Docetaxel

Hi

It's great that you want to find out what your mum can use to combat the side effects of docetaxel. I can't help I'm afraid as I have not had this treatment but I noticed that your post had gone unanswered.

I do know that this group has a monthly chemotherapy thread where you could post your question. Just look for the thread called 'June Breast Cancer Chemotherapy Chat'.

I'm also tagging into my reply as she helps to look after this group and can probably help you further.

x

Hi  lovely to see you looking after your mum, it means more than you probably know. I know my whole cancer poop has been so much easier having my kids by my side.

With Docetaxel I never felt sick, but the fatigue hit like a brick wall. So make sure she has lots of rest. Tastebuds decided to take a vacation and everything tasted yucky, but try to find a few things your mum can eat and make sure there is plenty in. I liked oranges because they refreshed my mouth. Gums could be an issue so soft toothbrush and mouthwash, oragel is good for any sores that might appear. 

This is not to scare you, I ended up in hospital with an infection while having docetaxel, I caught a sore throat from someone, so make sure anyone who is unwell or has been unwell that they keep their distance especially the week straight after treatment. Make sure everyone uses hand sanitiser and if going out ensure everything is clean. I carried my own knife and fork in a food bag in my handbag lol

Also remember that every one is different so because these were issues for me, it doesn’t mean it will be an issue for your mum.

Good points after my first treatment my hair started growing back xx  

Hope your mum’s side effects are kind and come ask more if you have any concerns xxx  

Hi

Hair loss on Dosetaxel

Hi if you look for above thread I have posted a diary of my treatment and side effects . 

My husband was my rock

No1 buy a thermometer- I got one that you place in your ear . 

High temp with or without shivers should ALWAYS be reported anytime of the day or night !!! You will be given an information form with all the helpline numbers . Remember if you phone , you are not bothering anyone - they are helpline staff and there to help you . 

Firstly 

I got an urgent appointment with my dentist as should all chemo patients , I got a small filling out of the way , he the prescribed me - high fluoride toothpaste , mouthwash and chews to help produce saliva . 

I did have freeze pineapple cubes , helps with taste buds.

Once my taste buds were bad , I bought cheaper ready meals , so if tasted awful - I binned . Tomato soup always tasted ok as did pasta with spicy tomato and one Monday I tried chicken and sweet corn soup followed by pineapple or banana fritters in syrup - from local Chinese carry out restaurant - tasted great and had every day for a week !!! I got upset when food tasted awful ! Trial and error and what tasted good one day could taste foul the next day and I mean foul ! 

Constipation was something I never want to experience again !!! Pain !!! I was later told that constipation is one of the most upsetting side effects of chemo . I was in tears one night and bleeding and I had to have a warm bath ( like you would with a young child) yes you have a movement in the bath but I was so relieved and it wasn’t difficult to clean up ( I had disposable gloves ) I then was prescribed medication by my oncologist and never experienced it again ( don’t ever want to ) . Sorry maybe too much information but the Moral of this is ask chemo team for some laxatives - just incase - I got Laxido and found it gentle. 

I did take paracetamol and or ibuprofen for joint pain on the OCCASIONAL day I needed it . 

REST , REST  is important , i still suffer fatigue and I do not feel guilty when I fall asleep within 5 minutes of returning home after being out ! 

DO NOT  go looking for side effects - they will find your mum , if at all. We are all very different and are effected very differently. 

Never ignore peripheral neuropathy and inform the chemo team . 

I’m keeping well now ( but was really only poorly on chemo 5 for a few days ) but I still have side effects but all manageable. I have a very busy social life - mainly eating cake with friends !!! 

I found being taken out was a great pick me up , even for an hour . Taking small walks are true therapy especially with a friend . 

I Avoided small enclosed cafes and preferred large atrium style garden centres . 

I was told to avoid NEW restaurants etc and stick to ones you have always used and knew hygiene was good . 

Honestly I never want chemo again but I wouldn’t hesitate . It’s hard but doable . A distant memory for me ( last August 18) .

Encourage friends to visit , healthy ones !! Even for half an hour . I have found some acquaintances became diamonds and will be life long friends .But again we are all different and your mum may be a private person . 

So read my profile and the post re Hair loss on Dosetaxel. 

Wishing you and your mum well .

Together you and your family will do this , just give your mum lots of cuddles . 

Lots of Love 

a very happy content

Ruby Rose