Don't know whether to proceed with Taxotere

Just like to say my sister is still here as she had 6 rounds with the good old Taxotere - does have good results. It isn't pleasant as I have seen, but please don't give up and not go ahead. Stressing yourself won't help - your medication will be tailored to help. If you're Onco is on a mission then that's good isn't it as it's a positive sign this treatment will do you good. Bit like the old saying - if it tastes nice  it can't be doing you any good (or is that one of my mothers to convince me to take them awful halibut oil capsules ?)

Bit brief I know, but I'm sure there are plenty of others on this site who will say ' been there & done that' on Taxotere.

Take care, Jewels

Just to say that after 3 Fecs - which is so well named as it was Fecking horrible - like you I had huge misgivings about taxotere which everyone said was worse........

All I can say is that I found it much easier to cope with than the Fec and my hair started to grow back whilst on it (also had cold cap).  I had fewer side effects.....no nausea and less mouth ulcers and reflux which I got on fec....

So I guess everyone is different......good luck whatever you decide!!

Dx

Have you told the onc about the steroids? It may be that they can adjust the dose for you to help. I've had mine adjusted so that I take them for three days after chemo then have a lower dose for the rest of the week. I know that actually means more steroids oin total but it lessens the "drop" effect of just stopping.

I also have the acid indestion prolems and take Lanzoprazol. It usually works but occasionally doesn't. Again, have you asked for an alternative?

My last chemo was Taxol (a sister drug to Taxotere). I did lose my hair but it had started to grow back before the last dose.  Three months on and my head is covered, although still short!

From what I understand FEC followed by Tax is quite a standard chemo regime. Like any of them they can affect us all differently but the general consensus seems to be that it may not be nice at the time, but it can be done! You can do it too.

Are you having three lots of the Tax? If so, just think, you're half way through your chemo! You've done the hardest bit by having the very first one, venturing into the complete unknown and here you are after three sessions.  Not feeling your best admittedly but here and telling us how you're feeling, you should be feeling proud of your achievements so far.

You can do it and we're here to help where we can.

Bad Fairy x

i had 8 fec 100... and next time its to be taxotere... yes every one has different stories  and everyone is different, i found my symptoms lessened as i neared the end of my fec... but the most important part to remember is.... it could be saving your life... and being an ex baldie... i would rather be bald and alive... than hairy and dead... chemo works... and it does come to an end... grit you teeth and dive on in there.... we`re all scared... believe me, you can do it.. good luck... liz xoxox

COURAGE...IS WHEN YOUR SCARED TO DEATH... BUT YOU SADDLE UP ANYWAY