**APRIL & MAY 2021 BREAST CANCER CHEMO**

I’ll think of you when I’m there tomorrow too for #5 and my 2nd Docetaxel, I’m still nervous but it was absolutely fine last time so good luck Amy and hope all goes smoothly

Denise x

Hi ladies, I've done 3 rounds of EC and starting Docetaxel on Friday. Third round was really hard and I seem to have been constantly tired. Dreading the next round. Does anyone have tips/info for Docetaxel?

Also I've been so hungry in the last week - making up for the first week when my appetite disappeared! Anyone else found this?

Hi  if you scroll back a bit you’ll see questions I asked the oncologist/chemo nurse today after my 1st of 3 Docetaxel cycles, previously 3 xEC. #5 of chemo tomorrow. I had lots of questions re SE  

Advice? I’d say take it as it comes, we are all unique, your team are prepared for any adverse reactions. I didn’t have any but was sooo stressed and nervous about the change of drugs as most of us are, it’s the unknown. 
Have pain relief in house...aches and pains seem common and most of us who’ve switched have had these to varying degrees. If you get it keep on top of it, no need to suffer as it’s hard enough so be kind to yourself.

I’ve found tiredness worse, very like last EC and able to exercise less due to aches but mostly manageable with meds and rest.

I had constipation but some have had diahorrhea it will probably go one of the other so be prepared. 
My skin is drier than before, getting flaky patches. 
If you get taste issues that seems really common. And/or a dry/sore mouth, tell your team there’s meds available to help your mouth. 
My appetite has been more controllable, no nausea or mad bingeing and eating healthier.
You might get some if none of this so go open minded and see what happens. 

Psychologically I’m finding this easier than EC, I’m also using EMDR for pain relief by Mark Grant on YouTube. Very effective. 

Sorry for another long post but I know scrolling can be a pain so apologies for repetition for others and hope that helps. 
denise x

Evening

great information and advice Denise. Good luck for tomorrow and you to Amy.

take care

Anne Xx

Thanks Diamondgirl not sure I’ll get much sleep tonight as a bit wired with steroids even though I took them all before 1pm. 
Hoping for an uneventful day as will be nodding off with the early start and 8.30am chemo. Duvet afternoon I think 

Just wishing you luck for today Denise. I hope it all goes smoothly and thanks for the info on Docetaxel too, it’s really helpful. 

I’m generally doing well this week and trying not to start worrying about EC three next week.

Gwennie, lovely to see your pics, I’m glad you’re able to see your grand children just now amongst the sadness you’re going through.

Take care everyone and thinking of those having treatment over the next few days.

Ruby xx

1. Hi Denise, really helpful post. Thank you

Thankyou  been awake since 5.20am but got a solid 4 1/2hrs sleep so steroids will see me through till evening when I’ll probably crash. 
Day at a time...take every good moment this week and lock them away to bolster you up for next week. Try to let the other kind of thoughts pass through your body as holding them stressed you.
You can do this, always a thought next chemo, but one step closer on your journey to finish line. 
denise x

Good luck today, another step closer to the end of this treatment, hope all SE are minimal, don’t blame you having a duvet afternoon...

I have session no 6 on Friday, and then the last treatment 21st May, ... we are nearly there x

Hi @Iblodwin I really recommend lemon juice with water. It's helped me keep off sugary stuff which just sends me on energy peaks and troughs but also I understand it's very good at getting salivary glands working well and that helps with flavours. X