Docetaxel

Hi Beccah,

Sorry that you are experiencing pain & discomfort from your 1st session of Docetaxel.

I would suggest you contact your specialist cancer nurse as soon as possible.

There are so many side effects from Docetaxel. I suffered from slight occasional pain & discomfort in my legs & took pain meds when need.

My worst side-effects were stomach cramps & lots of visits to the loo due to diarrhoea. I rang The Cancer Helpline at my hospital & it turned out that Docetaxel & my diabetic meds together caused the problem. I was allowed to double the dose of Imodium, until everything settled down.

Hope you get your pain & discomfort sorted quickly.

Stay safe & take great care of yourself'

Jen 

Thanks Jen, glad you got sorted too.   I’ll see how I go and call later 

I would contact your BCN if you are worried, but pain is a very common side effect of docetaxel. I had 'flu like shooting pains from about day 3 or 4 for several days. I did find that paracetamol helped and my BCN recommended taking it before the pain started for subsequent cycles, which also helped

I also wanted to let you know that with EC, I found my side effects were worst at the beginning and got gradually better and better as I went through the 3 weeks. But on docetaxel, I was fine for a few days (thought I'd got away with it the first time like you!), but then I got hit by side effect after side effect for virtually the whole cycle. The pain came first, then later skin issues. My toe nails have still not recovered, almost 10 months on as they are hardly growing though pleased to say I never lost any nails and my hair and finger nails are growing in very well.

That first cycle of docetaxel really knocked me over, I could barely get off the sofa for 10 days. Everything felt so heavy and hard to move. They ended up reducing my dosage for the final 2 cycles.

Do you keep a diary of side effects? I found that really useful for subsequent cycles as you could see that what you were experiencing was similar to last time - so next time it won't be so scary.

Hi Beccah - you mention injections, do you mean filgrastim? I have had 2 cycles of docetaxel so far, each followed by 5 filgrastim  injections,and I've had similar really bad spasms in my back but this has only happened after having my 5th filgrastim injection. I did mention it to my oncologist and was told that it's possibly due to a combination of the filgrastim and docetaxel together as it didn't happen when I was having filigrastim injections with my previous chemo (AC). The spasms only last for a day, and have not been so bad during the second cycle as they were during the first and I've found that taking paracetamol before the injections helps. On the plus side, apart from feeling really tired I haven't had any other bad side effects from the docetaxel yet  so fingers crossed x

Hi thanks this is v helpful.  I was exactly same on ec.  I’ll make a note so I know for next time.  

Hi I’m exactly the same, last injection yesterday and it’s v v odd spasms.   Thanks so much and glad you are feeling better.  

Hi I'm at the same stage as you.....will try taking paracetamol earlier next time but they don't help the toilet issues....docetaxol definitely more tiring but you do get through it.....

So far only bunged up loo issues and resolved now.  Have upped my fibre massively, have a smoothie with 5 fruit in and then as many veg and brown rice, sweet pots etc.  Think it’s helped or  I’m tempting fate!  Hope you are feeling better

I also upped my fibre......but haven't got as large an appetite with Docetaxol.

Seem to be ok with loo today! Just need some energy. .....have given myself some targets....10:30 bath.......11:30....walk round patio....12   put washing machine on......

Xxx