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Starting chemo in May 2011
Mon, 02/05/2011 - 17:52
#1
Hi
I thought I'd start this thread for everyone starting chemo in May. I'm having 3 FEC and 3 TAX starting on 5th May. It would be lovely to have some BC buddies to get through it with. I'm very scared at the moment, not about the actual treatment or the hair loss really, just about feeling sick and being sick. I'm not a very good patient at the best of times.
Good luck to anyone starting out this week
Love Rachel x
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Good idea
I just managed to sneak into the April starters and found it really useful, helpful and encouraging.
Good luck to everyone starting in May, from a March FECcer.
Hi
I'm starting 6 FEC on 18th May and like you I'm more worried about the being sick and also the sore mouth,been reading up though on everyones tips plenty of good advice on here isn't there,I think its brill just was thinking of when my mam had cancer nearly 9 years ago now and we didnt know anything like I have learnt from here.
Rhona
Hi, I am starting my first of 8 fecs on 10th May so it will be nice to share my experience with you all. I am dreading all the side effects but I am also looking forward to making a start on treatment because at least then the end will be closer. I think it is important to remember that people tend to write about their bad experiences more than the good ones so it may not be quite as bad as we are imagining.
Good luck everyone!
Hi, just a few words of support to those just starting chemo. i've just ended 3 x FEC, 3 x TAX on 27 April and can honestly say that the side effects were nowhere near as bad as anticipated.
FEC made me feeling sickly for around 3 days, with very small appetite. The trick was eating little and often (like coping with morning sickness). The anti sickness drugs will make you really constipated and if you suffer with piles then you could be in for a rough time unless you're prepared. Make sure you take laxatives night before and for few days after until eating normally, even if you feel sick.
TAX was actually easier for me as no sickness feeling, just tiredness after steroids ended on day 3 (steroids also bloated me up for a couple of days). The only aches i had were on day 3 when i felt a bit flu-like but didn't need any pain relief and felt back to 'normal' the next day.
i haven't suffered with a sore mouth (although my tongue went a bit 'furry' for a couple of days) and was really anticipating this as i used to suffer badly with mouth ulcers when stressed. i'm not sure if this is because i cut out dairy products or was just really lucky.
During the whole time i have managed to function 'normally' albeit sometimes emotionally, and taken care of my one year old without extra help needed.
Take care everyone, be kind to yourself and listen to your needs. Chemo is not nice and i counted the weeks which seemed to last forever, but it passes and the relief at getting through is wonderful. onwards and upwards from now on.
Joanne xxx
I think it will be good to get started too, 1 down 5 to go etc and one step closer to the end. It has seemed such a long time from surgery to chemo-it's been driving me mad waiting, and now it's here it doesn't feel real. I have stocked up on all the things everyone's suggested on other threads. Spent a small fortune on hand wash etc and books to keep my mind busy. Going for bloods tomorrow and look around the chemo day centre on Weds before chemo on Thursday.
Keep smiling everyone:-)
Thanks Joanne for your positive message. Just what I need to here at the mo. I'm glad you've finished and it hasn't been too awful for you.
Hi ladies!
I start my chemo (6 X FEC) on 6th May, eeeek! Have had my mastectomy with reconstruction and node clearance already so that hurdle has been jumped
Am more worried about the chemo though!
It will be great to share our experiences on here
A wee shout out to Michaela who is starting hers tomorrow, thinking of you
Lynne
Hi,
Starting 6xFEC on 24th May. I am really not looking forward to it. I have just started to sleep normally since the diagnosis and surgery. Nights interrupted by nausea and vomiting do not appeal. Not to mention the other lovely SEs. My sister has had BC, too, and I saw what she went through a few years ago.
Good luck to everyone starting their chemo this week! I will be following your journeys.
Tina
Hi everyone,
Been for blood tests this morning so I'm finally on the chemo route. Have been cleaning the house like a mad woman this morning. It hasn't been this clean for years! Don't think I'll let the kids in when they come home from school.
I'm probably overreacting but at least I know the house is relatively germ free before I start.
Really hope we all get through with as few nasty side effects as possible.
