Hello,

sorry you had such a horrible time with chemo, I do understand.....I had 4 cycles of FEC and pulled out of having 5 and 6 due to the horrendous side effects, believe me the decision wasn't made lightly, I chatted it all through with my oncologist and really had to weigh it all up, it's such a big thing to be weighing up.....I was also on herceptin and went straight into 5 weeks of rads....so good back up! 
 

what is your onco saying? Xx

My oncologist is calling me on Monday to discuss. He thought I may struggle too much with the side effects but we decided to give it a go but we hadn't considered a reaction. My oxygen is still a bit low and my heart rate is very low for me, but I think that's a side effect of the Phesgo injection (perjeta and herceptin). My gut has always said surgery is the way forward x

Listen to your gut ( and your onco) they will be able to weigh out the benefits  ( if any) of carrying on with chemo....good luck, if you get a chance pop back and let me know xx

Thank you!!! It's great to hear something else other than 'the chemo is killing the cancer'. X

Hi there,

Gosh, you even to have remarkably similar cancer experience to me and over roughly the same time period too. The only difference i can see was that cancer was found in my lymph nodes instantly when i was diagnosed in March - otherwise our cancers are very similar.

I didn't have that instant reaction to docetaxel, but I did have hideous side effects to my first doxcetaxel  treatment, following 3 x FEC treatments.  My oncologist suggested reducing the doxcetaxel dose as an option, but I was keen to maintain the full dose.  The only condition was that I would need to see her every couple of weeks in person for increased monitoring.  

So the only thing I can add is that the side effects for the 2nd round of docetaxel were remarkably reduced and as a result I'm fairly confident going into my 3rd (& hopefully final!) round of docetaxel next week. No idea why this round has been so different, other than my steroids were slightly increased and I've been given vitamin B to help with the neuropathy.  Perhaps those made the difference, or maybe my body just got used to docetaxel. Incidentally  I had a similar first experience with FEC. First round caused hideous side effects meaning drs called every night following my first dose and a couple of ambulance journeys to A&E.  2nd and 3rd rounds however were much less brutal on my body and I came through though those fairly well. 

Anyway it looks like we are both on the similar journeys with surgery and radiation coming up shortly, followed by ongoing herceptin and perjeta. I'm also hoping for reconstruction, but my surgeon has said not for a year or so afterwards.  

I just wanted to wish you well. Good luck with your conversation with your oncologist, I really hope it helps you in making the right decision for you.  I fully appreciate that the side effects I experienced are completely different to the reaction you experienced. I just wanted to let you know that from my experience, things can be very different in 2nd & 3rd round.

Aah  - best of luck and fingers crossed that you don't react to this alternative.  Well done though for giving it a go after your previous experience.  You've come so far it would seem a pity not to give it one more go now. I  do think youve made a brave decision to keep going with the chemo and I imagine those additional 3 weeks must seem for ever at the moment.  I know if i was told I had to endure another 3 weeks of treatment I would find it incredibly hard. 

I'm seeing my oncologist tomorrow & then what I hope will my final chemo is scheduled for Thursday, the same day as your treatment.  I'll be thinking of you & have everything crossed for you.

Take care and all the very best for Thursday 

Thank you! I'll be thinking of you too. We don't realise how strong we are until we need to be.