New - starting on Fec-T plus herceptin

[lankylass]

Well I had my PICC line inserted last Friday, had my expander implant pumped up yesterday, have MUGA scan this morning and start FEC tomorrow afternoon! Quite apprehensive but have my chemo kit ready and hoping I get through the first one OK. Have marked all the sessions on my calendar so I can tick them off. Counting down to summer by which time I'll hopefully just be on herceptin and can have my permanent implant operation. 

[Donnaandfamily]

Hi Lankylass

I had the same mind set...wanted to just get on with it........ and believe me the 3 week cycle of chemo comes round so fast

Just a thought I purchased a bath seat (argos) that goes on top of the bath.... this meant I cold sit to shower and if I felt a bit dizzy I could sit down .....and if you can only make it half way you can sit then get out or lean on it to stand up

For the T part .(Docetaxel called Taxotere)..you should start moisturising your hands and feet......now. as it can cause sore hands and feet with cracking......

Good luck xx

[lankylass]

Thank you Donna that is really reassuring. Now I've got my head round it all I just want to get on with it. Which is strange as all along I've been saying 'I'm not having a mastectomy  - oh go on then...', I'm definitely NOT having chemo - righty ho when do I start'.

I think my main anxiety stems from living alone and no family local to help though I do have a good network of friends and neighbours all primed, some have keys, so if I get in a mess there will be someone handy.

Although I did get stuck in the bath the other evening as I couldn't push with my surgery arm to get up, thankfully sorted it out. I was mortified that my male neighbour would have to come in and heave me out. 

I started from the premise that I am going to get every side effect going haha! Then worked backwards. Hair loss I can deal with, have declined cold cap offer. Am getting my hair cut short next week. I have labyrinthitis inner ear disturbance and terrible travel sickness already so I probably will get sick. The rest I will wait and see. Just a bit frightened of some of the side effects that people have been going through. They are so brave, I don't think I could have their resilience. But it will be an adventure (she says optimistically). And I feel lucky to be having the herceptin to zapp the Her2+ as people have had court battles to get it in the past. 

[Donnaandfamily]

Hi Lanylass

I too had FEC-T and herceptin ..now on 14th Herceptin

As you said this journey is yours and your journey will be different to anyone else

If I can offer reassurance........throughout I was able to cook the meals, go shopping ...albeit a little slower. I found at times it felt as though someone had pulled my plug out and the electricity stopped.....

On the FEC ...I would feel under the weather for the first 4-5 days before I felt normal again ( not bad...just exhausted), I found the T a little tougher and it would take about 7 days to recover and feel normal again.

I also had injections to raise white blood count for 7 days each cycle...some ladies have shorter course

I didn't have any problems with the white blood cell injections

The herceptin I have sub cut...and no propblems..... I am also on anastrazole ..so not sure which one gives me some bone ache...but nothing 2 paracetamol doesn't stop

I suffered with indigestion on the T... GP prescribed omeprazole and stopped it straight away

As soon as you have a symptom (like indigestion, sore mouth or constipation etc) get something from your GP

I always spiked a temperature on day 4...frustrating because I had to go and have blood checks..... but nothing ever found...was just obviously my body

I know it is scary....but you will get through it......

I also had zopiclone to help me drift off to sleep...as my mind was always racing......

On the herceptin you will have 3 monthly heart echos.... nothing  to worry about....just like when they use ultrasound for babies etc.....

I hope this helps relieve your anxiety a little

I wish you well

Donna xx

[lankylass]

I had a mastectomy and expander implant 3 weeks ago and am ER- PR- Her+ with 1 sentinel node macromets and no axillary spread.

I start chemo end Feb. 3 cycles of FEC then 3 cycles of Taxotere plus herceptin then just herceptn for 6-12 months. And a PICC line. Permanent implant will be done when all this is over, whenever that is!

As a new girl (well 61 really!), can anyone share their experiences of this specific regime?Or is anyone just about to go through it?

I'm suffering from information overload at the moment with conflicting advice about side effects, tricks and tips etc. I know everyone's different but I really want to get through this with my sanity intact.