EC and paclitaxal tips

Hi Meadow15 

I had 3 rounds of EC, one every 3 weeks, followed by 12 weeks of paclitaxel. I didn't cold cap so did lose my hair but it was growing back towards the end of my paclitaxel treatment.

My main side effects, other than losing my hair, was a loss of taste and feeling 'under the weather '. The latter would last for about the first 10 days of each cycle then I'd feel back to normal again. 

I did go out for a gentle walk each day, which I'm sure helped.

I got round the loss of taste by eating spicy things like curry or chilli and pineapple always tasted like pineapple.

I didn't have any side effects on paclitaxel.

Thank you so much for your reply. Nice to know some specific symptoms I could get. 

Can give you neuropathy so consider cold hands and feet packs.  Your hair will grow back but the neuropathy is difficult and painful.  It is a very effective chemotherapy though 

Hi 

I hope your treatment is going okay.  I'm about to start the same treatment this coming week and feeling quite anxious about it too.  If you feel up to it, could you let me know how you are getting on with the sideeffects (if any) and any tips in your experience. Wishing you much strength!

Hello

I have now had 2 rounds of EC. The first afternoon/evening I’ve had nausea and heartburn which I was able to curb 2nd time round by taking omeprazole and an anti sickness. It’s mainly felt like a bad hangover for a few days. Weak, headache and tired. Then roughly a week later it all just stopped and I felt normal again for another week before my next round. I have been using the cold cap but today I’ve had some hair loss, not quite big clumps but a few strands while washing my hair and brushing it. That was hard to see. 

My advice would be to rest where you can and talk to those around you how you are feeling. It’s an emotional rollercoaster which I’m sure you’re already experiencing. 

Sending strength. You can do this. 

Thank you so much for the reply and well done you! Sounds like you've got this

I had my first session this morning and also used the cold cap. Up to now I'm feeling well enough but aware that the side effects are likely to kick in tonight and tomorrow. The cold cap was bearable but had to dig deep the first 15 minutes or so.  I hope it works for you and that the loss will be minimal. Keep standing strong and all the best for the remaining ones.

Well done for managing the cold cap! I am starting to shed a lot of hair but so far no bald patches. I’m hoping this might mean I can retain a lot of it. My advice would be to make sure you listen to your body and rest when you feel you need to. Get ahead of the side effects. I quickly needed to ask for omeprazole and I bought some gaviscon as well. The headaches for me have been bad so make sure you’re stocked up on pain relief. I found the tough side effects kicked in day 4 onwards. The first night being mainly tiredness and nausea. 

you can do this!