FEC-T Chemo

Hi Kerry71, there are quite a few threads on this chemo recently (also called EC-T, they don't tend to give you the F any more but they still call it FEC-T).

I finished EC-T in January. I am self employed so worked (at home) throughout all treatment, just taking a few days off after each cycle.

Chemo isn't pleasant but it is doable and although it feels like forever when you're going through it, you're suddenly out the other side and recovering.

I would recommend keeping a diary of symptoms, I found this so useful to look back on to remember what to expect and it's also hand to tell your oncologist what your side effects were so they can help you with them next time.

I had more nausea and lack of appetite with EC and more aches, pains and chills with T. I found T worse but others find it the other way around. 

I overdid it after my 1st cycle and ended up vomiting. Afte that, I just took it really easy for the first 4 days and by day 5 I was feeling a lot better. By day 6 I was working on EC and by day 7 on T. 

You tend to have a bad week, an OK week and a good week, though chemo is cumulative so I did find it tougher to recover quickly the more cycles I had. That is completely normal. 

I took something to read, my phone, some tea bags (I like herbal tea!) & I had a scarf that I could use to throw over me if I got cold. Chemo is refrigerated so is cold going in. I had zoladex injections from cycle 2 so then I had hot flushes too! Being able to put something over me and take it off again was good. Remember, you'll have a cannula in so you won't be able to take any layers off. 

I found the nurses absolutely fantastic, they really look after you. 

Be kind to yourself afterwards but I found that after the first 4 days, going out for walks was really good for me. With EC, I also jogged (very short distance!) from day 10. I wasn't able to do that in T but I did walk every day. 

As I was working from home, I was able to have short naps at lunchtime if needed. 

Good luck with it. You can do it! 

Hi, I had different chemo, but this blog post of mine might still help. I worked throughout with a small amount of time off.

good luck x

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-blogs/b/one-life-live-it/posts/chemo-side-effects---hints-tips

Hi Kerry71

I'm new here too! I had 6 cycles of this type of chemo from October 2020 to the end of Jan this year. It's not a walk in the park, so there's little point in me telling you that it is, but it is definitely do-able, and if I had my time again, I would do it again. It really does work. The nurses will look after you very well when you are having the infusions, and you will be given drugs to help with nausea. Arm yourself with over the counter remedies for tummy upsets such as constipation or diarrhoea, as you may need them at home. Equally, you may not, but it's always best to be prepared as they are both possible side-effects of this particular chemo.

Take water with you for your sessions; staying hydrated is really important. Take something to eat as well; a piece of fruit, a chocolate bar or a small sandwich. You may not need it, but it's always better to have something 'just in case'. Some people read, while having the infusions, others listen to music or watch downloaded programmes. I chatted to the nurses for the first 3 cycles, as they are administering the drugs in differing amounts at this stage, rather than attaching you to a drip and leaving you be which is what happens in cycles 4 to 6. I had my chemo via a PICC line, as the canula in the hand is a slower process and can be very sore. Discuss the options for delivery with your medical team. 

I lost my appetite for a few days each cycle and found coconut water was really helpful (got mine in Tesco). As I said above, you must must stay well hydrated to help your body flush the toxins out of your system, and this helps enormously as at least it has some calorific value, and is easily absorbed by the body. When your appetite starts to come back, my advice is to eat what you fancy, within reason, as it is important to keep well nourished. The nursing team do not want you losing weight during treatment if you can help it, as it weakens your system as a time when it needs back up so to speak.

It can adversely affect your sleep for a few days, particularly if they give you steroids to help with sickness. I found listening to audio books on YouTube was a real blessing because they were easy listening, they're free, and I didn't really have the concentration span to give to actually reading a book. 

You may well lose your hair, but don't despair. It's up to you entirely as to whether you go down the wig route; I didn't, but as my husband is bald, I figured if you can't beat 'em, join 'em! It is now growing back, and I have got an appointment with a hairdresser on Friday to tidy up the edges! I wore hats while I was having treatment, and there are lots of pretty options out there. Use this forum to get ideas whichever way you decide to go.

I also found that in the T (Docetaxel) phase which was cycles 4 to 6, I was prone to break out into a really heavy sweat for a few days after treatment,a bit like I had a temperature only I didn't have all the horrible aches that go with that. I had an electric fan by the bed which was lovely, and has become a permanent fixture.

Keep in touch with friends and family! I used WhatsApp a lot and it was good to get little messages even when I wasn't feeling up to conversations. Really kept my spirits up.

In short Kerry1971, you can do it! You may feel a bit crappy for a few days each cycle, but it does pass, and you will get through it. Keep in touch

Very best wishes

MollyBee x

Hi All. Thank you so much for all your support xx I now have a date which my first session is on 23rd July and it’s quite scary now as it just seems so real  I was due to go to my oncologist on today but they cancelled as all my results wouldn’t be there so it’s now next Friday so just getting a little worried now but at the same time want to get on with it and start this next part of my journey xx does anyone have any tips for hats and head scary as I’m not going to do the wigs as it’s just not me.

thank you

Hi Kerry,

It sounds like we are in the exact same situation. I’m recovering from the second op to clear the nodes after finding 1 cancerous one. I’ve been forward to a trial to check percentage differences etc but the oncologist is pretty certain it’ll be 6 rounds of chemo and then 2 weeks radiotherapy. Which I’m hoping might be complete by Christmas!

Im so sorry your appointment was delayed, waiting and the unknown really is incredibly hard. I’ve been online and ordered a soft ‘hat’ with a scarf thingy attached so I can sort turn into a turban. I like you don’t think I’ll manage the wig thing. I’ve too little ones who’ll probably pull it off! I have heard that it’s best to cut your hair before treatment starts as it can be really uncomfortable, I’ve quite long hair so will do that when date gets confirmed.

 I think you may be a week or two ahead of me in the chemo timeline as they’re talking August but if I get any tips I’ll pass them on. I’m just really worried how I’m going to manage 2 small children and avoid germs etc in the Autumn term. Nursery is literally a germ pit!

Good luck next Friday x

Hi. It seems we are facing the same as I had node clearance too after initial found one was cancerous but the clearance came back clear, and yes I’m also waiting for the trial results but my oncologist was pretty sure it’s chemo, so have geared myself up for that and I’m now ready to beat this xx I will keep you posted on my next appointment which is this Friday. But 18 weeks from start to finish seems forever at the moment, I’m not worried about the actual chemo but really scared of the side effects and mental effects in the long run. I am lucky as my kids are all grown up, if you ever need to chat I’m always here & it’s nice to talk to someone on a similar journey, so sorry you are going through this but if it helps to talk I’m here, and will keep in touch with you xx

Take care & sending a big virtual hug xxx

Thank you Kerry1971. I hope you get a clear plan tomorrow. The trial seems great - I'll avoid chemo if I can but a little bit of me is slightly worried about if it makes the the wrong decision. I feel more positive now too, I think it is the initial shock and then you pick yourself and dust yourself down! I keep being told that side effects vary a lot and some have barely any so I hope that is the case for you (and I) too. 

Virtual hugs right back! xx