Docetaxel

The doxatel  part of chemomi found hardest and some ladies will tell you that nose bleeds are common with trips to the hospital part of the fun. I wasn't to vad right up to my last round and then got hit with every side effect innhe book in one go.

Bless you Bustysusy, I am so sorry that that you got hit hard by the side effects too. Thank you so much for responding to me.  My consultant was very much of the opinion that these were “easier” than the EC and that I would go on to nurse led chemo sessions for my last three. I initially felt worried but tried to face them head on so feel deflated as they now want another review meeting with me to see where we go from here. I suppose it is just a case of doing what it takes to get to the end. I just worry due to the coronavirus about the thought of having to go in and out of hospital at this time having lost a friend and family member to the virus. I have had a cold since being in hospital at the weekend and have not been anywhere else at all (just shielding in the house).  I know we are all in the same boat. 

Thank you,

Bekky

It's hard Bekky to advise cos we're all so different in how we respond . Sorry your getting SE so bad . My original plan included docetaxel but it was removed when they realised I have a underlying bowel condition. So my plan was changed to EC x 6 .

Manageable SE think I got them all but not all at once . Only every had very small nose bleeds,but was aware this could be  a possibility with hospital visits needed .

By no 4 SE were worse and lasting longer each cycle so was , like you , offered weekly  of a different chemo . I refused but was hit with Se in the last two each being delayed by one week so I could recover ( bloods ok just exhausted ) .

My advice would be discuss with your onco what your options are then make decisions write down your questions / fears get the answers you need to make informed decision 

good luck 

Thank you so much Margaret for responding to my thread. My oncologist has said that I am particularly sensitive to the chemo and the meds to treat the side effects! I have pretty much suffered every one listed.  They reduced my EC by 10% after the first where I was taken by ambulance to hospital with suspected sepsis but told it was just my body reacting to the chemo drugs. I will discuss all of my options at my next review. If the weekly chemo would make it more tolerable then it may be an option but am worried that it would remove the time I feel relatively well (last few days or week before me next chemo session) to face the next and prevent me from wishing to continue with the cold cap. I will see what my option are and take it from there. 
Thank you.   
Bekky

xx

Glad you feel you can talk it over with onco Bekky ask about cumulative SE versus new weekly ones I lost the good days because of cumulative that's why delays with last two . We're all different and you already changed from EC so it may not be a prob for you . 

Good luck 

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me Margaret. I will ask them about the difference in levels of side effects three weekly versus weekly. The ENT doc suggested putting a dollop of Vaseline on the knuckle of your little finger then inhaling it into each nostril to keep them lubricated as much of the time nosebleeds are caused by dry skin. 

Bekky xx

Hi again everyone! I spoke with my oncologist and he said that a reduced dose of Docetaxel would potentially tip the balance of effectiveness the wrong way and so we have opted for weekly Taxol chemo. I feel pretty anxious as I had built myself up for 2 more chemo cycles rather than 6. Has anybody had any experience with weekly Taxol? As I have had severe reactions to all chemo so far, I am very worried that I will react again and be told that they cannot let me continue with my chemo which, unpleasant as it is, I feel more worried about being told I can’t finish my treatment.

Please can somebody tell me what their experience was like on weekly Taxol, good and bad!

Thank you again

Bekky

I was in A&E after every EC chemo with chest pains and palpitations, so asked for weekly Paclitaxel rather than stronger fortnightly ones.  I'm really sensible to drugs, so felt weekly would be easier to manage. There isn't the horrible nausea of EC (I had 4, with the 4th delayed a week after I burst into tears on the chair!), but I did have a rash on my face and hands for a couple of days from it after every session,  and by no. 5 was starting to get peripheral neuropathy,  so stopped at 7 cycles. I'm really sensitive to medication though!

I also  cold capped so understand your reluctance to  do it weekly:) Docetaxel had6 caused permanent hair thinning/ loss in about 8% of women which is avoided by the cold cap. Paclitaxel is different and doesn't do that.  My hair grew during it,  though my eyebrows and eyelashes mostly fell out. 

Good luck! X

Thank you so much for responding to me.  I am so sorry that you had such a hard time too Londonmumof2.

I was starting to feel like a “problem child” for my oncologist! He thought I would tolerate Docetaxel and I felt like a nuisance to them! My appointment was rushed and when I asked if I could phone a friend (my husband) he questioned why I would need to speak to somebody else about it and asked what he could add! I know they are very busy and overstretched (my MacMillan nurse is covering wards due to Covid so said she was only really available twice a week in the department). I really feel awful that they are under so much strain and am grateful that I am still receiving treatment in these times but got tearful and left stressed wondering if I had made the correct decision. 
Thank you for putting my mind at ease ️.

Bekky

x