Lots of love to all
Rachel xxx
I am off on holiday soon so wont be around for a while-just want to send all you chemo starters lots of love and positive vibes-I have been where you are-you will be where I am
Valxxx
Hi, not in the game yet I meet my onc tomorrow 4th May for my decision on 6 FEC cycles then rad. and hormone still to go. Had lump and 12 lymph out still trying to get my head around this. Was told wouldn't need chemo but (as lymph showed trace of C only in one) this is their bib and braces approach. Feel very scared about the treatment don't usually back away from a fight but....was prepared for the rad + hormone. I want to know if they have any details of those who opt out of chemo. they give you stats on those who opt in. Guess i will end up conforming wonder if i could have oral rather than infusion so little info around. Had phone call thid am about a new trial but details to be discussed tomorrow will keep you informed if interested. Chris(tine)
Hi Chris
I only had 1 lymph node affected too. Also having rads then double mastectomy afterwards as my BC is genetic and very likely to come back. So I'm happy they're going to chuck everything at it. At least this way I'll know I've done everything I can. Don't know the stats for those who choose not to have chemo but I have a friend who has decided against it and is going to take her chances. I think it's down to personal feelings and we all do what's best for us. Good luck whatever you decide.
Lots of Love
Rachel x
Val, enjoy your holiday. xx
Hi,
From what I can remember, the onc suggested having chemo and rads would increase my survival prognosis by 15 - 20% so as far as I am concerned there was no decision to be made. Obviously, everyone is different and we all have to make the choice that feels right for us.
Best wishes.
Hi Chris,
I had the option to either have chemo or not. I had an 85% chance of still being around after ten years. Having the chemo will only bring that up to 89%, so only a 4% difference. I was very iffy about going through it for 4% but I spoke with a consultant I worked for and who had become a good friend. She said it was a 'no-brainer' as out of 10,000 women, 400 of them would still be alive after ten years that otherwise wouldn't have been. She said I owed it to myself to take whatever chance I have. Consequently, I started my chemo on 18th April and will be going for my second on Monday. It is not a picnic but is certainly 'doable'. I am at the stage now when my hair is coming out but as it started off very thick, is still hanging on in there for now. You have to think what is the very best outcome for you and then go for it!
All the best, Sue xx.
Most oncologists use adjuvant online which is where they derive their stats. The benefit from chemo is depend on many factors including size of tumour, grade of tumour, your age, lymph node involvement, hormone receptors, Her2 status, etc.
Mine was about 2.5 cm, Grade 3, ER+, node negative
My stats were 65% chance of being disease free after 10 years with no treatment following surgery. 75% chance of disease free if I have radiotherapy and hormone therapy only. 81% chance of disease free after 10 years if I have the 6xFEC, in addition to the radiotherapy and arimidex they are proposing. As my kids would say, it's a no brainer. I am going with the chemo. But if I were to say to my family the improvement with chemo was only 1%, they would insist I went ahead.
Everyone is an individual, everyone's stats are different and everyone will respond differently. For me, personally, it is worth doing the chemo for those extra few %.
Since I was diagnosed, I have been telling some people about my diagnosis and they have come back with their own experiences of chemo; personal or that of near relatives. I am probably jinxing myself* in saying this but most of the stories I have heard suggest that the majority have 3 days of feeling rough and then they feel exhausted around 10 to 14 days after chemo. They have other side effects but they have been minor. Just the odd mouth ulcer, not a mouth full of them. I think those people who experience severe side effects are in the minority, and very unfortunate. I sympathise with them because it must be absolutely horrid. However, the side effects which seem to be universal are nausea, not actually vomiting and a bad taste in the mouth, both of which can put you off your food. I should add constipation, too, but that may be related to the poor diet you have because you feel so crappy. Most beople said they were back to normal around two weeks after their chemo.
*jinxing myself - Yesterday I was patting myself on the back because my wounds were healing well. Today I am on antibiotics for, you guessed it, wound infection.
Thanks for that cherryorchard. I hope you are right about most people getting through chemo without too many awful side effects. I suppose it is human nature to talk about bad experiences rather than good ones, particlarly because that is when we need the support of others. This forum has been a great support for me over the past few weeks because I know that I am not alone (family and friends have been great but most of them have no idea what it is like). By the way, I am having 8 fecs and everyone else seems to be having 6 - has anyone got any idea why this might be?
