Forum Discussion

arrow's avatar
arrow
Member
11 years ago

chemo question

Hi all,

Hoping I can find an answer to a couple of questions at this busy time of year. 

I started what was meant to be a 6 week FEC-D chemo regime on 11 Sept 2014 (ie 3 FEC100 over 9 weeks then 3 Docetaxel over 9 weeks). The FEC side-effects weren't too bad (or, if they were, I've put them out of my mind) - although I did have a 9-day hospital stay for high temps and what turned out to be pneumonia.  

I had my first Docetaxel on 20 November and, after a week of being very sick at home and another 4-day hospital stay for side-effects, instead of my final 2 Docetaxel over 6 weeks I'll be having a weekly Carboplatin/Paclitaxel regime. Then a rest, then 30 doses of radiation over 6 weeks.

I know it's all individual but I wonder if anyone could comment/help with out with info:

1. Anywhere I can find more info on what my oncologist's receptionist called the CP/P regime, esp side-effects, and maybe your own experience of it (or having to change regimes mid-stream so to speak).

2. An off-the-cuff (jokey) comment by the radiation oncologist whom I met a couple of months ago about my left breast ending up like a prune. I can't find much info on what radio does to breasts in terms of appearanceshrinkage but the comment keeps coming back to me and bothering me.

Thank you my sisters and sending good vibes your way, arrow 

3 Replies

  • arrow's avatar
    arrow
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Jess, thanks so much for your message. Have been fortunate not to be HER2+ - just ER++ and weakly + for PR. Start hormone therapy in a week (after last chemo!) and 30 radiotherapy next month. No mets or secondaries and no lymph node involvement. But Grade 3 - hence the chemo and radio.

    The weekly Paclitaxel has gone well after the horrifying, hospitalising side efects of Docitaxel. Main problem has been a crazy itchy rash on my hands and forearms. For others - have tried so many treatments but the ones that worked best were staying out of the sun and slathering on 50+ when it was unavoidable, ice, staying moisturised with VitE cream, lots of Phenergan.

    My oncologist said she didn't suggest weekly Paclitaxel over 3 weekly Docitaxel first because of the inconvenience of weekly treatment. I'm glad I switched to it though.

    Thanks for staying in touch. Life is a bit unreal at the moment and I'm starting to think that I need to do some things others than just survive treatment - so that there is something left when it's all over!. Best wishes to you - and hugs, xoxoxo

  • arrow's avatar
    arrow
    Member
    11 years ago

    Thank you so much Jane. That's good info and advice and I really appreciate your encouragement. Hugs xx

  • Jane221's avatar
    Jane221
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi,

    Sorry, I can't help with your first question but I hope the change in regime works well for you and you experience far fewer side effects.

    In regards to the effects of radiotherapy on breast tissue left behind after breast conserving surgeries (eg lumpectomy), I came across this information from Cancer Research UK: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/breast-cancer/treatment/radiotherapy/breast-cancer-radiotherapy-side-effects.

    It does list the shrinking of breast tissue as a possible side effect of radiation as the radiotherapy may make the breast tissue contract and this may make the breast gradually get smaller. They do also say that this shrinkage may happen gradually over many years. I think the words to be mindful of are may, gradual and many years :-)

    I have found that some oncologists have a bit of a warped sense of humour, perhaps coming from having to deal daily with the full spectrum of cancer, but sometimes it would be good if they thought a bit more about the effects of their words on the minds of their patients!

    Take care, Jane