well I have my cocktail

Cath - you will probably see a mantra around here about things - everyone is different.  For me each of the FECs were pretty similar.  I would say I felt pretty ordinary for 3 days and then gradually improved.  Over the course of the three weeks I would say 1 week out - feeling tired, sick, fatigued,"brain foggy".  1 week feeling OK just a bit more fatigued than usual and 1 week of feeling normal.  Each FEC was slightly different and a little harder (I guess it catches up with you but each time I had a third week of feeling good and energetic.  Taxotere is completely different.  

As for things you should buy/organise - for me it was the following - lime cordial to add to water, lemons and ginger for drinking in hot water, ginger beer.  A good supply of chicken and vegetable soups. Have you sorted things out Hairloss wise? It is good to have this in place beforehand if you can.  Maybe a little supply of hand cream - it is great if someone can give you a foot /hand massage - also feels nice to pamper yourself a little. 

You girls are a little older than mine but don't underestimate that first week.  If you can get some help with laundry and cooking it is definitely worth it (hard as it is to accept).  I have my Mum come and stay for 10 days (she lives interstate) - to help with meals, laundry, pick ups and drop offs.  I didn't feel like I could drive fore about a week as I didn't feel safe to drive (my brain was truly foggy).

Its normal to feel a little nervous - I was a little teary the first time - that's one of the other things.  Once the drugs kick in I felt quite low and teary each time. All in all though, now 2/3 way through, it is not as bad as I imagined.  

I have a neulasta injection after each chemo which keeps my white blood cells nice and high so I have had no problems with neutropenia - not all oncologists do this - not sure why?  It is expensive but on the PBS so I am unsure of what the protocol is for using it. 

Good Luck Cath.

Amanda xx