FEC-T or is there an alternative
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Topic: FEC-T or is there an alternative
Posted By: Ams
Subject: FEC-T or is there an alternative
Date Posted: Nov 17 2013 at 1:28pm
Hiya,
Have triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma, or had one removed from my right breast a month ago today.
Have been told FEC-T would be the best treatment & am wondering how many people have had FEC-T & if there is something else that would be better, or if this would be the best treatment for myself.
Had the PICC fitted on Fri & am due to start treatment on Tue, but am still interested in hearing what people think, as only just discovered this site today, after being referred from Navigating Cancer.
Anyway, look forward to meeting people here
Take care & God Bless
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Replies:
Posted By: Ams
Date Posted: Nov 17 2013 at 1:31pm
Oh yeah, it was a Stage 1, 1.8mm tumour, & grade 3. No lymph nodes involved & only had 3 out.
I'm turning 40 in a month's time, so this was kinda a big shock to the system - found the lump on 28th July
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Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Nov 18 2013 at 8:30am
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Hi Ams,
FEC (Fluorouracil (5FU), epirubicin and cyclophosphamide), T (Taxol or Taxotere) seems to be used more often in the UK, Europe and Austrailia. It's still used in the US, but more often here the standard of care here is A/C (Adriamycin, Cytoxan), T (Taxol).
http://www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/sites/default/files/fec-chemotherapy.pdf" rel="nofollow - http://www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/sites/default/files/fec-chemotherapy.pdf
http://www.chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/default.aspx#.UooTjcSshcY" rel="nofollow - http://www.chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/default.aspx#.UooTjcSshcY
http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-information/treating-breast-cancer/chemotherapy/chemotherapy-drugs/fec-chemotherapy" rel="nofollow - http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-information/treating-breast-cancer/chemotherapy/chemotherapy-drugs/fec-chemotherapy
Several years ago I met a 19 year bc survivor that I think had FEC. She told me "I had this chemo with 5FU in it." I don't know why the trend in the US switched to A/C, T but it seems to be the most common chemo combo currently.
http://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/breast/index.html#1" rel="nofollow - http://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/breast/index.html#1
Donna
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DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09)
11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15
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Posted By: Annie
Date Posted: Nov 18 2013 at 8:36am
Hi All, FEC and D or T is used here in Canada. I was told by the Oncs when I received it that it is a tougher and stronger chemo than what is currently used in the USA
Take care. Love,Annie
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Annie TNBC Stage IIA Gr 3 1cm lesion 2/5 lymph nodes+ lumpectomy,FEC & D 30Rads finished(08/2009) BRCA- Chronic Cellulitis due to Radiation-- L.Mastectomy Jan 2012
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Posted By: Ams
Date Posted: Nov 18 2013 at 2:19pm
Hiya Donna,
Thanks for that info. I am a bit like a sheep at times (us women raised in Africa are raised not to question stuff) & so just went "ok" when I was told what treatment was going to be given, & it was only later when I wondered if there were any alternatives, or if that was the package for TNBC. Also other people then mentioned other combos & it piqued my interest.
From what I have read Taxotere seems gentler on the system than Taxol, though at this stage I am almost at saturation point with info on this condition.
Plus I have a son who is starting at a new school, & they are trying to get him into all manner of different things to study to suit him & boost his O-level results, so I feel a little like the surreal has kicked in all over again.
Anyway, thanks once again & will go & have a read of the info, in case I see something I can ask about tomorrow.
Take care & God bless
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Posted By: Ams
Date Posted: Nov 18 2013 at 2:27pm
Hiya Annie,
Thanks for that hey. How did you find the FEC? I start tomorrow & am due to have 3 lots of it (think less 'cos there was nothing in the 3 lymph nodes they took out).
In South Africa, they do the radiotherapy before the chemo, or so I heard from friends of mine who had breast, & ovarian that spread to her bowel cancers. The friend who had breast cancer had good receptivity to oestrogen, so she got away with just the radiotherapy, but my friend with the more extensive cancer got to have both.
Anyway, so with all the stuff going on in my life, I was on sort of auto-pilot, & got a shock when I realised I'd figured it all wrong & chemo would come first. My folks are coming over from Zimbabwe on 5th Dec, so will be just short of my 2nd session then & if I'd known I'd've suggested they come over once I was finished, but it's all systems go, like on Thunderbirds lol... As you can imagine they are freaking out, but it will be nice to have them here for my 40th, which was going to be a bit of a damp squib event at this rate.
But thanks for getting back to me on that, & would love to be able to pick your brains about the FEC 'cos you have been there & got the t-shirt so to speak.
Go well & God bless
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Posted By: Annie
Date Posted: Nov 18 2013 at 5:45pm
Hello Ams, I did pretty well on the FEC. I had one short lived bout with vomiting initially but then the chemo was reduced a bit and more anti nausea meds were added and that was the end of any nausea and vomiting ever. I was not too hungry at all for several days after but every one is different. I was still able to drink tea, one of my favourite things so I was very thankful for that. Some foods you will find you do not want or cannot taste very well.
I rested a lot, I think that helped. I did not feel much like doing a lot for awhile and then I would start feeling so much better just in time for the next round. Are you going to be taking Neupogen or Neulasta after the chemo to keep the White Blood Cells up. I did and it was a very good thing for me.
I did get a few sore little ulcers in my mouth but the Magic Mouthwash took care of that so maybe get a prescription handy just in case. It is great stuff.
I listened to hymns on my CD player when I was being infused and I prayed along with some prayers on CD also. I found this was really helpful to turn my thoughts toward God and left things in his hands.
Also if you do feel any anxiety ask the Dr. for an Ativan before chemo. I asked my Dr. and he said you know there are two kinds of people, those who say they are a little nervous and those who say they are not...but the ones that say they are not, are in denial...so he said sure you can have an Ativan, sublingual...that is what I took. I have since heard of several facilities that prescribe this as a matter of fact before chemo...
I am wishing you a good nights rest and know that I and many others are thinking and praying for you tomorrow and rest assured we are here to help with any questions or in any way we can throughout the whole process. You can bank on that...Let us know when you can...Love, Annie
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Annie TNBC Stage IIA Gr 3 1cm lesion 2/5 lymph nodes+ lumpectomy,FEC & D 30Rads finished(08/2009) BRCA- Chronic Cellulitis due to Radiation-- L.Mastectomy Jan 2012
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