Treatment with epirubicin, cyclophosamide and docetaxel

Hello! As you’ve probably gleaned from the site the treatment can affect us all very differently. This was a good recent thread to read about the side effects;

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/chat-breast-cancer/f/questions-about-diagnosis-and-treatment/233531/has-anyone-had-no-or-few-mild-side-effects-during-and-after-chemotherapy

I was on the same chemo as you are about to embark on and I’ve put my two penny worth on there, happy to answer and questions specifically that you might have. My advice would be to see how it is for you though. If you’re not cold capping you will loose your hair for sure, circa 12 days after your first treatment, that’s what I was told and that’s exactly what happened! Nothing then it started in chunks at which stage I shaved it. I would say get some omeprazole and some loratadine as they helped me with the side effects. Take all the antisickness meds offered, don’t wait until you feel sick. Omeprazole really helped me with the acid which helped with the nausea. The steroids keep you awake. I hope you have a reasonable experience, have a look at that thread, all the best xx 

Thank you Anna 12345, I will definitly look at that link. I have troubles with eating on a daily basis as it is. I don't want to lose any more weight, I weigh 8st 11lb and 5' 5 tall. I'm so glad of your help,

Kind regards

Jackie x

Ok! So I started chemo weighing 8st 10, I’m 5ft 6 and I was the same, I can’t loose anymore weight, I was told I would have to have a prosthetic as I didn’t have enough body weight for anything else. I finished chemo at 10st 8 and have just had a diep reconstruction!!! I grew my own boob!!!  I found I had to eat regularly and often to stave off nausea, often bland foods, not doing my very active school job. It was the biggest surprise to me, apparently it’s very common for BC patients to put on weight!! Now I need to loose a stone, was happy with the first one going on but after that not so much!! Xx

Hi Jacuzzi jack, I am on FEC-T  just completed 3rd session of FEC on friday, that's 3 sessions out of 6 done already, I start docetaxel in 3 weeks. I was feeling fearful at how I would react to treatment once started but everybody is different in how they are with side effects, as previous advice take anti sickness tablets before nausea sets in, I too suffer with bad acid, heartburn so was prescribed lansoprazole - helped a lot.  My bowels suffering ie. constipation so I got stocked up on laxido drinks, senna, suppositories so I'm well prepared.  I'm finding the 3rd round of chemo I've just had has hit me harder than 1st 2, been in bed more days with fatigue, weakness, nausea just generally rubbish.  I'm finding I'm not sleeping very well at night but that could be the steroids as I've just found out from previous reply. I hope all goes well for you and you able to cope. I find this group useful , very good advice.  Stay safe, all the best xx

Thank you so much for your advice.

Thank you Jen, it can be quite scary but i'm just trying to do one day at a time.

Best wishes

Jackie

Hi Jacuzzi Jack

I have had 3 cycles of EC and have now had one of three of doxectaxel. I  find days 4 5 and 6 hard going but I do pick up in the three week in between.

Most days I have at least been able to go out for a walk. I have had cold caps and still have a reasonable head of hair.

Definitely take any help with practicalities that you can and take it one step at a time.

Its not easy but we are lucky there is treatment and things to look for to in the future.  Lots of women the through it and get better.

All the best xx

Hi Bobbiboo, thank you so much for sharing your experience. I feel a bit more reassured now. Hope all goes well for you ,

 Jackie x