chemo

I have just had my second last chemo treatment.  3 x FEC and 3 x Docetaxel.  I agree with Robyn that walking is the best thing for fatigue.  Side affects for me were different for the two different drugs.  I definitely found the FEC cycles the worst especially the fatigue.   I lost my hair to on day 14.  I had had my hair cut into a pixie cut ready and on day 14 my husband shaved the rest off for me.  I have been able to manage the side effect the same way Robyn has and by week three I am feeling pretty good.  

I had every intention of going back to work but found I couldn't and I am so glad I decided not to as there is a lot to do just in looking after yourself and your own environment.   I am quite surprised how quickly the time has gone since starting my treatment and can now see the light at the end of the tunnel.  

Do what's right for you and be kind to yourself.

Big hugs

Joy xx

I had exactly the same as you.4 Docetaxel and cyclophosphamide .Knowing what I know now,this is what I think.It was nowhere near as bad as I thought at first.I don't think it's comparable to the taxol that ladies have after FEC,because they have already had 3 rounds of another drug,before they start.For me, my hair pretty much came out on day 14. , the first round.I had my head shaved 4 days before I started chemo,so really only little prickly bits came out ! And my eyebrows!I felt tired from days 5 to about. 9,and I could not have worked on those days,but from day 10 to the next round,I was pretty good.Just be super careful to stay away from crowds in the second week,cause it's not worth risking an infection.I got weird cravings,a very itchy skin rash, and the rash was worse each round.I took Zyrtec,and my oncologist said this was fine,It really helped the rash.My nails are still pretty flaky( but big deal I reckon) however my hair is growing back:) Throughout my chemo,I walked every day,and this DOES HELP with the fatigue that you feel.You kind of have to push yourself to get out ,but if you can,you will feel a lot better.Feel free to read my blog posts.They are not on private setting.Try not to worry,and I think you will find it will not be that bad! Cheers Robynxox Also,I used Biotene toothpaste and mouthwash all the time,after every time I ate,and I had no mouth problems worth mentioning

Hi Margiemoo  

We usually say chemo in general, however, with chemo treatment there are a lot of different combination of drug and depends on your situation.

I had Docetaxel+Carboplain+Herceptin (this one not chemo drug),  I had my 2nd dose 28/3.   I went to hospital the 2nd week of 1st dose due to high temperature. This cause by urine infection, which I had old bug found from my urine and when I was weak they came to active.

My onco said Docetaxel definitely cause hair loss, so I cut all my hair first.  They gave me a list of side effect.....Mmmm nausea feeling like when you were pragnant, feeling upset on the stomach no appertide, I was constipation the 1st time, I ate some prune and it back to normal, this was because of nausea tablets.  I end up didn't eat the tablets this time, (I actually forgot to eat a day before, so after chemo day I rather not eat anymore)  I make soup most of the time, tomato+whatever, because stomach upset and no appertide, so something sour.  Mild headache, tired, bone/joint pain.... like heavy cold & flu.

I don't know what will happen with the rest of cycle (another 4 to go), but just keep myself positive and clear.  Find some funny movie to make myself big laugh.   Walk as exercise to make me sleep good.

I am lucky no affect my sleep, no vomit, and no fatique, no ulcer...... Period went wrong, but is expected.   Quite annoying me was, taste, I now even Jelly/ice cream are all bitter :(   

I would say, don't attention on the side effect, if you schedule to have the treatment, well ready : like panadol, something help for constipation/diahirrea,   cream for body after shower, mouth caring (I use oil pulling every morning, and salty water to rinse), maybe attend LGFB workshop; shop some beautiful scarf/turban/hat.   Do something which yourself could prepare, however, everyone is different, as I said, I was lucky,  seems to me every 3weeks is a chemo cycle, so the last week probably back to myself, and I did even more exercise to refresh my inner oxygen and eat a lot more healthy and favourble food to ready the next drip.

Take good care and well ready, You will be ok.

Cheers.

Hi Margiemoo  

We usually say chemo in general, however, with chemo treatment there are a lot of different combination of drug and depends on your situation.

I had Docetaxel+Carboplain+Herceptin (this one not chemo drug),  I had my 2nd dose 28/3.   I went to hospital the 2nd week of 1st dose due to high temperature. This cause by urine infection, which I had old bug found from my urine and when I was weak they came to active.

My onco said Docetaxel definitely cause hair loss, so I cut all my hair first.  They gave me a list of side effect.....Mmmm nausea feeling like when you were pragnant, feeling upset on the stomach no appertide, I was constipation the 1st time, I ate some prune and it back to normal, this was because of nausea tablets.  I end up didn't eat the tablets this time, (I actually forgot to eat a day before, so after chemo day I rather not eat anymore)  I make soup most of the time, tomato+whatever, because stomach upset and no appertide, so something sour.  Mild headache, tired, bone/joint pain.... like heavy cold & flu.

I don't know what will happen with the rest of cycle (another 4 to go), but just keep myself positive and clear.  Find some funny movie to make myself big laugh.   Walk as exercise to make me sleep good.

I am lucky no affect my sleep, no vomit, and no fatique, no ulcer...... Period went wrong, but is expected.   Quite annoying me was, taste, I now even Jelly/ice cream are all bitter :(   

I would say, don't attention on the side effect, if you schedule to have the treatment, well ready : like panadol, something help for constipation/diahirrea,   cream for body after shower, mouth caring (I use oil pulling every morning, and salty water to rinse), maybe attend LGFB workshop; shop some beautiful scarf/turban/hat.   Do something which yourself could prepare, however, everyone is different, as I said, I was lucky,  seems to me every 3weeks is a chemo cycle, so the last week probably back to myself, and I did even more exercise to refresh my inner oxygen and eat a lot more healthy and favourble food to ready the next drip.

Take good care and well ready, You will be ok.

Cheers.