Hi there. I'm new to the forum. Please be gentle. 😁 I had breast cancer in 2016 and in 2019 was diagnosed with secondary cancer, which had spread to my lungs and spine. I had not experienced any breathing issues until about seven weeks ago and so my CT scan was brought forward to December 2020. The scan has shown progression of the lung cancer and some very small signs in my liver that could be cancer. I have been offered two possible treatments - Capecitabine or EC. EC fills me with complete dread, so I am considering Capecitabine as I have been told it is kinder on the body. My question is about the side-effects. Can anyone tell me what side-effects they have experienced on this drug and how it has affected their quality of life or how they managed them? For me personally, "LIFE" is about the quality of life and not simply about staying alive, so to understand the potential side-effects and possible management of them is very important in my decision making. Something that may not be related but is of some concern to me, is that I sustained a trauma to my right arm also about seven weeks ago (large bruise to the back of my upper arm). This is the side of my breast cancer and lymph node removal. As a result of the trauma my arm has been constantly swollen and this has lead me to wondered if I might have a pulmonary embolism as my breathing issues and chest pains only started around this time. At the suggestion of my consultation with a 111 clinician on Saturday, I went to A and E to investigate this. I am awaiting a CT scan to rule this out but in the Dr's opinion I don't have a PE despite my D-dimer test registering 584. This does still worry me somewhat as I know that having breast cancer puts you at greater risk of clots. However, my main concern is the decision I have to make very shortly about my treatment options. Thank you to anyone who can share their knowledge and experience here. It would be most gratefully received. Battle-on
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