**APRIL & MAY 2021 BREAST CANCER CHEMO**

Oh no Iblodwin, that sounds horrible. Glad you’re being looked after now and I hope it’s not too long until you’re feeling better and able to get home.

Ruby xx

Hi Iblodwin.

Sorry to hear that you are having a rotten time of it lately. Glad to hear that they are keeping you in until the infection clears. Rest up and be kind to yourself.

Wishin you a speedy recovery.

Best wishes

Daisy. X

Keep going ladies we can all do this , I have finished and waiting for surgery but still having some SE which I manage , is not easy but we all can do it  

I am wishing everyone manageable SE

Iblodwin wishing u speedy recovery

Hi all, my mum had her first chemo treatment on Thursday it was EC drugs.  We’re day 4 now and other than a slight headache and heartburn on separate days she’s not really experienced any side effects.  I live away and have come to support my mum and was thinking she’d get side effects quickly then when they wear off I’d return home before coming back for next treatments.  I know everyone is different but when do the side effects usually start?  Any help or advice would be great fully received.  Thank you all 

I think everyone is so different it is impossible to predict. I'm reading some just sail through with minimum SE. Others not so lucky. Sadly I've not fit a totally set pattern, different every time, although others do seem to quickly recognise s pattern from what I've read. Be grateful none have kicked in yet. Cross fingers that it continues. I would recommend a journal so you can look back and review because you soon forget. Good luck to you mum.

Hi  sorry to hear your mum having to have treatment but great support on here. 
As we are all different when it comes to side effects it’s hard to say how your mum will be though most ladies would say it’s cumulative so might get more as chemo cycles progress.
My 1st EC I had dreadful constipation and nausea for about 5-7 days then I felt ‘normal’ and was pretty much able to do most things. Next two cycles it took a bit longer to recover but I learned how to manage heartburn and gastric upset by taking Omeprazole as the steroids upset your tummy. If constipation hits then Laxido, Senna, prunes, psyllium capsules, Movicol or similar will get things moving again though it can take quite a lot

Some people have aches and pains with the injections we do from day 3 for 5-7 days to bring our blood neutrophil counts up but I’m not sure if your mum has those? Pain relief and heat can help a lot. 
Some people find EC very manageable and have few SE and others get more, it really is taking things a day at a time but that’s hard if you’re living elsewhere and staying with your mum to support her on chemo weeks.
The fatigue does tend to get worse for everyone as cycles progress but it would probably be mild in cycle 1 so mum might not notice it too much. As long as she stays hydrated and free of infections as that’s when things can get tricky. 
wishing her all the best, 

denise x

Thanks for replying Iblodwin. I’m feeling very grateful it’s been ok so far. I have kept a journal of drugs taken and when and her temperature throughout the day and then how she’s feeling so that when I’m not here she can remember how it was and others helping her will know. Good luck on your journey and thank you for taking the time to reply x 

thanks for your reply Dclem4 good to know re gradual build up for next time. Mum does need injections for 5 days first was today so I’ll look out for the aches and pains and get some heat pads in before I go.  Thank you again for replying and all the best on your journey.  X 

Hi Lambs all,

My FEC side effects generally kicked in day 4/5 and lasted 4 or 5 days with the exception of #3 when they lasted longer.

Hope your mum does ok

Lynne xx

Hi Lambs All

I found EC quite rough, side effects kicked in around day four with constipation and nausea which lasted for quite a while. I did get much better at managing these through the next two cycles though and if your mum has any issues at all call the chemo team straight away as they will help.

I really hope she has minimal issues and gets through it ok. 

Ruby xx