Docetaxel

Hi Jackie. I've just finished a few rounds of Docetaxel.

Side effects I had:

- fatigue
- aches and pains (also attributable to daily filgrastim injections)
- mild nausea
- constipation (for around a week after each treatment)
- diarrhoea (just for one cycle, to mix it up from the constipation )
- hair loss
- sore mouth, loss of taste
- changes to nails

Hair loss started around day 13 of the first cycle (my cycles were 21 days).

Aches and pains were by far the worst during the first cycle. After that they only last 1-2 days each cycle - much better.

Nausea was very mild.

Fatigue hit me massively on day 2-3 of each cycle. I felt absolutely leaden.

By day 8-10 of the cycle I was feeling much better, and gradually improved.

The side effects did generally get heavier as the cycles went on, but the pattern was the same each time. Even on the worst days I was able to go out for a walk or get some groceries. All in all it was manageable. I was off work for the duration.

Good luck!

Hi Jackiecorn I had my first docetaxel about a week and a half ago. I haven’t had the aches and pains that most people get, I’ve had tiredness, sore mouth, diarrhoea, sleepless nights, blurry eyes, heartburn, seems like anytime something gets better another side effect pops up.

what has been your experience so far? It seems so different for everyone, I hope you are doing ok x

Hi jackie

i had my first docetaxel with Herceptin last Wednesday but it’s followed three fec so my body is probably a little wore  out. However I’ve had no sickness like I did with the first 3 fec  so that’s really good. I’ve had a lot of joint pain so far - like a flu type feeling but also think it’s prob linked to the injections you have for first week so I’m taking paracetamol for that.  I’ve got a bit of an upset tummy and heartburn - which tbh is a bit of a change from the usual constipation I’ve had in the past. Usually tiredness as well but not As bad for me as the fec so far, ( either that or I’m just getting used to it now). I’m day 5 so I’m hoping symptoms should start to easE soon. I’ve done the cold cap but hair is falling out but still have some left!  How are you feeling? hope you are doing ok x

Hi, I finished about a month ago and honestly managed pretty well. Check out my thoughts on my blog post here, it might help. Good luck

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-blogs/b/one-life-live-it/posts/chemo-side-effects---hints-tips

Thanks for your reply really helps x

Hi It is what it is 

love your user name 

I hav had 4 cycles of Ec before starting Docetaxel 

I managed these great 

Different scenario with Docetaxel - first couple of days bone & joint ache & metal taste not too bad

Day 8 Ladies that lunch however whilst eating lunch very quickly felt poorly hit dizzy & blacked out 

Really embarrassing vomited felt ill 

when I rang chemo unit nurse saaid typkical day 8 impact on blood . At least I’m prepared for next cycle 

Day 8-12 had to give in & go back to bed each afternoon 

Day 14 feel great 

Going to use this as an indicator for next cycle 

Cheers Jackie