Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is used to treat various cancer using drugs or chemicals. CEF chemotherapy is a combination of drug used for the treatment of breast cancer. In CEF chemotherapy, combination of three drugs which includes cyclophosphamide, epirubicin and fluorouracil is used. This combination of drug is also called FEC. According to recent research, CEF chemotherapy is much more effective than others treatment used to treat breast cancer.

CEF chemotherapy is given in cycles. Usually CEF chemotherapy treatment plan consists of 6 chemotherapy cycles. Each chemotherapy cycle lasts for 4 weeks i.e. 28 days. In each treatment cycle, patient receives two drugs named Epirubicin and Fluorouracil through a vein in your arm (intravenously) on first day and eighth day of each cycle. Cyclophosphamide is in the form of tablets which c is taken orally from day 1 to 14 of each treatment cycle.

Blood test is carried out before each treatment cycle to check whether your blood counts are high enough to receive chemotherapy. Antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce the chances of infections. Day 15 to 28 (two weeks) is a rest period. In case you miss to take cyclophosphamide pills and you remember it within 12 hours of your usual dose than you can take the dose otherwise skip dose and take the this missed dose on day 15.

Epirubicin can damage surrounding tissue if it leaks out of the vein while applying. Though nurses are extremely careful, inform them immediately if you experience burning or pain after injection. Epirubicin also might cause shortness of breath, fatigue and leg swelling as well. However, it rarely has an effect on the function of heart. Some heart tests are conducted prior to treatment. Inform your doctor about any heart problems that you have before.

Fluorouracil makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight. You can apply sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection. Also wear long sleeved shirt, long pants and long hats. Limit your exposure to sunlight.

Cyclophosphamide can cause irritation to bladder. To avoid irritation, take cyclophosphamide pills in the morning. Also drink lot of fluid during the day empty your bladder frequently. Consult your doctor if you have pain on urination, see blood in urine or need to urine small amount frequently.

All patients receiving CEF chemotherapy may experience some or total hair loss (including eyebrows, eyelashes). There is also increased risk of developing infection. You can use wig or other head covering before treatment. Some women receiving treatment may receive leukemia or blood cancer however it is rare. CEF chemotherapy can make your period heavier or lighter or even stop them completely. Chemotherapy may affect your fertility and your chances of having a baby in future. Discuss this entire thing with your doctor before starting chemotherapy treatment.