EC Chemotherapy

Hello. My mum had her first EC 7 days ago. She is having 4 in total. Her side effects have been utter exhaustion, sleeping 20hrs over days 3,4 & 5. She has perked up quite a lot today. She has had no nausea/vomitting. She cold-capped successfully too. My questions are when does hair start to shed following this regime? Is the treatment cumulative ie...side effects worsen? Is she likely to develop further side effects after day 7, & onwards? Really appreciate any info. Thank you very much

  • Hello and thank you for posting.

    I am sorry to hear about Mum's diagnosis, but pleased to hear her symptoms of exhaustion and fatigue had been for only a few days.

    Side effects from treatment can occur at any point in the chemotherapy cycle, not just in the first few days of her first dose. But keeping a symptom diary of them, so that she can report back to the nurses each time is a good way of trying to have some control, as well as getting the support 

    EC treatment can cause hair loss, but again this could start to happen at any time. We have more information on coping with changes in appearance on our website if useful for you or Mum to read through.

    I am sorry we are unable to give specifics but it may be helpful to re-post this in the 'living with cancer' section of the forum so that others on the same treatment regime can give their own experiences. Although everyone is individual in how they react and respond to this treatment, hearing from those going through similar may be a support to you and Mum. 

    Breast cancer now also has a forum and other lines of support which could be helpful.

    Take care and do get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Sarah.