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SueF's avatar
SueF
Member
8 years ago

Chemo combinations for early breast cancer

i found a lump in my right breast in late July. I had a lumpectomy (2.2cm lump) early August. My oncologist is recommending 2 different chemo combinations over 5 months.
First epirubicin plus cyclophosphamide with a cycle of 1 dose in a week, then 2 weeks off.
Then move onto paclitaxel with a cycle of one dose each week over a 12 week period.
Has anyone been on this combination? I know about hair loss & nausea as side effects. Any others? How rough is this treatment?
Cheers, Sue

2 Replies

  • Cassina's avatar
    Cassina
    Member
    8 years ago
    Peripheral Neuropathy is the big one, not too mention fatigue and yes the running nose! continues on Herceptin, really annoying as folk think you have flu! On the plus side, did not get the flu
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi there, it all sounds a bit daunting I know. Fortunately or unfortunately, side effects are a bit of a guess until you are a few treatments in. I had A/C ( andriamycin and cyclophosphamide) then paclitaxel so not quite the same. Hair loss yes, but not nausea or fatigue, although these are common.  I had very few side effects on A/C which most people find harder to deal with than paclitaxel. My side effects from paclitaxel were thoroughly irritating - it's hard on soft tissue so runny, sometimes bloody nose, weepy eyes. It can also affect nerve endings - pins and needles is the first sign. Don't neglect this, as it can sometimes get severe, but most people find it more of a temporary nuisance. Lost my tastebuds too, although that was really helpful as I had no chemo weight gain (also common) - I lost weight! Most of these side effects cleared up as soon as treatment stopped and my hair started growing back again while I was still on paclitaxel which I hadn't expected. Best of luck!