I can decide, but would love some feedback from TAC patients or any other realistic/logical angles. My treatment is more for clearup of any stray sells so would FEC do the trick?
Hi, I’m half way through 4 lots of Docetaxel & Cylophsphamide. I have been luckily with the side effects, bit of Trush & the runs only lasting a few days. It does make you very tired & lethargic for a number of days, by the third week I’m back to normal. I have a friend who had Docetaxel just over a year ago she was back playing tennis last summer. Hope this helps. xxx
Thanks Annegc. Doesn’t sound too bad. You say your ok by the third week but then you’ll have more ? not what I was hoping for. I am very impatient lol and want to get back to work in between and get all this over with as soon as possible. Xxx
Hiya, I had fec t, so three of each. I managed part time work through chemo and some social stuff and getting out. Tac was just different to fec. Both are tough in own way. FEC I felt sicker sooner, but picked up quicker, tac was delayed reaction, and muscles / joints hurt a bit. I decided after my chemo talk to take each cycle as it comes, dont assume you would get all side effects, but just took it easy when I needed to.
Thanks Vic. Your post was positive. As you suggested I will just do what I can. I know it will push it a bit and try and keep going. I’m not one for slobbing for the 18 weeks. Luckily my employers have been great so far, just waiting for the start date so I get on with it. Xxx
