Chemo Breast cancer

Hi  

Docetaxol is quite different to EC. The side effects kick in after about 3 days, not immediately. It seems the main ones are joint pain and extreme fatigue - I had chemo on a Wednesday, and had to be sure to be home from work (off the road) by 6pm on the Friday. Was good to go by Monday the first 3, took an extra couple of days the last one.

Make sure you have sufficient painkillers to hand, and start them 24hrs after chemo every 4 hrs for probably 10 days. You can alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen so you take something every 2 hrs. Also Clarityn helps with the bone pain from the filgrastim injections if you have them. Although for me it was a great excuse to spend hours in a hot bath!!!

Some have found diarrhoea a problem, I didn't.

Nausea is less likely, mainly because the steroid dose is higher.

You also need a massive hug!!!!

  Hi toxophilite.

Thank you for such a quick reply and I will let you no how it goes  tomorrow . 

Hi, 

The main difference between docetaxel and fec for me was with docetaxel got no nausea or queasiness. With docetaxel my main side effects were metallic taste in mouth which lasted few days to a week and diarrhoea. I took the steroids at a reduced dose for a few more days which helped and which I discussed with my oncologist. Also took omeprazole for my stomach which helped. Good luck xxx

Hi Janiceathome - I'm in the same boat and having Docetaxel for the first time today. I had such a rough ride with EC too so I'm glad to see the back of it. Good luck and post how you get along

x

Hello,

I had taxotere in 2016 ( same drug) . I know that treatments today are often personalised with reductions where necessary and additional drugs to eliminate some side effects but I just need you to be careful that you don't ignore a burning sensation to your feet and hands if you get it. It's not common so don't worry unnecessarily.....for most people side effects are like the symptoms already described.....but just be aware a sensation like this just needs checking out quite quickly by your gp or oncologist. I made the mistake of assuming everyone on Taxotere got this and allowed my skin to burn to the point the skin peeled in layers not flakes. I should have told someone and the subsequent nerve damage was completely my fault but as you are asking what might happen....and not intending to frighten just give awareness....I want you to be careful you don't ignore such symptoms in the rare event they occur. 

I wish you well. I know for many, taxotere is a vast improvement on the EC and life can begin to resume some normality during it.

Take care. Stay safe but stay aware.

Love Karen

Hi Dobby 72.

Could not sleep last night with the thought of this chemo today .

Hope every thing goes well for you today . Please let me know how you are getting  on with the drug and al do the same .stay safe big hug.

Thank you Karen, your reply is so kind. You do tend to just try and struggle on don’t you but my nurse did warn me not to be a hero, especially with the tingling/pain in feet & fingers. 

Thats why this site is great - it’s so important to hear other people’s experiences. 

Thanks x

Hi Karen - wondering how you're getting along, I do hope it's not too tough

Take care

Lisa