*** August Chemotherapy Discussion 2020 ***

Good morning everyone,

I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer in May this year, had surgery in June and started my cycles of Chemotherapy (FEC-T) 11 days ago.  I have been reading through this forum and ditto what everyone has said in relation to different emotions, different days and taking it one day at a time.  There is so much support on here to get us through, so many tips and interesting questions that helps me to understand that most of the side effects I'm going through are normal.  Thank you all.

I just wanted to check if everyone on the cycle of FEC have been given the 5 day injections after each cycle and has anyone been prescribed antibiotics to take daily throughout the cycle?

Hi FaithDe

I have TNBC too, diagnosed June 20, but I’m having chemo before surgery.  Just completed my second FEC but I have the joy of 7 days of injections.  No antibiotics though. 

Hope you’ve coped ok with your first FEC? 
take care x

Thank you Birdy71, the chemotherapy was definitely the part of the treatment I was least looking forward too.  It hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be.  I had a reaction to the medication I was given to take 5 days after chemo, shivers and high temperature, acid reflux (which seems to be ok at the moment) and I am experiencing lower back pain which I can only describe as Sciatica, this to happen in the evening.  Apart from that I think I have coped well on the first cycle apart from the odd tearful days.  I'm trying to remain positive only 5 more cycles and the radiotherapy.  My surgery was successful all cancer removed and no cancer in the lymph nodes.  Keeping the faith that this adjuvant chemotherapy also has positive results xx

Hi FaithDe I have had one cycle of FEC now day 12 and after an initial tough three days was feeling better. Started the injections and by day 6 was in agony with headache and chest pain and fever. Went into hospital all checked out just side effects but they gave me antibiotics anyway. I don’t get them routinely but have just finished a week’s course. One week off now till round Two. 

I have a HER2 positive BC so will go onto Herceptin/Perjeta/T after round 3

Have a nice Sunday

Kate

Hi GoldenGriller

I do hope you are feeling better now.  I know they say that the injections do cause muscle pain, the only way I can describe this is like labour pains in my lower back.  I have even started timing the spasms a bit like contractions..lol.  I'm just over a week for my next round.  I don't know if anyone can confirm if they increase the cycle dose each time or will it remain the same? 

Hi GoldenGriller

I have been following you with interest re EC .It seems you had your chemo a day before mine and I like you was doing OK apart from a UTI treated with antibiotics from day 3 .On the night of day 5 however it all changed - felt like I was having an allergic reaction to something . My skin had been itchy during the day and then when I was in bed had an awful feeling of doom, vibrating insides and in desperation after a while took a Clarityn .Fortunately after about 40 minutes things calmed down so I could sleep. Didn’t get up to take my temperature as I just needed to stay where I was . I contacted the centre where I have my treatment and told the story and said I really didn’t feel comfortable taking more Filgrastim - I was convinced that was the problem but not been confirmed .Only had 3 and not restarted. Pharmacist wants me to have at least 5 next time but as I have review consultation before next EC I will see if that has changed . 
Now on day 12 ( counting day 1 as chemo day )and still very tired but like you I am feeling much better . 

So far for me it’s been more challenging than Paclitaxel and Herceptin/ Pertuzamab was - and that had its moments!
So let’s see how we get on with the next one GoldenGriller - we can do it!
Best wishes

I had acid reflux on AC but when I mentioned it to the oncologist in my first review, they prescribed something which really helped and it's only very occasionally bothered me since then. So do mention it and see what they can do to help!

I had my first docetaxel (after four rounds of AC) two weeks ago, and I think my nails have started to lift from the bed. How can I help them stay on until new nail has had a chance to grow?

I've been keeping them short, moisturised the nails and base, and had dark nail polish on throughout. My nails coming off was always the biggest squick factor that I'd dreaded, but I'm hoping the reality won't be as bad as my fears?

Thank you m123, It did eventually go about 3 days ago now.  I ended up taking Rennie's, drinking milk and having ginger biscuits.  I have prepared a list ready for my appointment with the consultant so that I can have everything I need the day I leave my 2nd chemo cycle.  Can you remember the name of what they prescribed for you?

Had 5 days of injections and no antibiotics. I have had 4 sessions of EC. Starting 4 sessions of Pax