Hi Ladies, been reading your threads about your first FEC and it really brings it all back to me (even though I am only 3 down as yet). My first FEC I got a sore throat and mouth, ONCs said to use Corsdyl mouthwash (watered down if need be as its quite strong) or cooled boiled salt water, the salt water really helped, do it every time you eat. I also use Biotene mouthwash (from Boots) which is especially for chemo (and other conditions), its moistens your mouth and is not too harsh. Biotene also do a toothpaste too. I found I didn't get the sore throat on my next cycles of FEC, and never got ulcers, just the dry white tongue with lack of taste and a sort of burning feeling, like I'd drunk/eaten something too hot. Over the days it does lessen and by day 11-12 things were coming back to normal. As for sickness, I had the as and when sickness tablets to take and did take them as I needed, I found eating crackers helped stave the sickness. Sleeplessness is often teh steroids, make sure you don't take any after midday (advised to take them morning and lunch) as this helps with the sleep. That does pass too as you come off of them. Be prepared for an emotional rolllercoaster as you come off them though, thats happened to a few of us but again a couple of days later is goes away. As for tummys and toilets problems, I did get constipation and was advised to take sennokot before bed, it helped, then had a bout of diarrohea but that passed to (exuse the pun!) you can take something for that if its really bad, but see if you can ride it out for a little bit as you may end up getting really constipated. Keep drinking lots and eat prunes for breakfast and lots of fruit. I also take Manuka honey in the morning, its supposed to help with antibacterial properties etc. Not sure if it works but worth a try. Also if you can stomach it, I have been advised to drink carrot juice, beetroot juice and apple juice. Have to day I cant bear beetroot juice but mix carrot and apple together and its quite nice, helps with vitamins and those bloods cells... worth a try too.
I may have mentioned some of this on an earlier thread so please excuse me... chemo head does exist!! Take care, rest up when you need, but do try to have a little stroll, even if its round the garden as I found this really does help, you can go stir crazy with this thing!
Kip xx
