Who has had success after 9 weeks of PC and 3 cycles of EC?

Thank you xxx

So, I'm coming up to week 6 of this 9 weeks of PC.  I had to have a port fitted because my veins are deep and as each week went by they struggled a bit more to canulate.  I really didn't want one but had to be realistic. It's restrictive and a bit uncomfortable but I'm just sucking it up.  The day after week 4 my hair started coming out in brush loads and I just kept on shedding for a week and a half until I'd had enough of shedding more than the bloody dog!  I got the clippers out and gave myself a number 2 all over.  It just went very thin.  No bald spots, yet, though.  I have also got my free wig which my hairdressers has tinkered with.  I've bought some scarves, too.  I just wanted options seeing as I've still got 4 weeks to go on this and them the 9 weeks of EC once every 3 weeks.  So far, I'm doing okay.  Only real issues are nose bleeds...not really full nose bleeds just the small capillaries bleeding, a rash and very dry skin across the backs of my hands, and a bit IBS-y.   I do get a bit tired but overall I'm tolerating that better than I did at first.  My tumour is shrinking.  It's no longer visible externally and I think it's maybe reduced by up to a 3rd.  I have another MRI in April so they'll be able to tell properly then.  

That’s good news your on number 6 already and doing not too badly. I had nose bleeds like you on when I was on the Pax and there were a few times I did have a full nosebleed. One actually lasted 30 mins. That was only one time and near the end of treatment. Keep moisturising your hands maybe even 3 times daily. It’s amazing how dry they get. I didn’t do it enough and that’s something I would do more often looking back. That’s me 3 weeks on Monday since my mastectomy. I got the drain removed after 5 days and the dressings removed after 13 days. My results have been delayed a week as the pathologist was off with covid so my new appt with surgeon is this Wednesday. I’m still doing the exercises and the wound is healing nicely. It’s a bit tight around the area as the stitches are knitting together but just feel a little discomfort from it no real pain. The nurse said from next week I can put Bio oil on it to help. I’m feeling really good now chemo is out my system and even though I wasn’t too bad compared to some people you still notice a difference when it’s finished. My appetite is back to what is was pre chemo. I’ve been very lucky throughout my whole experience. Dont get me wrong there were a few down days as mentally it’s still hard to deal with and can be a lonely place at times as only people who are going through it really understand. But you get there Ladies so don’t give up hope. Ask me anything and I will try and help. …..My hair is starting to grow ..I have stubble ! 

Sounds like you are healing well.  They gave me Aveeno which I've been using with other stuff I bought for my hands.  Glad you are on the mend xx

Thanks Xxx

Two more weeks left of PC.  I had to go into the Christie to the Acute Assessment Unit last Wednesday and this Wednesday as I had a raised temperature.  They've decided it's down to reaction to the treatment though they did see a very small amount of infection in the bottom of my lungs last week which I had no symptoms for.  I have a rash on the back of my hands which became more inflamed last week and this week and was spreading up my arms and literally on fire.  My chemo nurse gave me antihistamines last week but they didn't really cut it this week.  So, the Christie have swapped them to a different one which seem to have calmed it down.  I've also got hydrocortisone cream.  Aside from that, I'm doing okay with just some tiredness and indigestion.  My hair is now super thin and shaved but I haven't completely lost it.  Plus, a bit of chemo brain. They have stopped administering the anti-acid tablet with the treatment because they said studies say it's not needed but I'll be feeding back that it is!  I only ever had a bit of indigestion before but definitely more acidy now.  They've said I can take paracetamol if I have a temp again the day after treatment but that I still have to phone the hotline and go in if they think it's necessary.  They just take a load of bloods, give a big syringe of anti-biotics, tell me my bloods are okay and let me go.  After this this last 2 weeks I move onto 9 weeks of EC every 3 weeks.  I can feel the lump shrinking. Waiting for an MRI appointment prior to another phone catch up with my Oncologist's Junior Doctor on 14th April.  Had to phone the cancer nurse at my hospital because i haven't had the MRI appointment and she told me the Junior Doctor's requests weren't coming through.  My surgeon and main breast clinic are at my local hospital (where there is also a new Christie building where I have my chemo) but the Oncologist is at the main Christie in Manchester.  So, that's me so far.  Hope everyone is doing okay. xx

Hi HunkyDory your doing really well and glad your nearly halfway through your treatment. I got the EC first then the weekly PC ..opposite of you. I got a terrible rash near the end of the weekly chemo and got neuropathy in my hands so my last weekly dose was cancelled. The steroid cream helped with the rash. I found EC fine and no bad side effects. Except hair loss after 2nd treatment. It was also good getting it every 3 weeks as got a break from hospital visits. Plus only three weekly bloods. I got my ultrasound on 31st Jan , near the end of my treatment. Glad to report the two tumours  had shrunk. 
I saw my surgeon last week..just over 3 weeks from my Mastecomy and got good news that the cancer was all gone and no further treatment required. I only have to take Ibandronic Acid tablets once a day for three years to help with bones as chemo can weaken them. So I’m delighted after 7 months to be given the all clear. I hope you will be the same

Woof hoo!  Fantastic news!  So pleased for you.  xxx

Thanks I was exactly like you at the beginning thinking why not operate. Now I know why they want to chemo to work first

How are you coping? X

I'm doing okay.  Last PC on Wednesday. Last week they gave me the anti-acid tablet and I didn't have a temp so not sure if that's connected, or not. I'll be insisting on having it again this week.  Neuropathy is creeping up on me.  More effecting my thumbs and now my fingertips.  Going to do this las tone thought and hope EC doesn't cause it, too, though it isn't listed as a side effect.  I'm getting more weary with it in terms of tiredness and the rash has no appeared on my right foot.  Trying to manage that with the anti-histamines and hydrocortisone cream.   Hoping the 9 weeks of 3 weekly EC isn't too bad. I have my MRI tomorrow so will see what the result of that is soon. xx