Forum Discussion
SueF
9 years agoMember
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 cycloph...
Afraser
9 years agoMember
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!