Docetaxel... last chemo, wondering about Filgrastim injections Thank Tina

Hi Beachwalker19, firstly CONGRATULATIONS on getting to your last Chemo! That's another step closer to the finishing line!

As for the injections. I'm sure like everything it'll be different in different areas but YES I had the injection following my last Chemo. It's not just about getting your WBC count up ready for next Chemo but also about getting it up so that you don't end up in hospital with an infection that your body is unable to fight off! 

Either way, remind yourself that you are doing this for the last time. 3 wks following your last Chemo you will be free from Chemo drugs, anti sickness drugs, painkillers and anything else that you might of taken along with the Docetaxel. 

So just take things one step at a time. You're nearly there! Sal xx

Thank you Sal, can’t wait for chemo to be over. The EC part was ok but Docetaxel has been worse for me, everyone’s different I suppose. 

My hubby thought I’d get more injections, blasted things i hate doing them, but I will console myself at least it’s the last time. 

Thanks again, Tina x

* no idea why the “Thanks Tina” bit  is on the heading as I put it on the end of the message lol 

Beachwalker19 you will have the injections with your last chemo as it helps to build up your immune system. I found docetaxel zapped my immune system a lot more than the FEC did, and actually ended up in hospital for 3 days after catching an infection after a dose of docetaxel. My oncologist lowered my dose for the last 2 after my hospital stay so i'm sure of you mention it they will lower your dose for the last.

Nearly there xxx

I can't wait to be where you are Beachwalker19! 

Hi Beachwalker19

Yeah just to add I was the same. Thought wouldn’t need injections after last chemo but was told different. I had surgery a few weeks ago so was probably better as I was well enough for that. Docetaxel was tough for me so had my dose reduced too. Just think that will be the last time you need to take them so you are nearly there.

Good luck with your last chemo

S

Hi Beachwalker19,

Based on our experience, it depended entirely on wbc readings from the blood test prior to the next treatment. The first of my wife's DTP cycles had follow up filgrastim injections and the second two didn't? I don't know if there are regional variations though.

Funny story - the first time we had chemo, the nurse asked my wife if she wanted the district nurse to come out and do them (filgrastim injections) or if my wife would be happy to. My wife said 'she'd be fine' doing them herself then, after the nurse had walked away, my wife turned to me and said 'You'll have to do them".

Till then I'd not injected so much as a sausage, let alone another human being!

I got quite good at them though, to the point where we figured out that injecting straight down (so, at a right angle to the skin) results in pain free injections. No idea why - probably something to do with nerve endings.

Anyway, congratulations on the final chemo! We'll think of you on Thursday.

Thank you all so much,  I didn’t get the reduced dose of  Docetaxel as rash was better and have creams and meds if it flares up again. And it was last one.

I did get the injections, but I figure although I hate doing them they must have been good for me as no hospitalisation or infections etc so far, it’s only 7 days lol. 

I rang the bell  yesterday. Just wondered how ppl feel about this.

I recently read an article reporting while some ppl on the oncology ward were boosted by this, some ppl there may not get the chance to ring the bell and that upset me a lot.

I wasn’t going to do, however my 13 yr old wanted me too and she was there yesterday having previously never wanted to come to the hospital, she doesn’t speak about her feelings too much and I felt I couldn’t not do it as it’s the only thing she’s asked about so I did it for her after speaking to nurses and if anyone minded. It was quite emotional. 

Thanks again for your comments, much appreciated. 

Tina x