EC to Docetaxel - anxious

Hi im Due my 3rd EC then move onto weekly paclitaxal. A friend has just moved from EC onto dox and she’s doing ok, same side affects as with EC (tiredness weakness etc) but the side affects seem to be longer on dox. Everyone’s different and I’m sure you’ll be fine. I’m finding EC v hard (even hard to walk at times and I’m pretty fit and in my 40s) so I can’t wait to finish EC! Roll on end of July when chemo is done!!

Hi SammyG, well done for completing your 3 cycles of EC. Last year I had 3 cycles of EC and 4 cycles of docetaxel. Like you I coped really well on EC and was really stressed about starting the docetaxel. However, I found that I was also fine when on the docetaxel. They usually up the steroids when you start the docetaxel and I did struggle at first to sleep. They told me to take them earlier, which did help. I would recommend a product called polybalm, which helps prevent nail damage. I completed chemo without any nail damage at all. I wish you well with your treatment moving forward. Xx

Thanks Tulip22  Absolutely, roll on end of this stage! If I manage ok on 3x3 weekly Docetaxel than my final one will be 21 June. Counting down the weeks! 

Thanks Daisy24  Yes, they’ve said I will start steroids the day before treatment. I’ve been advised from the beginning not to take the steroids after 6pm to reduce impact on sleep but find it hard to remember to time it around my dinner!! Thanks for advice on nails. I’ve been allowed to continue with my gel nails and there has been no damage… so far! 

Hi. I have just had my second EC 4 days ago and am struggling with doing anything. I am fatigued, lightheaded and nauseous and despite 2 trips to the hospital they just keep saying this is the side effects and nothing they can give me (I am on anti nausea meds and steroids).

my first cycle I was in hospital 4 days with neutropenia and fever (I had zero white blood cells at all) but I didn’t feel this rubbish.

how long should I expect to feel like this? I am barely eating and drinking and feeling very low with it all x

I have just had my 2nd EC. I get tummy injections to boost my white blood count. One a day for five days. 

I have had peg filgrastin that lasts a week to stimulate my blood cells. Sadly it didn’t work the first cycle. So far it has this time but the dose has been reduced due to my suspected sepsis.

but I still feel so bad this time with no energy and really lightheaded and dizzy x

Hoping it doesn’t last the full 3 weeks I can’t bear it x

I seem to be quite lucky. I am fine just tired for the first few days. Then it is take to my bed for the best part of the next three days. In that week I lose 5kg in weight even though I am still eating. I can’t drink water for 3 days but fortunately I get a real thirst for milk.  After that I am fine for the rest of the time. 

Hi Sam! 

I had 3 EC then 3 Docetaxel (just about to move onto radiotherapy then Tamoxifen). I finished the final Docetaxel a couple of weeks ago and I found Docetaxel generally easier than EC. I was really nervous to start it too, I know exactly how you feel. I just saw your question and wanted to offer you some reassurance :)

Your team will keep a really close eye on you when they administer it, so you'll be in safe hands. 

I've been tired and achy and have VERY dry skin on my hands. Just make sure you get plenty of rest.

Wishing you well with your treatment! x

Thank you Coffee Pink Shoes I really appreciate that reassurance. It sounds like you are just a few cycles ahead of me. After radiotherapy I’ll be moving onto OFS and Anastrozole for 5 years then possibly Tamoxifen depending on my menopausal state. Oh, the joys!