Fishing for experiences....

Terri B · 07-09-2008, 07:05 AM

Hi everyone...

I am currently halfway through my first round of chemo. Week 6 of 12 taxol/herceptin. Compared to what i've heard here, it has been a walk in the park. With the exception of being sleepy most of the time, i have no complaints. AND i still have a full head of hair (although a heavy shed going on).

My second round will be 5-FU, Epirubicin & Carboplatin every 3 weeks for 4 cycles. I have that familiar feeling of dread approaching. Like someone is about to wipe the smile off my face.

Can you guys give me some input on the above regimen? Thanks!

Mary Jo · 07-09-2008, 10:14 AM

Hi Terri...I wish I could tell you what to expect but I can't. Sorry for using this space to post anyway. I just wanted to say how happy I am that your chemo experience, thus far, has been uneventful. Praise the Lord.

I, too, found chemo fairly doable (I did 4 dose dense A/C and 4 dose dense taxol w/herceptin starting at that time - I received herceptin every 3 weeks for one year).

I was able to exercise (not as vigoursly but exercise nonetheless) and work (I work part-time) throughout. I did take off a few days after each chemo cycle (mainly the a/c) but for the most part, held up well. As for my head of hair......................BALD AS A BABY'S BEHIND HONEY.

I also gained about 15 pounds but did loose all of that when treatment had ended.

Hope your new chemo regimen is just as uneventful for you.....praying for that

(keep us posted, will you?)

Mary Jo

G. Ann · 07-09-2008, 01:17 PM

Hi Terri,
Great to hear your first round of chemo had minimal side effects although being "sleepy most of the time" is not easy. I did not have the same regimen and hope someone who has gone through your type chemo sends a response. I think the sense of dread is pretty common for most of us. Keep in touch and hope your smile remains through the next round.

Becky · 07-09-2008, 09:02 PM

Epirubicin is very much like adriamycin (the "A" in AC). Rhonda H had 6 rounds of FEC but no taxol and took Herceptin alone. She could probably tell you what to expect on FEC. I would privately email her and ask. I would expect fatigue from the Epirubicin as it works much like adriamycin.

Will you continue Herceptin again after your rounds of FEC are completed?

Jackie07 · 07-09-2008, 09:19 PM

Do you also have mitral valve prolapse or other kind of heart-related condition? I was given FEC back in 2003 during my first bout of breast cancer. The C was Cytoxan for me back then.

I remember they always had to give me plenty of tylenol, some kind of anti-emetic pills, and something else. I took them while I was just being hooked up to the IV. Epirubison is orange yellow color. With those pre-meds, the process was not too bad.

caya · 07-10-2008, 09:19 AM

Hi Terri,

I had 3 rounds of FEC, then 3 rounds of Taxotere, then one year of every 3 wks of Herceptin. I was very fatigued with the FEC, my hair all fell out on the 12th day after the first infusion. Epirubicin will turn your pee red.

I was very nauseous with the FEC, but never threw up. The trick is to take the anti-nausea meds regularly the first few days after the infusion, whether you think you need to or not. You don't want to play "catch up" with the nausea.

My diet for the first week after the infusion consisted mainly of vegetable soups, soda crackers, bananas, applesauce. It is important to drink alot. If you can't stand plain water, throw some lemon and lime slices into a pitcher of ice water and let those slices infuse the water. Add some stevia (a natural sweetener).

By week 2 I was getting stronger, and of course the third week I was at my best (as good as that can be when in chemo).

Taxotere was much harder on me, but it sounds like you are not getting it.

good luck, you will get through it.

Terri B · 07-11-2008, 06:01 AM

Great responses... just as i expected from you guys!

Looks like A lot more of the same, just a little different. I will try to be prepared for any changes. Thanks to you all, i know what to expect.

Yes, my herceptin will stop during the FEC, but pick back up again for 11 more times every three weeks.

My daughter brought home a cold, and i'm trying to get over that. Ugh.