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I had CMF 2 years ago. I had alot of heart burn & mouth sores. I was so tired I had trouble walking even 1 block (I used to love to walk my dogs with my husband for a couple of miles). I did NOT loose my hair
, but it got a bit thinner & lost it's healthy look (split/dry ends). As treatments progressed, I got worse. Some people get better, build a resistance, as they go. In the begining I was sick for 1-2 days, & treatments lasted 2-3 hours. Toward the end, I was sick for 2-4 days, tired ALL the time, and my last 2 treatments took ALL DAY LONG. If you feel sick during the treatment, tell them & they will slow the drip, that is why my treatments took longer at the end.
I wish you alot of luck. Keep your spirits up, have a support team ready. I never went to a treatment alone. My family & friends really pulled together to help. I felt alot of love, and I needed that more then anything.
This was a good article. I had that nasty chemo 6 years ago and this time (having a recurrence of breast cancer) I chose this CMF route to keep my hair. No where near as bad as 6 years ago, that's for sure. I've had a few symptoms not listed, like the day I get the treatment (in the morning), I am really tired, but cannot sleep well that night - probably the steroids that come with the treatment. I get very restless legs, arms, etc...and have had hiccups the day of chemo 3 out of 4 treatments so far. Constipation was initially a huge problem, but nurses instructed me to try Sennekot and Mirilax and that has worked perfectly. I think the biggest aggravation is the weight gain. I feel like I'm hungry all of the time and my doctors says the same thing - don't try to diet; it will come off when the treatments end. But it's not too comforting when my pants are tight!
Overall, the metallic taste I had with the old chemo lasted much longer than with this formula - I drink as much fluid as I can for the first few days and have not had mouth sores, bladder issues or anything like that. I try to flush my system as quickly as possible.
Good luck to anyone going through this. It's no picnic, but I agree that treatment is greatly improved from even 5 years ago. Thank God for that!
I'm wondering why one regimen is selected over another. I was told I would get CMF every 21 days, but at my first treatment I was told it would be 6 cycles of CMF day 1 and MF on day 8. What's the difference between these? I was disappointed because it means twice as many treatments and it will take a longer time to finish, but of course if it's more effective I'll do whatever it takes...
Chemo is almost as much art and intuition as it is science, Mag. I'd assume your oncologist looked at the data, looked at your diagnosis, assessed your situation overall, and figured this split schedule would work better for YOU. At any rate, this is definitely question you'd ask your doctor, as only s/he has all the information necessary to offer an informed answer. Good luck - PJH
This past Thursday, I had my 2nd CMF treatment and I've had gas and diarrhea since Friday night when I had some vegetable broth. vegeatbles may not have been a good idea, but my stomach felt fine at the time. It seems if I overeat by even a spoonful my stomach reacts with gas and diarrhea. I'll speak with my doctor tomorrow, but I was wondering if you've heard of this reaction in other CMF warriors.
Chemo is so "personal," Sarah - we all have our own reactions. Sometimes they follow the "known" side effects; sometimes they don't. And in the end, what's the difference if others have had them? Your doctor (or more likely, the nurse - I found the nurses are the ones who know how to treat side effects) will tell you how to deal with this. So hopefully, when you call today, you'll get some relief. Best of luck to you - PJH
I am about to start my second round of CMF. However, my schedule seems to be different than everyone elses. I am getting dose dense CMF (IV) every other week,followed by a shot of Neulsta. Will I experience different side effects having my chemo this way? I guess I am also concerned about hair loss and weight gain
I was diagnosed with triple Negative Breast Cancer and my platelets were to low for the normal treatment of ACT. So my oncologist decided to give me CMF as the course of treatment.
Hi Norma - Luckily, CMF is about the only chemo that doesn't make you lose your hair completely; hopefully you'll find this is the case, even with the dose-dense treatment. I don't believe the accelerated schedule will produce significantly different side effects, though your doctor might advise you otherise. Have you spoken to him/her about what to expect? That would be your best bet. Good luck to you - hope everything goes well. PJH
you say hair loss is more likely with oral C
I one method of administering C more effective in cancer killing than the other?
thanks,
Carolyn
thanks so much
If equally effective, how is decision made how to administer.........would seem everyone would want oral over intravenous.......but maybe not if hair loss is more likely with oral??
My doc at Duke recommended CMF....mentioned oral C. agreed I could have it done closer to home........doc here plans intravenous C. I am trying to see if there is a plus for one over the other.
Carolyn
Carolyn, sorry, I can't find any studies that address this, beyond one (quite old) that says outcomes are basically the same. I think your best bet would be to ask each of your doctors - the one at Duke, and the one at home - why they suggest the method they do. It might be something as simple as their facility is more geared towards one over the other... Good luck as you go through this. And come back whenever you need support - we're here for you. PJH
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Once again, your SharePost is packed with extremely helpful information. THANK YOU.
Best of health,
Maria