FEC-D regime

hi Amazonwarrior1, I had your regiment but unfortunately can't answer about the flu shot. I started the end of jan and don't normally get the flu shot. I did get neulasta shots the day after chemo and was fortunate enough not to have gotten ill from my tx. I found the FEC very easy to tolerate and took everyone's advice about taking the nausea meds whether I felt I needed it or not. My MO told me if I feel nauseated that I should tell her right away as it meant she wasn't doing her job! Never had to and actually asked her if she was sure I got chemo after the first one! As tx went on I found myself getting tired and took 3 days off work each time.

Unfortunately the docetaxol part was very hard on me. Please remember, everyone reacts differently and many find the D part easier.

I see your going for a picc line. I had that as well and once the procedure was done, I was grateful for it as it made each chemo easy. My chemo nurse gave me two rubber tourniquet bands and I sewed velcro on each end-this was used to secure around a freezer Baggie top and bottom to keep dry. I found this easy to manage on my own and developed a method of holding one end down with my chin as I wrapped the band around the bag on my arm. I don't know if your a suck like me, but I got myself all worked up (and then some) after hearing the procedure-I really should have asked for Ativan but didn't realize that I could have. As a result, I laid on the table trying to do deep breathing and relaxation imagery-but failed miserably with tears streaming down my face. I only tell you this so you can ask for something to relax you now, if your the type who may need it. I learned my lesson and was prepared with Ativan for my snb dye injection.

Many find they prefer bland food while going through chemo. I heard anything white was favourable, but I was the opposite and craved spicy food-I guess just so I could taste something! I did put on quite a bit of weight from the steroids and have managed to loose most of it. Now is not the time to worry about weight. Be kind to yourself!

As far as eyebrows, I was the same. I loved my eyebrows and was more upset about loosing them than my hair. I got pretty good at drawing them in and used a cream eyeliner to help with the lack of lashes.

If I can answer anything else, let me know. My positive thoughts are with you. You will do fine!

Hi Amazonwarrior1,

Hope your first FEC treatment is treating you well. I finished my FEC-D treatments on October 31 and I'm glad that the major side effects are almost gone. Keep in mind that everyone reacts to chemo differently but here is what I experienced.

I found the FEC part worst than the D. The main reason for that was the nausea and the fog that came with FEC. While the meds prevented me from vomiting, I felt queasy. Make sure to mention any nausea to your oncologist, they will adjust the meds. I did get some body aches with the D but no nausea and while I had fatigue it wasn't as bad as with FEC.

I had to learn to draw my brows but I only started losing them when I started the D. I lost my hair with FEC and it very slowly started to come back with D. I found that using a powder brow corrector worked better than a pencil since I still have some brows left. The pencil clumped up in what little I have left in my brows and looked bad. The cosmetic counter might be a good place to start for help on doing your brows.

As for the flu shot, my oncologist recommended that I wait until my immune system gets stronger before getting it. I might not get the full benefit of the shot if I have a low immune system. Check with your oncologist for a recommendation.

Hope this helps.

I have a bit of tingling in my hands and feet that come and goes. It got a little worst with the D but nothing too bad. It's not painful, just a different feeling. When I mentioned it to my oncologist, he told me to let him know if it got any worst. Luckily it hasn't gotten any worst and I'm done chemo now.

If you live in Canada, and I suspect you might by mentioning that FEC-D is an Ontario topic, have a look at the Look Good Feel Better workshops. They are free to attend for cancer patients and teach you make up tips for when you are going through treatment. That's where I learned how draw on my brows. It was a nice afternoon of pampering even if you are comfortable with make up.

AmazonW, sounds like you may need the wig a bit sooner-everyone is different. I had the scalp tingling/stinging for about a week before clumps of hair started coming out. I had a friend buzz cut my long hair right after my first chemo to help me emotionally. I was going to be the cause of my hair loss, not C! It was a way for me to gain some control. When I started loosing hair, I vacuumed my head! It's amazing how much that helped, and I wasn't forced to see hair everywhere ;-) I think I did that 3 or 4 times over a couple of days and it was done.

As far as a wig, I got mine from the hospital. They had a wig shop there and was able to pick one that looked very similar to my own style. But I HATED it lol. As soon as I had a bit if fuzz grow back after chemo, I went without anything, but by then I was very comfortable with my new altered looks. It was very empowering to loose the "coverups" I know a lot of women wouldn't do it, but I figured that while I was doing rads, I was basically just going to the hospital and that is a very good place to try it out.

The numbness is pretty normal, but please let your mo know. I took vitamin B6 and l glutamine to help with neuropathy -with my mo's blessing. I still take those as I have residual neuropathy but it isn't too bad.

Good luck with the rest of your tx, thinking positive thoughts for you.

amazonwarrior ans Lorrreymom- glad to hear you are doing OK on FEC. I don't start until the day after Christmas because I have to finish the last 4 weekly Taxol first.

At this time of year you can almost look funky in a beret, hoop earrings, lipstick and no hair. I swear, one time in the waiting room for my chemo, I was dressed like that & the guy next to me offered me gum, chatted a bit - seemed like a bit of a come-on - then my husband 6'2" came walking in. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I remember those popsicles well.

I was at Kingston. they were sooooo nice there! Never even heard of neulasta in 2008...........

Hi Amazon - I didn't have taxotere. In 2012 they were looking everywhere for metastsized br ca cells as a lymph node in annual mammo was 1.2 instead of 1 cm. and away they went on the Hunt for Red October even to dissecting 6 nodes. nada. Lymph was enlarged because id' had a rash from hell (neurodermatitis), I guess.