Very Pink & Swollen Breast after FEC

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Daysie
Daysie Member Posts: 9
edited June 2014 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Hi Everyone

I have IDC which is Triple Negative, quite a large tumour so I am having FEC-T, to shrink the tumour before mastectomy.  I started my 1st FEC last Friday 18 Nov. 

I am really worried because my bad breast has gone very pink and feels full and swollen and heavy.  I am also Diabetic and had a mild steriod with the FEC.

My Oncologist said yesterday that the FEC may have reacted with the steriod or because I've got diabetes or he said that the FEC may not be working.  This is the bit that worries me, because when I got my treatment plan he said that FEC-T was the only treatment that is suitable for me because of being Triple Negative.  If the FEC isn't working then I haven't any other hope have I?

Has anybody else had a Pink Swollen Breast after FEC? 

I am scared to high heaven that the FEC isn't working.

Any experiences or knowledge shared would be great to hear from you.

Daysie x

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  • Luah
    Luah Member Posts: 1,541
    edited November 2011

    Hi Daysie: I'm sorry I can't be much help, hopefully someone will be along shortly. 

    Can you get in to see your onc?  It would be nice if he/she could examine you and rule out your worst fears. Could it be an infection, for example? I know FEC-T is a very common regimen in Canada, but it is very similar to AC-T which I happened to do. So I'd be very surprised if there aren't some other choices for you.

    I understand your worry, but try not to get ahead of yourself. Don't be reluctant to bug your docs when you do have a worry. We know our bodies best.

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  • flannelette
    flannelette Member Posts: 984
    edited November 2011

    Hello Daysie - and I'm sorry you have to join us. I'm posting only because I too had  IDC, FEC and a huge tumor - but in my case it was MX first, chemo second. then radiation. I don't know why the oncs choose the order - wondering if maybe these days it's more the ideal among oncs to try shrinking first. So I can't tell you about how my bad breast reacted  as it was no longer there. My main ses from fec were gastric related. I'm not diabetic so can contribute nothing there. I too had steroids after each TX (6 in all)

    maybe the dr's saying that, considering you are triple negative, you cannot also be treated hormonally (aromatase inhibitor, or tamoxifen) down the line?so more depends on chemo working. Maybe something other than FEC would work, if FEC isn't. I have no idea how they tell.

    I'm sorry I can't be of more help, I'm wondering if you might also post under Invasive ductal Carcinoma? Meanwhile, if some of us keep an eye on your post here and see it is scrolling way down the list of active topics we can give it a bump, back up where someone who can help you is more likely to notice.

    Wishing you some answers soon, and wishing you well.

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