hi Maree44

Just thought I would pop on as I’m lying awake. I’ve just finished my 6 th cycle two weeks ago. Three fec and three doxatel. I found the first three easier, but I was told it was cumulative so to expect the side effects to be harder to shake off. I’ve found with the last three that it’s taken me a little longer to recover, I’ve slept more as I’ve been more fatigued and my joints have ached more. 

However as hard as it has been it’s been worth it as I’ve had a significant response to the chemo. 

I know it’s hard but it’s killing the cancer and for me that’s what I focussed on. Temporary side effects for long term life gains. 

Big hug coming your way. 

WL

Thank you. Can I ask if you felt sick with it?. I feel sick all the time on the Fec, well for at least 10 days. I’ve got anti sickness pills but I can’t bring myself to take them . My sense of smell is also extremely heightened meaning mostly I can’t sit near anyone lol. 

I know I can’t stop and I know I’m halfway through and I’m sure it’s doing me good I’m just feeling scared of what’s to come x

I felt the same, I was bricking it, and would get quite anxious before each one, I think that normal to worry about the unknown. I didn’t feel sick throughout the whole of my chemo. But my sense of smell went haywire, and my taste. Have you tried the anti sickness? Might be worth giving them a go. 

Wl

Hi Maree44!

Finished chemo in June - same regime as you with FEC-T . Found first two cycles not bad but three made me exhausted and nauseaous .  Would encourage you to take your anti sickness regularly as advised as you need to be ahead of the nausea . I took Metacloprimideabout 20/30 mins before having something to eat and it certainly helped me to manage small snacks and drinks to keep my strength up . The other thing I did was take Ondansertron at night to ward off nighttime sickness . Did  you get some steroids to take as well fir first three days post chemo ? Think that helped me ! I did what I was told and took it all ! You need all the medication to help you at this time and to encourage you to continue as it's worth it in the long run . Speak to your Chemo team who will help you as well . I needed lots of rest and found if I tried to do too much felt nauseaous . Snacks little and often helped to keep nausea at bay particularly sweet ginger biscuits and flat coke a cola or ginger ale ! Get lots of ready meals / ping meals so you don't have to do much food prep as well ! Hope this helps ! Keep in touch 

Forgot to say that with Doxitaxcel i didn't have any nausea . Think you may have steroids pre and post this which again will help . Have a chat with the team !! You are half way there now ??? Just think of all the things you want to do when this is all over . Make a few little plans of nice treats and look after yourself ! You are stronger than you think and you can do this !!! 

Thank you so much!. I’m really hoping I don’t feel as sick with Docetaxel as it’s my biggest phobia so it’s be hard. I can’t believe how hard this round has been. I’m feeling better today but still not brill but it’s hope!. 

I did have steroids with the Fec and I think I have more with the next stage. Fingers crossed for me ladies!!. X

Sorry ! Keep thinking of things to say ! Def less / no nausea with Doxitaxol . Try and nibble as said before and keep your fluids up . Dehydration and drop in blood sugar can contribute to nausea . Exhaustion was more with Dox but as said,  just rested , kip after lunch , early night with cup of peppermint tea and a easy book or podcast to listen too . Hope this helps .

It’s really helpful thank you!. I keep wondering what else to drink other than water!, I’ll try peppermint!. X

hi

It took me longer to pull myself round for each of the last three. So I’m now two weeks after my last round and I was rough for a week (sleeping lots, joint pain) and the second week I’ve dekt tired but have been getting out and about again. My taste buds are just starting to come back. 

I drank fizzy elderflower, lime cordial and peppermint tea. You can get peppermint cordial too. Also found that I didn’t want to eat, so smoothies and ice cream helped. Make sure you drink loads of water. 

You are doing really well. 

Wl