Hi AJ hope your doing as well as can be expected.

Ihad 6 cycles of FEC from January this year to May. There are various side effects but everybody is different. The main issues I had was constipation, fatigue and obviously the hair loss. Everybody is different in the side effects they experience but one of the important things is to keep your fluid uptake very good. Drink plenty of water before you go in for chemo, throughout the infusion and after for a good few days, it helps flush the chemo through.

If you have any side effect you are struggling with always speak to your breast care nurse or your GP.

Hope all goes well. Take care xx

Hi [@AJ666]‍ 

I also had EC chemo after being diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer.  First of all I'd say that my experience of being treated in the chemo unit was really positive - the nurses are so kind and lovely.  Second, I did get side effects (including nausea and heartburn) but when I told my medical team they prescribed meds that dramatically reduced them or got rid of the side effects altogether.  So I agree with [@Kiera123]‍  - don't struggle in silence!   

The meds they give you alongside chemo (eg. Anti-sickness meds) will probably give you constipation so keep well hydrated, eat lots of fibre and have some senna or similar tablets handy - you can get them in the supermarket.  Also - get some exercise.  I went on a long walk almost daily, it made me feel much more positive (and apparently helps get your bowels moving!).

 I had EC every three weeks and would say that during week 1 I felt a bit rough, week 2 I felt okay, and week 3 I felt great.  So it's not all bad, you can still get on with your life and do lots of the things you enjoy. Best wishes x

Got home at 2pm I feel really light headed and strange is this normal?

Hi, I hope you're doing okay after your chemo.  It seems to affect everyone differently but it's quite normal to feel "odd" in some way or another.  As well as the chemo you no doubt were given several other meds to go with it, and they have their own side effects.  After my first EC I felt great initially and went for a walk.  But by the time I got home I was practically on my knees and spent the rest of the day in bed!

I assume your medical team has given you some advice on what side effects are common, and what side effects you need to contact the medical team about. If you are concerned you can always ring them for advice.  But I hope you're feeling better soon.  Best of luck x