Hi all
after some advice pls- my mum has completed 3 rounds of neoadjuvant EC and is moving onto weekly paclitaxel and carbo for 12 weeks. She’s done v well so far and main side effect exhaustion and low mood
Has anyone else had this regimen this way round? How did you find pac/carbo in comparison to EC.
I know everyone is different but what were the main side effects and any tips to cope? Any advice on how we can support mum?
It’s all quite unknown territory again and I think us siblings would just like to prepare ourselves and try to put things in place for mum!
thanks all xxx
Hi Flamingo123
I am sorry to hear that Mum is currently undergoing chemotherapy.
I had chemotherapy in 2022 for my endometrial cancer. I did not have the EC but did have the paclitaxel and carboplatin.
For me the side effects were hair loss, tiredness, tummy effects and generally feeling grotty for the first few days of each cycle. I did find it doable- one thing that helped me was to be given a tapering dose of steroids for each cycle. It seemed to help with the side effects. I tended to have to go with the flow for the first few days and then would feel better. Rest and pacing myself was important. I did lose my appetite and found smaller meals more often was the way to go. I was prescribed a mouthwash that helped with soreness in my mouth. My taste changed and I found lemon tasting things palatable. Plenty of fluids. I did find that for most side effects, if I called the hospital 24 hour cancer line, they would be able to provide medication.
I did find that the paclitaxel caused some joint pain around my hips and lower back and this was apparently a known side effect- I was given naproxen/diclofenac for a few days for this.
I hope your Mum's chemo goes ok- my advice is its best to go with the flow and see how it affects her. Lots of rest and lots of fluids. Call the hospital for any advice. I found with the anti nausea medication it was good to take 30 minutes before eating and before the nausea set in. Those little thin ginger biscuits that people have at Christmas- also helped a bit with the nausea.
Jane
