Change from EC to D chemo (with HER2+ P and H).

Hi Bluebell,

                   I had x4 docetaxel peruzimab and trastuzumab from Oct19- Jan 20 then FEC X3 May-June 20. I think the side effects vary for people. For me I found the docetaxel harder got joint pains and would have my bowels open a lot. Also felt like I walked really slowly as If I was 100. The effects would kick in after a few days while with the FEC they happened immediately. Used the cold cap my hair thinned a lots with the docetaxel but I did go bald at the top with the FEC despite the cold cap although I did keep hair around the sides looked like a clown. It’s growing back now. With the FEC felt nauseated more. Had my chemo every 3 weeks so did have really good days on chemo. Think the best advice I got was pace yourself even when you feel great as it does catch up with you if you do too much. Good luck.

Hi Gail,

Hope you’re well on the way to recovery. Thank you for answering, very helpful.

My BC Nurse did mention joint pain. Can I ask what painkillers you found to be the most effective? I already have a supply of co-codimol. Was there anything you used to help your bowels or did you just tolerate it? I’m feeling really dry on EC. Is it the same with the D?

I know everyone will be different but just trying to get a bit of an idea.

Thanks again.

Bluebell xx

Hi, I had 3 FEC sessions, then moved to THCP last Friday, for me this first week has been so rough, FEC was a breeze compared to this, lower back pain, Diarrhoea, which both led to a trip to hospital, I’m hoping tomorrow will be a better day now I’ve finished the self injections that seem make me tired to, I know we have to have this treatment but didn’t expect it to floor me, 3 more to go  x

Hi Crawler,

Sorry to hear you’re having such a rough time. Fingers crossed for improvement.

 I think my next rounds of chemo will, probably, be worse too.

I wasn’t so tired with the injections this time but the pain is starting to kick in (I’ve been having pain on day 6 and 7). Still, it’s my last injection tonight so hopefully start feeling better soon.

Hopefully you’ll start feeling better soon too. It can certainly floor you.

Bluebell xx

Hi, 

     Paracetamol worked for me also had co-codamol when needed. As for my bowels tried to eat a bit less which is hard when you’re on steroids. I didn’t have diarrhoea so just persevered. Took omeprazole which is an antacid which protects the lining of your stomach and found that helped me. Took lots of hot baths to ease my joints. 

Hi Grunchy

Thanks for the advice. Just have to see what happens with the bowels I think. 

I’ve just had a lovely, long bath. Which helped my post injection pains. Shaved the, very minimal, hair I had left off too. 

All the best and thanks again.

Bluebell xx