Finished EC Docetaxel next what can I expect

People experience chemo differently and some people sail through docetaxel, so you won't know for sure until you start it. I know some women who found docetaxel a walk in the park compared to EC.

I found with EC, side effects like nausea and tiredness came on quite quickly and then gradually got better over the course of a week so although I never felt like my usual self, I had a bad week, an OK week and a good week. I was even jogging short distances from Day 10, slowly .

For me, the docetaxel side effects came on much more slowly and then kept coming, I felt fine for the first couple of days and then I had bad aches and pains, like a 'flu but with the other chemo side effects on top. My hot flushes intensified too and these were interspersed with extreme, shaking chills. I just couldn't stay an even temperature. Paracetemol does help and in subsequent cycles I took it before the pain started as recommended.

I had skin reactions from about day 10 (red knuckles and very dry feet), nose sores, mouth ulcers.

I also had muscles that felt like jelly, I found it hard to walk far let alone run, and as I got further through the cycles, I also had breathlessness if I did anything much. I think that could have been low bloods as they get more and more battered through chemo so that may have happened if I'd had EC second.

I found the first cycle left me unable to get off the sofa for about 10 days, I just felt so heavy and weak. My oncologist thought that was too long so reduced the dosage for the final 2 cycles which was a bit easier.

My first cycle of EC was quite tough too though - I vomited for 24 hours and had to be hospitalised to get an I of anti sickness to make it stop.

I did work from home throughout chemo other than the first 5 days on EC and the first 6 on docetaxel. And pretty long hours when I was working so although it was tough, I found it very doable.

I'm with you here I finished my 4th EC on Wednesday and DX for me too. most posts about DX Seem grim think we need to hold on tight for round two! 

Hi there Tanpep, I’m the same as you, last EC yesterday and I can honestly say I’ve sailed through them all, no side effects to speak of, just going to bed a bit earlier, so getting up earlier; win-win . I too am dreading the Docitaxel, I’m to scared to imagine I’ll have an easy time of this too. I see “beatthebreast” mentions that the blood counts take a hammering, I believe this to be true and was told by the nurse yesterday that I would be given injections to bring home and give myself for five days after treatment to avoid low immunity. Not sure if this is something every NHS trust gives (?). Also, my oncologist says that DX is not any more “savage” than EC it’s just that it can feel worse because of the cumulative effect of chemo, the more you have apparently the worse it gets. But I can honestly say I’ve not felt that with EC. Anyway, here’s hoping we’re worrying about stuff that probably won’t happen, I’m just going to enjoy the next three weeks and hope for the best and deal with any bad days if/when they arise. Best of luck to you xxxx

be interesting if we let each other know how it goes so we get 3 different scenarios and may help others... I'm dreading the taste changes and joint pains the most. my onco also said its not stronger just different...they said just one injection for me day after chemo but i will see what I get in my goody bag . by the way at my last ec chemo I noticed they hadn't given me any steroids to take the day before DX Begins so had to mention it myself and was told to collect it next line flush. Good job I thought about that! 

I had 3 EC and 3 DC.  I didn't find th DC any worse than the EC. 

I was tired and still am (2 weeks after the the last one) pains in my legs but only for a couple of days, numbness ends of fingers and toes for about a week, but not too bad . A couple if nails have become discoloured but I put rosemary oil on them everyday and they haven't fallen out. I did get a bad skin reaction on my face after the second but think it may have been due to a reaction to make up/face cream so becareful what you use.

Worst side effect was a bad taste for about a week I found fizzy  drinks and fruit pastilles useful and using a mout wash.  Oh and be careful not to get constipated,  I took Laxido for the first few days and metoclopramide seemed to help with that and the taste problem . But check with your oncology nurse which meds are right for you.

Good luck it doesn't last forever  thank goodness.

Xx

I’ve been having telephone consultations with the breast nurses every three weeks 2 days prior to chemo, but they’ve told me I have to go in next time to prep for the change in meds, so should have better idea what to expect. Yeah, good idea to keep each other posted on our reactions, fingers crossed it’s all good stuff  x

I'm struggling with 2 steroids twice a day for 3 days red flushes face and neck and sweating on and off, shaking and very very agitated by day 3 and shouting at everyone but doctor says that's normal When Docetaxel starts same steroids but 4  a day for 3 days but starting day before chemotherapy. I've got an implantable port in my chest but only have it flushed every 3 weeks at chemotherapy. I had a bad experience with 1st EC and ended up in hospital with severe abdominal pain and really low temperature and shaking. But let's hope we all get on ok we've come this far and dealt with a lot already stay strong

I haven't seen breast care nurse since December after surgery, amazing how differently hosps work. I get onco telephone consulations 2 days before chemo day to discuss what meds I may need x

I have 2 steroids a day for 3 days on ec starting on chemo day just two in the morning , along with anti sickness tablets. bad bad night sweats at mo and feeling exhausted from disturbed sleep, tight eyes and flushed face. I usually get a really bad night on night 3 with shivers and flushes but I expect it now and I know it will pass . I hate the first week and I def feel the effects are now commulative for at least week one! can't wait for this to be over in mid July for me seems like forever xx

My breast care nurses gave me a number  to ring them if I needed to chat about anything. I’ve had lots of questions. I hope you get some support if you need it there is certainly plenty on here and it’s been very helpful to talk to people going through the same.