Can't tolerate it anymore

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momoftot
momoftot Member Posts: 2
edited August 2018 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

I'm on neoadjuvant chemotherapy for a stage 2 tumor that has most likely not spread to the lymph nodes (one node is suspect in the radiologist but negative in two September biopsies). I'm supposed to get 4 cycles of epirubicin-cyclophosphamide followed by 4 cycles of Taxol. Just finished three cycles if EC and it's been SO hard!! Each successive cycle is worse than the last and my body is telling me that another cycle of EC is not something I can tolerate. Has anyone ever asked their doctors about reducing the number of cycles? The tumor has shrunk quite a bit from the feel of it, and when I go in tomorrow for the next cycle I just want to tell them to switch to Taxol right away. Is that even possible? Will that increase recurrence risk? And also, are Taxol side effects just as bad?

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  • buttonsmachine
    buttonsmachine Member Posts: 930
    edited August 2018

    What are you experiencing that makes you feel you can't continue? Maybe your MO can adjust your meds to make things more comfortable on the next cycle.

    It's great that your tumor is shrinking though! That's so encouraging! My tumor grew during chemo.

    There's just no way to predict how you'll respond to Taxol, because every chemo is different for every person, but I hope it's better for you.


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  • moth
    moth Member Posts: 4,800
    edited August 2018

    Yes, tell us what symptoms you're having and we can make more concrete suggestions. There are other options such as change in medications to deal with the side effects or a dose reduction rather than stopping altogether.

    The other thing is : chemo hits some of us hard. It's ok to be sick and be in bed during it if that's what you need. If that's what it takes to get your full dose so that you do all you can to prevent a recurrence and increase your odds of survival, then that's what it takes, kwim? There are days when many of us felt like quitting; if you're getting steroids as your pre-meds or side effect meds, those can really mess with your body & your emotions. It's temporary. This will pass and you'll feel better again.

    Most people seem to find taxol a bit easier but there a few people who found it harder. The side effects are just different. Less nausea but sometimes more joint/bone pain and the biggie is the neuropathy that many of us experienced.

    best wishes ~

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  • oxygen18
    oxygen18 Member Posts: 164
    edited August 2018

    momoftot,

    As buttonsmachine says, depending on what specific symptoms you have, some adjustments might be possible. You need to let the oncologist know about these symptoms.

    I had good response to chemo as well as severe side effects, and I kept wanting to quit chemo, but I got a dose reduction and ended up keeping on going, and watching like a hawk those side effects that worried me most. For example, I had kindney issues, and I made sure to drink a lot before, during, and after chemo infusions, also I insisted on having the infusion rate slowed down to double the duration.

    Ask yourself how you would feel if you shortened the chemo and you had a recurrence, you'd immdiately wonder if only...

    It can be rough sometimes but you can do this. Be clear in your mind what the key concerns are, and work with your oncologist to address them. Get a second opinion if you need to. I sure hope they will work with you to address your concerns.

    Best wishes.


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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited August 2018

    Never been through it but I want to say you have my total sympathy. Don't feel like you shouldn't press the doctor.

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  • buttonsmachine
    buttonsmachine Member Posts: 930
    edited August 2018

    Momoftot, as an afterthought - I'm also one of those people who is just terrible with chemo. For me chemo is the worst, hardest part of cancer treatment. I'm currently on Xeloda, which is supposed to be an easier chemo, but it's still hard. One foot in front of the other.

    There are instances where we truly can't continue with chemo. For example, I'll never get Taxotere again because I had a truly dangerous reaction to it. I had a miserable time on AC, but nothing truly dangerous. That is why it's so important to have an MO you really trust - chemo is scary. So many weird and unpleasant things happen to our bodies.

    Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone in your feelings. I hope you get some answers, please keep us posted.

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  • momoftot
    momoftot Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2018

    Thanks for the responses everyone. It's good to hear encouragement. The side effects aren't medically dangerous, but very severe. Nausea (uncontrolled by five different medications given simultaneously), dizziness, and extreme dryness of the mouth and throat. I just went through two whole weeks with not a drop of saliva, and artificial saliva doesn't really help. It may not sound bad but it absolutely sucks!! And I don't mind the lying in bed part (except that it's not always possible with a toddler running around), it's the debilitating drowsiness and dizziness that bothers me. I'll talk to my oncologist tomorrow and see what he says. Thanks again for the responses! I've been reading this forum since my diagnosis and you sisters are all just great!



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  • moth
    moth Member Posts: 4,800
    edited August 2018

    Hi momoftot - oh hun, this is going to be the time to dig deep into your pool of friends and family and get them to look after your little one.

    The drowsiness and dizziness could be side effects of the anti nausea meds. Honestly sleeping through the worst of the nausea is sometimes the best thing possible. The dryness could also be a result of some of the anti nausea meds - some of the strong anti histamines have that side effect.

    Are you getting pre meds before chemo & then staying on top of your meds - ie taking them before you have nausea?

    Do talk to your MO and let them know you might need changes to the anti nausea protocol. There are a variety of other drugs that can be added - things like a scopolamine patch for example and other medicines. Also - some of these meds come in suppositories so if you're having a hard time keeping meds down, see if you can get that.

    Also, could the dizziness and drowsiness be part of dehydration or not eating? If so, sometimes getting some IV fluids can help. Lots of little sips and tiny bites of food might help if that's the problem. Or maybe popsicles?

    I hope you find some solutions. Hugs


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  • stephincanada
    stephincanada Member Posts: 228
    edited August 2018

    Just wanted to say that I had three cycles of FEC, and I don’t think I could have managed a fourth. It was like my body became possessed by an alien who cross wired all my senses. As far as I am concerned, FEC is spelled with the wrong vowel.

    The taxane was a walk in the park by comparison. Good luck to you whatever you decide.

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