Thanks
Evening!
I'm wondering who I should speak to about these percentages - my breast care nurse? I've never been told anything about that. I don't think it would make a difference as I'm taking everything they are throwing at me. My surgeon said when they did the lumpectomy they removed all the nodes on the left and there were 5 out of 12 involved - is that bad? Had my mastectomy since as they recommended it for "my best possible outcome" and stressed it was preventative only as I had vascular invasion (?) Not even sure about this ER+ and - stuff
Starting to get worried again eek 
Start 6 x FEC on Friday! Lynne
Hi Lynne,
I am not sure how important it is to know percentages because as you say, you are having all possible treatment anyway. Also, percentages are just numbers, and none of us know what the future holds (and I mean everyone, not just those of us with BC). However, if you still have unanswered questions, your BCN is the best person to ask because she will know all about your particular circumstances. Good luck with your fec - let us kow how you get on.
Lynn
Thanks Lynn!
Yeah your right, it's just a number, and I will take everything offered regardless but ... am just curious I guess and would them them to say 'if you have this chemo you will be 100% fine forever' LOL!
My BCN's are fab and very supportive so I need to stop thinking that they will be too busy to answer my questions and go see them again!
Will let you know how I get on!!!!!
LYnne
Thankyou all for your thoughts and insights. I feel a little easier about tomorrow and have my list of questions lined up. I don't want to be a needy as always been the one that sorts whatever is thrown at the family but this has knocked me down.I'm 59 and this was found by mamagram(02/02/2011) and recalled for investigation.(16/02/2011) op (06/04/11)
My choice postponed for 1 week due to grandsons 5th birthday party with 22 first school pupils in attendance.
Will post my decision tomorrow and then follow up with whats going on for all future girlies that need to know.
I love the humour that shines through i do have some insane moments to as i've always had straight hair i'm told it tends to grow back curly at last body with no backcombing.
Positive tonight Chris
Dear all
Have been reading this (and several other threads) with interest as I will be starting first of 6 FECs tomorrow - feeling calmish at the moment but tomorrow morning might be a different story! I think I'm like lots of you and really dread the thought of lots of nausea and other SEs, but have some good friends who have been through all this and are doing really well now, and who have reassured me that it is do-able.
I was dx in Feb after first routine mammogram and have had mx, then re-excision for haematoma and node clearance - like a couple of other people here, they found micro-met in one lymph node. Large lump, Grade 1.
Good luck and lots of positive thoughts to everyone else starting chemo soon.
Good luck with your treatment, ladies!
I've just finished 6xFEC. The main thing to say is that you should not vomit after your treatment--if you do, phone the number you are given RIGHT AWAY so they can give you something stronger. I was advised to take my anti-sickness medications on schedule, not to wait until I was ill. The routine meds suit most people, but not everyone.
I was never more than queasy, and the little-and-often pregnancy approach worked well for me. I needed to use sennacot more as it went on. The really important thing is to get plenty to drink, starting the day before your treatment, so your body is well-hydrated. It doesn't have to be water, any liquid is good. I found that fizzy water helped to settle my stomach afterwards, especially at meal times, but go with what appeals to you.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. If you are tired, rest. If you don't want any more food halfway through a meal, stop. And so forth.
In the Getting started thread, I think, you'll find a compilation of tips about things people find helpful. Most people don't need it, but it's not a bad idea to have an emergency hospital bag ready--nightie, spare toothbrush, etc--and possibly a list of things someone might need to bring you if you do land up in hospital on short notice.
You should get information about side effects of your treatment, precautions to take to avoid infection (this is really the big one to be careful about) and when you MUST phone.
The great thing about posting together is that you can be honest to an extent you might not want to be with your nearest and dearest and can moan all you like. It helps.
Good luck to you all.
Cheryl
Hi everyone,
I'm going for my pre chemo assessment this morning and have woken up with a cold!!! Am guzzling vitamin c in vain hope of warding it off. Thanks for all the tips. I'm armed with questions I want to ask and pen and paper to write it down. Have spring cleaned everywhere to stop bugs and am ready to get started now.
