FEC & Nausea Duration

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lv2crft
lv2crft Member Posts: 29
edited September 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

So, I had my last THP chemo in late June, then the full mastectomy (and left lymphectomy) in Aug., and now, this past Wed., I just started FEC chemo.  The nausea and weakness from the FEC are CRUSHING (much worse than the THP), even though I'm alternating between Ondansetron and Compazine.  For anybody out there who's had FEC, how many days each cycle did your nausea last?  

Thanx in advance. :)

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  • Oncearunneralwaysarunner
    Oncearunneralwaysarunner Member Posts: 252
    edited September 2014

    Hi lv2crft,

    I had FEC for three cycles and I found that the nausea started about fours hours after my treatment and lasted 3 to 4 days. For me, it got worst the second day after treatment and then would slowly go away. The crushing fatigue would last for about 5 to 7 days. My treatments were every 3 weeks. You may want to mention the nausea to your MO, mine wanted to know so he could adjust the dosage of the anti nausea meds.

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  • LauraOntario
    LauraOntario Member Posts: 377
    edited September 2014

    Is FEC the same as Triptorelin?  I"m on that, but I don't have such crushing fatigue.  I throw up most days, or I'm so nauseated I can rarely eat anything.  I just feel yucky.  Hope you are feeling better soon.  I will be thinking of you.

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  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited September 2014

    I was on 3 or 4 different nausea meds when I got FEC. They gave me Emend during the infusion and for 2 days after. Then I took an additional 2 or 3 meds on a strict schedule for 3 days after. It worked. I can't claim that I felt great or anything, but I never puked and I did not have nausea really. The only downside was that the anti-puke meds sometimes gave me a headache and constipation. Make sure to take plenty of probiotics.

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  • 208sandy
    208sandy Member Posts: 2,610
    edited September 2014

    I had Emend during my chemo and honestly didn't vomit once - didn't feel like going running or anything and certainly wasn't eating normally but that drug is a God send as is Ativan - you need to talk to your MO ASAP - you shouldn't be feeling this bad - before you take probiotics check with your MO - I've used them when on anti-biotics at the instruction of my PCP but MOs can get a little "ticky" if you take any supplements without talking to them first.

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  • WinningSoFar
    WinningSoFar Member Posts: 951
    edited September 2014

    Emend and Sancuso (if you can get it) are wonder drugs for nausea.  I've never been on this protocol though. 

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  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited September 2014

    Y es, good point about clearing probiotics with onc. However, mine was all in favor. I even saw a small study suggesting that probiotics might enhance the effectiveness of chemo. They help against intestinal issues and they also help against thrush.

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  • lv2crft
    lv2crft Member Posts: 29
    edited September 2014

    Thanx to everybody for your replies:  I really appreciate that a LOT!  

    They did give me some sort of anti-emetic during the chemo, but the stuff I take at home is only keeping me from tossing my cookies:  the nausea's so bad that I have a really hard time downing anything, except for fruit or yoghurt (and even then only in tiny amounts).  Even cool water is revolting. :(  But maybe I'll be like Oncearunner, with the worst over after a few days...

    Blessings to all of you! :)

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  • lv2crft
    lv2crft Member Posts: 29
    edited September 2014

    Kayb, thanx for the tip:  I do eat some protein (holding my nose, LOL, doesn't work, bec. the gag reflex is there regardless [mine's complicated by permanent trismus---long story]) as much as I can each day.  Yoghurt is the easiest one, and yah, I've had some almonds the past couple of days, too.  Thanx for that pointer! :)

     As for Emend, the pharmacist told me this evening that one pill is $100---even if my insurance were to foot part of that (which I doubt, they're such SCROOOOOOges!!!), I could not foot the out of pocket, no way, no how.

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