Anyone starting FEC-T early December

Hi.  I had a mastectomy back in September and started chemo 3 weeks ago (2nd course tomorrow).  I am on ECT so I think a slightly different drug regime so I might be saying completely the wrong thing but I didn't find the first course too bad, yes I was tired and nauseous but this lasted 10 days or so and feel ok for the next 11.  My hair became so thin and coming out really quickly so the hairdresser shaved my head and fitted my wig. Drugs helped so much with the nausea and they gave me plenty of them....keep taking them even if you don't feel unwell, its the drugs that stop you feeling like poo.  Listen to what your body tells you, sleep when you need to, eat what you feel like and hopefully it won't be too bad.  Every course is one course nearer the end.  I hope I have helped in some small way and I am sure someone on the same chemo will be able to help.  Happy to keep in touch if you would like, no offence if not though.

Take care of yourself.  Sue x

Hi kb361. First of all I am really sorry you are having to go through this and send lots of hugs and positive vibes to you and your family.  I was diagnosed with TNBC in August and like you had surgery to remove the lump which was 2.2cm. It had spread to one node so they removed 7 nodes just to be sure.  After having the big cardiogram done and it showing my heart was ok I had my first cycle of FEC on 2nd Nov.  Are you having a PICC line?  If so getting the PICC line in was not painful, it was a little bit uncomfortable but really nothing to worry about.  The thought of having this in for the duration of the chemo was horrific to me but I can honestly say I really don’t even realise it is there now.  Other than having a shower when you need to keep it dry and having it dressed by the district nurse every week it’s not a problem. In actual fact it is a bit of a blessing when bloods are being taken as no needle involved.    My first couple of days after my first FEC were fine.  I felt very tired but that was all.  I took the anti sickness tablets they gave me and although I felt just a little nauseous when I thought about food I wasn’t sick at all.  Chemo can affect us all in different ways but I found that by taking it day by day it made it easier.  Don’t dwell on side effects as there are some that might not affect you.  There are lots of things your cancer nurse can give you.  I got great gel for my dry mouth and for my lips that got really hacked. So ask for everything that you need, no matter how small.  Each day for the first 10 days may be different and you may feel different but the second 10 days it seems you start to slowly feel better and more like yourself.   This has been my experience and I know we all have our own experiences but I hope this helps reassure you a little.  It’s ok to feel scared and apprehensive and ask for help.  I would love to stay in touch and help in any way I can.  Stay strong xxxx

Sorry. Didn’t realise this post was 2 years ago !   Hope you have recovered well x