Chris, I do hope your hair grows back curly if that's what you want. I want mine to grown back straight after trying sellotape for years to straighten my fringe before the invention of straighteners and endless broken hairbrushes due to getting stuck in masses of curl. Have a horrid feeling it will come back even curlier and white!!! I think I will be wearing hats for quite a while until i can put colour on it again!
Good luck today Una and Chris
Love
Rachel x
Regarding the percentages, my onc. was very open and forthcoming with them and turned his computer screen around so I could see what he was looking at from adjuvant online. I didn't worry too much about the actual numbers, I just registered the fact that my best chance came from having the chemo as well as the radio and hormone therapy. If you really want to know the percentages, I would have thought your BCN would be able to help or ask your onc. at your next appt.
Lynne, I am surprised you don't know your hormone and Her2 status. I was told by my surgeon at my first follow up appt after surgery and my onc. went through them again when I met with him. Ask your BCN, she should be able to help.
Good luck today Una & Chris.
Rachel, My sister had wavy hair but it grew back curly (chemo curl) after she finished her treatment. Eventually the curl grew out and her hair now, if not straight, is straighter than before the chemo.
Hello
I am starting chemo on next monday 3 FEC 3 TAX. I had a portocath fitted yesterday which has given me a sleepless night, my neck feels like a bad case of mumps! I am hopefully it will feel better in a couple of days when bruising goes down. I am glad i have had it fitted as all bloods and chemo drugs are given with just one prick.
Jo Jo- thanks for your positive input on the treatment and advise. I am starting to feel the reality of having breast cancer. I had a 9mm lump removed and 1/19 nodes had C. I was also told would just need Radiotherapy and was shocked when told i needed chemo. I hate the thought of being sick and will take anything to prevent it. I am also trying the ice cap to try and keep my hair, i am still finding hair loss a problem and i am not a vain person. I know the ice cap can be quite painfull and doesn' guarantee keeping your hair, but i have to give it a go. Is anyone else trying this? I was so shocked to find out i have breast cancer, still not sure i have taking the news in, but i am sure i want to be around for my family for a many more years to come and will suffer any treatment for them. I feel lucky i noticed a diffence and am lucky enough to be given treatment. Just not looking forward to the side affects. I hope we all get through this together without too many problems. x
Memory is a funny thing... my other half remembered the oncologist saying I had a 70% chance of recurrance without chemo and chemo reduced it to 15-20%... that really IS a no-brainer! But, reading your comments, I wonder if he remembered what he wanted to hear??? I shall ask onc. again next time. Had FEC2 yesterday, and not been sick since. They gave me the sickness drugs IV to get it in to the system quicker, and I've been taking ginger tablets for 3-4 days... who knows? whatever helps, helps. The onc. did say that subsequent treatments are often a bit easier, as the body is used to processing the strong chemicals, so here's hoping! They ALL told me off for for not phoning earlier... so don't hesitate ladies! He presecribed a mouth wash for me (presumably Difflam) but it wasn't in the bag I picked up from pharmacy, so I'll try and get them to sort that today... I think I might quite like to be curly for a bit! Jane
Hi all,
Glad your 2nd FEC went well Jane, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. I feel so much more positive having visited the chemo day centre today. Ready for treatment tomorrow now. Have loads of water to take with me as they told me to drink a lot before, during and after chemo. They told me to ring when I get any side effects as they can give medicine to help them all. They said to ring anytime night or day and that if I'm sick they will send a nurse to give an injection that will stop it instantly.
So I feel much better!
Will let you all know how it goes tomorrow
Rachel x
Good luck tomorrow Rachel. Your chemo nurses sound really great. x
Hi Rachel, and everyone else staring in May (esp my buddy Lynne!). I had my first FEC this Tuesday and so far so good. Have felt really good today and managed to do lots of work and function normally. Am hoping that like some of the others on here I will have an easier ride than anticipated. Good luck - I was so anxious before starting, although had remained calm until Friday of last week, and it was almost like it wasn't happening, but it really wasn't so bad, and the nurses are all lovely which makes it better.
Good luck!! Hope you get on OK.
Michaela
Hi
Ive been to hospital today and start FEC-t next friday. Trish, im trying the cold cap as that is my biggest fear.Really glad to have found som companions for my journey!!
claire