Hi is anyone on the same plan and how are u getting on with the side effects as im due to start on pac soon and very nervous about allergic reactions and side effects.
Hi CAZGIB10
I had 4 cycles of EC and 4 (12 infusions) of Paclitaxel in 2022. Everyone reacts differently so you won’t know for sure how it is going to be for you from other people’s stories. The one thing I would say is you are highly unlikely to get all the side effects listed in the sheets nor will any side effects you do have last for the whole time. If you keep a treatment diary you will see the patterns and be able to plan around them. On 3-weekly EC you are likely to feel fairly normal for the second half of each cycle. It’s really important to hydrate well - before treatment and on the day of treatment and a day or so afterwards. Try to get some form of fresh air and exercise too, it really helps.
Some people find EC harder than Paclitaxel, others find it the other way round. Some of the challenges are caused by the supporting treatments, for example white blood cell stimulating injections and steroids. If allergic reactions occur it will happen during the infusion and more likely be caused by the suspension than the chemo itself - the Paclitaxel infusion contains ethanol. Your oncology team will support you really well. They will give you drugs to help with any problems you may have. They will monitor you and make adjustments to dosage if needed.
Wishing you all the best.
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