EC chemo

Hi there, 

so sorry you have to go through chemo, but it is not as bad as it sounds. 

You get your chemo on day 1 of each cycle, if you have picc line, you will still go to hospital for flash each week, plus blood test the week before next round. 

I am on the second week of my 1st ec cycle, it’s not too bad, I do get tired, I do get rest after lunch, but apart of that I do bits and pieces (I had to go on sick leave as I am carer for elderly people,  which I wouldn’t be able to do)

I was sick the first night, then I was taking anti sick tablets, now I am on senna, as had suffer with constipation, I was exhausted when steroids were stopped, but now I take it easy, and is doable 

I know everyone react different, so fingers cross your will have as less side effects as possible

xxx

Thanks for your reply. Did you chose the pic line or is that what they do anyway?Did you start taking anti sickness when you had your first round? Did they give you anti sickness before your chemo? Sorry for the million questions just still not sure how it all works. Heard they give you steroids too I’m absolutely dreading it but I need to do this. How you feeling now? Hope you well it’s awful xxxx

I know how you feel, was the same before, they should give us step by step itinerary:-)

they did picc line, didn’t really have option, it’s ok, took about 2 hours to do it, x ray, and every week need to be flashed, sometime gets uncomfortable, have to cover it every time I have shower as well

On the day of chemo they start with flashing saline, then anti sick and steroid (they last for about 5 days) wait half hour, then chemo meds, one of them is pink, so you wee pink 

then you get goodie back, with steroid for 3 days, injections for white cells for 7 days, antisick tablets just in case you need ( I took those for first week as I was sick first night), then antibiotics for week 2 for mouth I am on it now, but my mouth is ok, then I had to get senna later on, will get it for next cycle straight away as I had constipation

plus you have to watch yourself for possible sepsis, you get card with prescribe antibiotic

it’s a lot, but actual chemo is not too bad, so far I found the whole waiting process before more nerve wracking then actual treatment

My day 5/ 6 was the only days I have completely no energy, but apart of that is ok, I do go to bed early and I have naps after lunch though and not doing anything exhausting though 

I am day 11 since my first chemo and my scalp starting to itch, but I still have hair 

Saying all that, everyone reacts differently

wish you as smooth chemo as possible 

xxx

Hi. 

Read my profile by clicking on my name . I was on EC x6 finished Dec2019 . Point. Is I got thru it and the following Herceptin for HER2 positive . 

At the moment your imagination is making it worse than it is . It's not great and some days it's bloody terrible but on others it's ok . 

Everyone is different so I can't say how you'll be on it , If you start a diary of Side effects from day one of treatment you will see a pattern emerge . For me I was tired out for 2/3 days then after finishing steroids would be a bit flat . Yes I was nauseous but took anti sickness meds for the five days so nothing I couldn't cope with . If you do vomit contact unit they will change meds .

By day 10 I would start to feel better and be able to plan some fun things to do in last week before next treatment. I would go out for short walks from about day 2/3 building up more steps each day . 

There are lots of tricks to do to help you feel better ...Drink plenty of fluids EC dehydrates you for same reason moisturise skin regularly . 

Your unit will have meds for most of the usual SE like mouth ulcers or oral Thrush . 

Believe me when I say you won't get all of the SE and certainly not at the same time that would be plain greedy  

Here is link to chemo thread list of hints that has been shared by others

community.macmillan.org.uk/.../chemo-aids-shopping-list-gathered-from-breast-group-memebrs

Just remember if chemo makes you feel rough it's working .

Thanks Margaret. Tomorrow is fast approaching and I’m getting worried now but I’ve got to do this. Helen xx

Thanks for your message and thanks for helping me clear up bits I’m not sure of. I’ve got to be there for twelve tomorrow so starting to worry more now but it needs to be done thanks Helen xxx

I’ve had 2 x EC. I felt sick the first night but wasn’t....tabs from hospital help. I’ve felt shattered after both, but each day improved. I was told to get out and walk.....I couldn’t do that after the first week. Do what’s ok for you. We all react so differently

Also had a slimy mouth, not thrush.....so salty water mouthwash. Get in early before it starts !

Hi Helen hope it went ok today and wasn't as bad as expected and your resting now . Don't forget to take anti nausea tablets in morning better to prevent than cure .

Listen to your body eat and rest when want to .

Hi yes it wasn’t anywhere near what I feared. The staff on the unit were amazing and talked me through every step they did. I’m home and lying on the bed watching tv and resting. I’ve got anti sickness and steroids to take for next three days so hopefully the anti sickness they have me earlier lasts till the morn. Thankyou for remembering me I really appreciate it. I’ll keep you updated Margaret. You take care xxx