Fec-T Chemotherapy - which is worse Fec or T

Hi ,

This is a really hard question to answer as everyone has different experiences and it can depend on any other condition you may have as well.  I didn’t do that great on the T part I had Docetaxel, however I tolerated EC well. I didn’t have the F part.

All I can say is a felt rough from day 4/5 to about day 9, literally no energy and I mean exhausted just getting out of bed! Aches and pains, I got hand foot syndrome, which is red hands and feet, blistering and skin peels off, not painful though. I managed to keep my fingernails but lost a few toenails after chemo finished, sounds gross but new nails were pretty much already there.

i also had tingling and very sore fingers and nails. My oncologist told me all about all these side effects and I glad he did as I was more prepared for what was to come. I completely lost my taste, my tastebuds just left me, but came back really soon.

Lots of ppl tolerate T really well, just listen to your body, it is manageable, just tell you care team or oncologist if you have side effects. 
You might feel more tired towards the end of treatment. I was out of breath just walking up the road lol.

Wishing you well and hope SE are kind to you.

Tina x x

T cam be Docetaxel which is usually 3- weekly, or Paclitaxel either 2- weekly or weekly.  The weekly one had the lowest dose effects, but builds up over the weeks.  Do you know what you're having? Docetaxel can cause long- term hair loss in about 10% of women,  so you might consider cold capping if it's that. Xx

I reacted very badly to the EC x 4 and so they agreed it would be better to have the weekly Paclitaxel as the side effects are not quite as severe as with the Docetaxel. I think it is not always offered unless you ask or you don’t tolerate the three weekly as you are obviously there for more visits but you could ask them if it is possible. I still could only take 8 out of the 12 as it was starting to affect my kidneys but they felt it was enough. Best of luck with the rest of treatment. 

Hi, 

Firstly welcome to the community despite not the nicest of places. However the support is here. I have had 3 FEC with one more to go. I have struggled with severe headaches and I too dread the T part . Either way I know it's a road to recovery and hope and pray it is easier than the first part. I sincerely hope you you also have a better time. Please do let me know how you get on and I wish you all the best. 

BB

Xxx

Hi I am having FEC-t I know I am start on Fec but confused what the doses are usually xxx

Hi, sorry you find yourself here but it’s definitely a good place for support and advice. Echoing what others have said, we’re all different so what might be the case for one, might not be for others.

I had EC-T with Docetaxol as the T part. I had very few obvious side effects with EC but did realise (after it finished) that it made me feel very fuggy headed. You know how you feel the day after you’ve had a bad hangover - tired, listless, not the greatest appetite. 

I didn’t get that with D. Had a few droopy days afterwards but I think that was mostly down to the steroids wearing off. I lost my sense of taste from about day 6 to day 10 after the cycle. Lived off sweet stuff because that tasted best! 

My hands and feet took a bit of a battering. If you’re not doing so already, start slathering oil on your finger/toe nails and moisturising your hands and feet. I found Euricin to be good for feet but used anything I had around for hands.

Although I cold capped I still lost some hair while I was on EC. However it started growing back and thickening up while on D.

Wishing you all the best for the rest of your treatment xx

Hello. You are at exactly the same stage as I am and I am also wondering the same having read all about "T". I have had my 3 x FEC. Hospital after every cycle. Sepsis 1st cycle so dose reduced to 80%for 2 and 3 but caught chest infections on both of those so high temperature and hospital. So I too am worried..  my 1st cycle of "T" is Monday at 80% dose. I have been told all the possible side effects  but dreading it. Trying to stay positive. Half way through FEC-T. Nice to see the replies. Hope all goes well for you xxx 

Hi I am fec-t had my first dose last Friday  felt sluggish first couple of days with a headache but then it eased and my energy levels picked back up. Can I ask you diagnosis pls mine was 20mm grade 2 er 8 and pr 7 her2 positive. Best wishes with your treatment xxx