Hi,
I have had 12 paclitaxel and 4 Carboplatin, my MRI scan after that showed my lump had shrunk from 5cm to 2.7cm which is great. I was then going to have 4 x EC 2 weekly. I went for my first EC but had quite a bad allergic reaction to the E (red) part so they said not to have the C part as I was to unwell. I managed to have nearly the whole of the red part after a few tries but it kept happening so they said no more. My journey since starting chemo has not been great which I expected side effects, which I got, but I also got three blood clots along my picc line, high blood pressure, postural hypertension ( low blood pressure when standing up) so I can’t go to the shops or anything like that, my picc line came out too far so had to have a whole new line put in. Since my allergic reaction I’ve been poorly from that plus the normal side effects from E part including nausea, tiredness and sore lips. I climb the stairs and feel like I’ve climbed Mount Everest and it takes me ages to get my breath back. My 9 year old daughter is not sleeping and is worrying all the time as she thinks I’m going to die from the side effects (I have tried to reassure her I’m not). But all in all I’ve hit rock bottom and can not take anymore. I’m due to see my oncologist on Monday and I want to say I don’t want my last 3 EC. I feel like I look like a monster as I have no hair, I’m all puffy and I can’t find a wig that looks ok. Am I being stupid for saying no more chemo? I’ve got to have surgery yet and radiotherapy.
Hi CLK81
I'm Anne, one of the Community Champions here on the Online Community and, although I've not had to decide whether to continue treatment or not, I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet so responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list again.
While you're waiting for replies, it would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and treatment to date into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007