E/C Chemo

Hi EmmPx 

I was treated with 3 cycles of EC followed by 12 weekly infusions of paclitaxel for stage 1 breast cancer 3 years ago. I found that I had exactly the same reaction to EC each time, no better no worse. However, I didn't have any side effects with paclitaxel so hope you'll find it easier too.

Thank you so much. I am really hoping the paclitaxel is slightly easier to manage. I have three little boys so being as poorly as I've felt on the E/C has not been good at all. Just doing the best I can on my better days. 

What side effects have you had? I’ve had one EC so far and have 2 more to go. I had 9 sessions of paclitaxal previous to that and only really suffered with constipation and tingling in hands so you may be ok on that one. 

With EC I’ve had constipation, very painful hemaroids, tiredness and dry mouth. 

Ah sorry to hear that.  The side effects I have experienced are constipation, fatigue, very dry mouth, neuropathy mainly. The fatigue was worse for me with each round. I also have a sore mouth this time which I didnt have up until now. I'm glad you managed paclitaxel okay! 

Hello Latchbrook,

Sorry to jump onto your thread......I'm about to start my first cycle of EC on 03.07... Im absolutely terrified as I don't know what to expect.

I do hope that the pacitaxel is easier for you.

Best wishes!.

Hi Terri86 it isn't my thread but EmmPX, but I'm sure she won't mind.

Everyone reacts differently to chemo so it's difficult to predict how you'll be. As I said in my reply to EmmPx I had 3 cycles of EC followed by 12 weekly infusions of paclitaxel.

I lost my hair on EC but it was beginning to grow back by end of my paclitaxel. I found that my side effects while on EC were exactly the same each cycle. For the first 10 days or so I'd feel a bit under the weather, as if I was coming down with something, but then I'd wake up on day 11 and feel completely normal until I had my next EC.

I did go out for an hours walk most days and I don't know if that made any difference or not. With paclitaxel I had no side effects at all, except for feeling tired on the day of the infusion.

I hope you find it tolerable too.

Anne

Hi Terri. Just wanted to say I hope everything goes ok today with your first treatment xx 

Hi Sparkle498uk,

Good morning I hope that you are well.

Thank you so much for the well wishes.....I'm actually on the way to the hospital now. I hope that everything goes well also....fingers crossed!

Best wishes.