Cancer Research UK main site

Starting Fec start of may- tips please

Mumai
Offline

Hi folks 

About to start 6 X Fec first week in may.

Looking for advice or tips on this. I've been in super planning operational mode of wig shopping, filling the freezer with mainly plant based meals, getting my semi permanent eyebrows done. It still doesn't feel real. Chest port fitted next week day before I start.

Interested to hear Fec only experiences. From hair, to energy, to sleep, weight to mood. Onco did say out of Fec and tax I did get the loosely termed " lighter duty" chemo that may be easier on me. Steroids 2 days before and 1day after. Also said how you go on round 1 can indicste how the other 5 will pan out. Don't know if this is true as read other experience on here that some folk found it a cumulative effect each time meaning it built up.

It's a bit like being on bail awaiting a sentence if I'm honest...

Thanks

M

  • Offline

    Hello mumai,

    Im fec all the way ( 6 cycles) my onco said the same as yours....I had cycle 4 last Thursday. Just a thought.....make sure any dental work is up to date...

     

    my first cycle landed me in hospital with vomiting, so my next cycle was tweaked and since ( fingers crossed) been ok.....my main side effects have been fatigue, sore eyes and clumsy fingers...

     

    for me, the first week is defo the worse, no energy and heart palpitations, but they seem to settle after that first week.....oh and don't forget your thermometer, although I'm completely obsessed with mine! 

     

    Also, in the beginning I found time was dragging and couldn't see an end to it..but I have to say now I do feel there is light at the end of the tunnel and time is picking up...

    my hair went south almost immediately ( I didn't cold cap) nails so far in tact...but I read it was T that did the nails in..

     

    good luck hun, would be lovely to hear from you.xxx

  • Offline

    Hi Mumai,

    i did six rounds of FEC three years ago after a lumpectomy. It was surprisingly easy. I had expected to have my face down the toilet for months in end but this was not the case. The first one is the scariest because you THINK it’s going to be soooo bad but it’s really not. 

    I was sick on the first chemo only and absolutely fine for every other one after that. 

    I had no infections either, but then I stayed in house and garden like a recluse for the duration of chemo. Bored to tears but kept me well. 

    Dont be terrified into thinking you should stay off dairy, sugar or cheeses etc... I was advised to just a healthy and varied diet but to stay off red meats and reduce alcohol intake. 

    It seems such a big thing but seriously chemo will be fine. I didn’t even take the steroids they gave me. Managed without any meds for chemo. 

    D

  • Offline in reply to Dollydimples

    Thank you both for your replies. Much appreciated. Great to hear your experiences and although a rock the boat start wasn't too bad in the end.

    It's the wait countdown beforehand that's  kind like awaiting a custodial sentence when on bail

    Thanks again Fec- ers

    M

     

     

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.