Fec-t treatment

Hi.....I’ve had 3 rounds of FC so far. Like you given an anti sickness tablet (Aprepitant) when I first get there followed by saline drip, after about 30 minutes given steroids and more anti sickness meds. A wee while after that they come and inject the EC then afterwards they run another saline drip. My understanding is the drip is to flush your veins helping to protect them from the chemo.  They then send me home with various anti sickness tablets, steroids and injection that I administer to myself 24 hours later to boost neutrophils/white blood cells. 

In terms of side effects, I feel nauseous for about 5 days and generally tired for a week or so. I have found it a little tougher after 3 cycles but mainly just a lack of energy although feeling really well this week.  I tend to have insomnia for a week as well which I think is linked to the steroids.....the joys!!

Thanks so much for this,it has really helped me.What you have described is exactly what I am going through at the moment.Just had my second fec. My hair has nearly all gone but hey ho,hiding it well with scarves and deciding whether to buy a wig or not. We are going through this at a terrible time ,with the Covid about as well.I go to the hospital twice every 3 weeks once for blood tests and once for the chemo I go  with my masc and hat on lol xxI have to have 4 more cycles of fec but the last 3 is a different drug xx I keep going because  I know a lot of women have survived all this and gone on to live years of happy life after ,so it's so worth it. WIshing you all the best and thanks again,keep in touch xx

Hi Mrs Hope

As mentions above, if the FEC isn't diluted it will wreck your veins long term.

If you are ok with scarves / bandanas, summer hats etc go with that, wigs and warmer summer weather can be a tad uncomfortable for long periods - a lot of ladies find wigs are more hassle than the benefit is worth.

You will probably find by the time of your 2nd (different drug) session if it is Docetaxel or Paclitaxel you will start noticing some head peach fuzz coming  through.

Hugs, G n' J

You are more than welcome.  My hair came out in droves before my 2nd cycle so I ended up shaving it off.  To start with I wore a chemo cap and was lucky enough to have sourced a wig prior to lockdown but the most surprising thing is I have totally embraced being bald. That is a statement I never thought I would ever say!! 

I have one more cycle of EC and then I move onto docetaxol plus herceptin and Perjeta. I will have 4 cycles before surgery and then another 14 cycles of herceptin and Perjeta afterwards.

i keep saying they can throw the kitchen sink at me as long as it means I beat this!!

take care x

Thanks so much,for the advice,yes I did see a lady in a wig at the hospital and she looked good,but another lady who sat by us had her hair and said hers had come out early in treatment but had growed back again and she had a lovely cut of hair xx so this makes perfect sense,thank you.