Docetaxol after EC

I'm on my 3rd EC and one more to go. I feel exactly the same concerns. I have discovered they can give you gentler dose weekly rather than 3 weekly I have mentioned to my oncologist on our reviews they have indicated its possible.  Paxitaxol . my main worries are joint pain, skin rashes as I already have psoriasis and arthritis which is generally managed. I have a feeling they may say try the Docetaxol see how it goes. I know there is a bit more pressure on time on the chemo unit as I understand from chatting to nurses there is a bit more preparation and also you take more meds before chemo day. Anything you can find out let me know as I have another 6 weeks on EC yet x

Hi, I have had 2 docetwxels and having my last next week.  My oncologist did warn me about side effects.  It probably affects people differently but my side effects are sore/achey joints, sore mouth, tongue, throat, constipation  heartburn/indigestion, my heart rate goes up for a few days and even though cold capping have lost a lot of hair. My side effects last for about 10 days.  It's the unknown that is scary and because i didn't know what side effecta I would get, I wasn't prepared but now I have a stock of pain killers, laxatives, indigestion medication.  Always tell the oncology dept if there is side effects you caanot cope with or are worried about x

On EC I only had to take 6 steroid tablets and one antisickness tablet one hour before appointment but with docetaxol they have given me steroids to take twice a day starting the day before infusion and no antisickness tablet.

Thankyou for sharing your experience.

you’re right it definitely is fear of the unknown. 
I’v got used to knowing what to expect on EC so probably after my first Docetaxol I’ll be a bit more prepared and will def stock up on various meds .

I found docetaxel much worse than EC, so much so that they reduced my dosage after the 1st cycle!

BUT everyone reacts differently. A friend absolutely sailed through docetaxel and when I was just about to start it she said it was downhill from here on.

Try not to worry too much. It will be what it will be for you. Do keep Paracetemol on hand as I found that really did help with aches and pains. 

Good luck, you're half way through! 

Thankyou, I am keeping everything crossed and would love to sail through it but I know that’s being far too optimistic . Yes half way through, that’s what I keep telling myself .