Has anyone had no or few/mild side effects during and after chemotherapy ?

Well, kind of a partial "yes" here, but let me explain. I had about 9 months of one type of chemo, and one month of another, spread over a period of one year altogether. During the first type, there were times when the side effects were mild.

I will say this, though. The fact that a lot of women experience side effects, sometimes really harsh, does not mean you too would experience any. Each of us is unique, and it is entirely possible that some people can go through chemo without side effects. That said, I also think it's best to be prepared in case side effects do appear. It's impossible to know in advance, so I would keep the positive thinking going, but without establishing any specific expectations.

It is not easy but it definitely doable.  I can only suggest that you take all the medication, keep hydrated and listen to you body.  Don’t look for side effects, we are all different.  I have had x3 EC and x1 Docetaxel so far and have managed well. It’s not fun but definitely not as bad as I first thought it would be xx

Thanks, a lot! That’s encouraging xx

Hi Mazz

All I can really say is that for me, so far, it has not been as bad as it’s press. Everyone is different but so far I have had 4 x EC treatments and 3 out of 12 weekly 
Pactlitxel. I was tired at times on the EC but not so much now.  I had a very dry mouth for a few days on each EC cycle and now a funny taste. You can request mouthwash which does help a bit with this. The lack of sleep from the medication is not great. Other than that it has not been too bad and I have not seen anyone at chemo have any bad reactions during treatment.

Hair loss is distressing but be assured that you will gradually accept this.

Some people do get nasty side effects but please be assured they can be managed with medication and you will get a lot of support from your Oncology Team if you experience them,  particularly the specialist nurses who administer the chemotherapy. Your Oncologist will adjust the chemo if necessary.

 Like you I was petrified before treatment. One day a friend told me that she heard on the radio that not everyone gets evil side effects. From that day I decided that would be me and stopped worrying so much. I have got 9 weeks to go aand I expect to get more tired as this time goes on but I have mostly got on wit h life over the last 15 weeks.

Good luck with your treatment and I hope it goes well. X

Yeah you’re right, I’m trying to stay positive, but definitely expecting some bad days! Although it is nice to know that it’s possibly not as bad as I initially thought it would be. Had awful visions in my head in the beginning, coming more to terms with it now, thanks for taking time to respond to my ramblings 

Cheers 

Mary

Thanks so much for the reassurance! 
best of luck

Mary x

I can only give you my experience! Everyone is different and what one person considers easy another considers hard! I had EC-T. My oncologist and breast surgeon both consider that I had a great chemo experience, one said I sailed through. I can report that for me, on EC, in the first week I was wired with the steroids but also incredibly tired as I didn’t sleep, I got badly constipated round 1, however had bad diahorrea round 2 and nothing round 3! I had a general feeling of unwellness, some days really unwell others not, almost like a really crappy hangover, some headaches, some very bad, some ok, I got a UTI rounds 1&2 that made me feel really guff, some mouth sores, sore throats, I got nausea, made worse by acid so omeprazole saved me, definitely get some, but I didn’t vomit once. Week 2 generally as detailed but got a bit easier, week 3, not unusual to see me having a gin and a dance in the kitchen, it felt far more manageable. Obviously I lost my hair. Then with the docetaxel from round 4, again, the hangover and unwellness, quite tricky bone/muscle aches, less digestion issues, round 4 the most terrible sore throat!!! Was dreading that coming back round 5 but didn’t get it anywhere near as bad again, quite bad fatigue, had to manage my day. I felt not great the whole time, less gin and kitchen dancing!! But I was ok. The only way I could describe it to friends was I felt like casting my mind back to a misspent youth, like I had pulled an all nighter, drunk too much, danced too much in inappropriate footwear, etc! I couldn’t have carried on with my job, I work in a school, but I walked my dog twice a day, got my 12 year old to school, kept our lives going and it was manageable MOST days. I wouldn’t like to revisit the experience but I was well supported and yes it was bloody hard work sometimes there were tears, but I wasn’t the vomiting mess I expected to be. But I can tell you all of us are different. I have seen people have really extreme reactions, I’ve seen people have none, I think my experience is a good ‘standard’ one but who knows!! How do we compare how we feel to someone else? Our bodies are unique and so are our reactions. All the best xx

That’s true, we are all different and I’m sure I’ll have my share of rubbish days! Looking forward to the gin and dancing bit though. Thanks for your response, I really appreciate people taking t8me to answer my draft questions! 

All the best to you, hope you’re doing well and staying happy x

Thanks

Mary

Anna Hi that's interesting I have been docs today and 11 days after cycle 1 EC diagnosed with chest infection, UTI,  and depression from lack of sleep...not side effects as such, more something I caught while low on WBC . Doc was lovely and I have antibiotics and sleeping tabs can't wait to sleep well xxx

Thanks for that; makes perfect sense! I’m sure we are all having individual experiences on this journey. I think we all want someone to tell us it’s “all going to be fine” but unfortunately that’s not possible. I was close to asking Alexa what she thought . Kidding, I’ll leave that for another day when I’m totally off my rocker!  xxx