EC Chemotherapy

Hi Moffgirl

I'm sorry to hear how much pain you're in at the moment. 

As you haven't had any responses from the other members of this group could I suggest that you post your question in the main breast cancer group which I can see you're a member of. They have a dedicated chemotherapy thread which you could post in. Clicking on the link I've created will take you directly there.

x

Hi Moffgirl, 

I was diagnosed with stage 2b invasive breast cancer in July and I am now in the final phase of radiotherapy. I to had relatively few side effects in chemo cycle 1 and 2, but found cycle 3,4,5 and 6 tricky. I made a strict timetable for medication including painkillers and took the medication whether I needed it or not for the first 10 days of each cycle. I also kept a brief diary so I would know what to expect. I found the pain was easier to manage when I took painkillers at regular intervals. 

Hi ya, im really sorry to hear you are in so much pain.

Call and ask your Onco or Dr what pain relief they can offer you.

The pain i got was mainly in legs....so a massage and warmth helped sooth a little.

Take care xx

Hi Lucy-B

I did go to my oncology department but they just checked for infection. Ive rested for four days and it did get easier. Thank you for your advice.

Moffgirl xx

Ho Lorral

What pain killers did you have, as they haven't given me anything. I've been taking Paracetamol but their not much help. I am really not looking forward to round 4-8 and would like to be prepared in advance.

Thank you

Hi Moffgirl,

I took paracetamol. The first time I experienced the pain I took them when I was in pain and they didn't help at all. I went to my GP who wouldn't give me anything stronger, because it was 'short term' pain. The following cycle I took 8 paracetamol over a 24 hr period 6 hrs apart including during the night  for a week. I started on day 2 after treatment. The pain was much easier to manage and lasted for about 4 days each time. I made a timetable so that I didn't forget (anti sickness, steroids, laxido and paracetamol) and took the medication regardless for a week after each treatment.

Hi Lorral

Thank you so much for you advice. I'm going to try your method as it sound like it works well.

Take care xx

Hi Moffgirl

Some alternate with Paracetamol and Ibuprofen so they can have pain relief every 2 hours - It is safe to take these two as there are no known harmful interactions between these medicines.

Supermarket own brands of Ibuprofen are as good as the much more expensive branded makes 

G n' J

Hi Dreamthief

Thanks for your advice. After the pain I experienced this week, I'm willing to try anything. 

So next stop is to stock up on Ibuprofen and Paracetamol ready for the next round in just over 2 weeks time.

Thanks again

Moffgirl x

Hi Moffgirl

Hopefully they will help; Just stay clear of including Cocodamol as they also contain paracetamol (overdose risk) and Codeine instead of paracetamol should be used only in the short term and in low doses as they can become addictive.

It's all a bit of a pain tbh, G n' J