Hi I have finished my 4th EC and going on to weekly paclitaxel and 3 weekly phesgo injections

Paclitaxel is much easier to cope with in my opinion. Good idea to get the PICC line as if you're having 9 infusions, you'll also have 9 pre-chemo bloods so that's 18 times to be stabbed with a needle.

Paclitaxel is given via a drip so you'll be left on your own for it to go through unlike  the EC that's pushed through by the nurse. Side effect wise I didn't feel as nauseous as with EC but did feel more and more tired as the weeks went on. 

The injection is given over 5-7 minutes and just a bit stingy when it goes in. 

I found because it was weekly the weeks whizzed by as you seem to be constantly up at the hospital.

hi, I'm at same stage , just had 4th EC and like  you this is def hardest re feeling tired, emotional and suffering  harsh side effects. I wonder if its because we have reached the end of something but now looking at yet another possibly harder mountain to tackle. that's how I feel looking at another 4 cycles of Docetaxal and I wish I could have gone onto paxlitaxel as I've heard it's gentler but the powers that be said no. 

Hi I too have just finished 4lots of EC 4th one has been a nightmare I feel fed up tearful exhausted and just like throwing the towel in but I'm hoping this will  pass  I'm due to start pax -carb in 2weeks unlike you I am only having 3 or 4 treatments  have been told I will have a bag of anti allergy (piriton ) given first along with the steroids and anti sickness then the longer bag not sure which that is followed by the last bag which will be shorter couldn't give me exact timings as it depends whether you have a line or a port was also told I will need to drink whilst having the treatment and I guess it will take quite a bit longer as the EC was pushed in over about 1hour but obviously with a bag you've got to just wait for it to drip in hope that's some help even thought I don't know how accurate it is 

Xx

Yes you have your pre-meds first and they go through the saline drip which takes 20 minutes or so, then your 1 hour paclitaxel, then another saline drip too.

One day I was at the hospital for 5 hours but my infusion went through over 2 hours after my 4th one as I had an allergic reaction so it was slowed down. 

The steroid went through the PICC line and gives you a weird itchy bum feeling for about 20 seconds. So strange. 

Hi, thank you so much for replying, This 4th EC has made me feel just like you Kentish Maid but I know I must go on with the treatments. After the 12 paclitaxel I will have my mastectomy then possibly more chemo/targeted therapy before radiation then 10 years on hormone blockers it is just so much to take on board at once. Jacala I have to get the PICC line in on the day I start this.I will look out for the itchy bum feeling it does sound strange. Thank you both. Jxxx

Hi I had 3 EC infusions which I struggled with mood swings constipation and head in a constant fog.  Paclitaxel going for my fourth out of 12 infusions in Good Friday finding it so much easier than EC. No self injection no tablets in between and find I am functioning near normal We will all get there x

Glad to hear that it is going well for you. I found that all the steroids and injections put my mood in to my boots and the injections gave me so much back pain which I won't miss at all. I'm really glad we have this community that can give us advice and tips on how to weather the storm. Thank you. Jxxx