FEC chemotherapy

[twosenuf99]

Has anyone received this group of drugs? I do not start my next treatment for about 3 weeks due to still having the drains from surgery but originally the plan was for A/C now the Onc has changed to these drugs and I was wondering how other ladies have fared on these.

Thanks for the help..


HUGS

Tracy

[caya]

Hi Tracy,

I did 3 rounds of FEC, followed by 3 of Taxotere, then did my year of Herceptin - 17 infusions every 3 weeks. FEC is a combination used in Canada and many of the commonwealth countries like the UK and Australia.

I think the side effects are similiar to AC - the most important advice I can give you is to drink a lot of water, and take the anti-nausea meds BEFORE you get nauseous. You don't want to play "catch" up with the meds. Your pee will turn red (the E- Epirubicin) does that to you. My hair started to follow out around day 12, I had my hairdresser cut it very short before I had my first chemo so it wasn't too bad.

Chemo is very doable, just listen to your body and rest as much as possible.

all the best
caya

[twosenuf99]

Caya

Thanks for the advice. I already did 4 cycles if Taxol, Lapatinib with Herceptin. My problem is the anti-nausea meds haven't worked for me so far. Already bald thanks to the other chemo so that's not an issue. My nails are black too. My legs are still swollen and still dealing with the numbness in my fingers. I think the part I am not looking forward to is the steroids they are going to give me since I don't sleep for days on them.

I have to agree chemo is do-able. I know I would rather have done chemo the rest of my life than go through double mastectomy.

Warm wishes
Tracy

[caya]

Tracy,

Speak to your onc. about getting something to help you sleep - maybe Ativan or even Imovane (Zoplicone).

Why are you getting another round of chemo? Have you recurred?

all the best
caya

[twosenuf99]

Caya

They tried the Ativan I will ask about the Imovane though. The Onc feels this is best course of treatment. I was diagnosed in May this year Stage IIIB did the weekly Taxol, Lapatinib and Herceptin, had bi-lat mastectomy last week with expanders and now onc wants me to do FEC every 3 weeks for 3 months then have 3 weeks off then start 5 days a week for 6 weeks of radiation then a year of Herceptin every 3 weeks. Pathology report came back NED I thought all this was overkill but according to her the aggressiveness of the cancer requires it.

Warm wishes
Tracy

[KristinSchwick]

I did 4 rounds (every 3 weeks) of FEC with Herceptin and had very little complaints. No neuropathies, no nausea (provided I took the pre-meds), some diahhrea (manageable). I did loose my hair but really had very few issues with the combo.

[twosenuf99]

Kristin

Thanks for posting. I appreciate the information.. Hang in there my thoughts are with you..

Tracy