The side-effects of my chemotherapy have definitely become more pronounced over recent weeks with the first three treatments acting cumulatively. I have felt much more tired; experienced more muscle aches; and my breathlessness has continued.
On the bright side, for the moment anyway, my hair loss seems to have stopped; however I suppose the less you have left, the less there is to fall out!
Today was my fourth chemo session and I was particularly interested to hear what my red-cell level was as it is slight anaemia that has caused my breathlessness. In fact the level was about the same as last time so I did not need the blood transfusion which had been a possibility.
This was the last chemo comprising EC (Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide). It all went pretty routinely although I felt a little nauseous early on… ironically just after the administration of the anti-nausea pre-meds.
Also the cold cap was much more uncomfortable than before, undoubtedly because I have less hair to insulate my scalp.
So nothing much to report at the moment.
In three weeks’ time, on 8th February, I start the first of twelve weekly sessions of Taxol (its generic name is paclitaxel) and soon after that the monoclonal antibody treatment commences alongside the Taxol. The different chemo drugs all carry side-effects so we’ll have to see how things go once that treatment starts.
Every week I get a carry-home pack of meds to take during the first few days after chemo, including an injection to help with my white blood cell level.
We were astounded to discover that the injection, containing just 6ml of Longquex costs an amazing £700 and the main anti-nausea tablets cost £40 each! Once again we are so thankful that our private medical insurance is footing the bill!
