Docetaxel Struggling!!

Hi, Mac84,

Sorry your having a rough time, from my own experience on that Docetaxel drug it was not good (are you on FEC treatment)  l had 3 of the 4 - my last one cancelled, it left me with Peripheal Neuropathy in my feet and hands, plus stress fractures , which are now healing, if you start getting pins and needles - feet- fingers, tell your team, hopefully the PN will gradually get better?,  it’ was a harsh drug for me, but hopefully it won’t get any worse for you,  how many more treatments do you have to go?, Keep your team up dated how your feeling, they may reduce the dose , wishing you well 

Hug x

Springat last

Hi, so sorry to hear you are struggling. I had 6 cycles of TCHP, the T is Docetaxel and I found my worst symptoms were days 4&5, so maybe it will ease soon.   However, are you able to give your BCN or cancer team a call to see what they suggest. And I’d definitely recommend talking to your oncologist about the dose for the next round.   Hope you have some good practical support around you to help too.  Good luck

I found docetaxel much worse than EC too and ended up having my dose reduced after my 1st cycle as I could barely get up off the sofa for 10 days after the first one and as I was working, that was just too long for me to take off work!

I had 'flu like symptoms x10 - severe aches & pains and awful chills (I shivered in bed hugging a hot water bottle, I just could not get rid of the chill) and then horrific anxiety-fuelled hot flushes.

Paracetamol went a surprisingly long way to helping with the pains and the chills, start taking it before you get sore (for me that was about day3/4).

I also got mild skin sores on my hands, feet and nose and my nails grew very weird which took about 4 months to grow out, though my toe nailes barely grow now and are not nearly grown out yet (6 months after chemo)

My 2nd & 3rd cycles were far more manageable on the reduced dosage and as mine was neo-adjuvant, I could also see that it still had a really good effect on the tumour as it shrunk far more than on EC, even with the reduced dose.

Maybe speak to your oncologist about a reduced dose?

Yes, I’ve found Docetaxel awful. I’m on day six after my last dose and feeling the full effects today. Aching, shooting pains, awful taste, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach cramps. Haven’t had the bleeding nose yet but there’s still time!! 

I had my dose reduced after my first Docetaxel and it has really helped. It means I haven’t had so many bad days and they’ve been manageable although unpleasant. It’s definitely worth asking about. 

Sending a hug and hope you’re ok. Really hard with your wee one too - is there anyone you can call for some help?

Ruby xx

Hi Mac84, I too had awful side effects on Docetaxel/Filgastrim. I ended up in A&E with Tachycardia.I’m now on beta blockers to lower my heart rate. But similarly to you, I am really struggling with hip joint pain. It is so bad, I haven’t been a walk for months because my legs aren’t strong enough. I’ve read that chemo destroys the main muscles in the pelvic girdle and shoulder girdle area. Fighting cancer is one thing, but I never knew to turns you into a prisoner in your own home. I’m doing exercises to strengthen the hips now. It is slowly improving but I’ve heard this is a long road to recovery. Hang on in there. This has been the most challenging part of the cancer journey for me. Sending big hugs. P.s I cut out the last Docetaxel (4th one) because I honestly thought my body couldn’t take it and I’m glad I did! X

Sorry to hear you’re feeling this way. I was the same feel as tho I sailed thru EC yet docetaxel has been awful, had my 3rd & last round 7days ago & still really struggling with sore mouth/tongue..shooting pains & fatigue have eased. I found that exercise really helped with this. Not gonna lie was probs the last thing I wanted to do but once I did I really felt so much better. Hoping this eases for you soon 

Hi 

docetaxel for me was awful but you do get through it although don’t think I could of coped with a 2 year old. Hope you’ve got plenty of help and can rest.

take care 

Anne Xx

Hi  I hope you are starting to feel better, I am on EC at the moment and moving on to docetaxel next time, I’ve really struggled this cycle with the EC so I am dreading the next one! I also have a 2 year old (as well as a 4 month old baby) so I totally feel your pain. Toddlers have a crazy amount of energy, I wish I could borrow some! xx

Hi Mac84 

I had two EC, second one was awful and they moved me on to docetaxel plus the other two drugs. I keep a chemotherapy journal and ticked off every side effect listed. When it just got too awful I called my chemo nurse who was very reassuring. I also felt far more emotional, possibly because I felt physically worse or my diagnosis just hit me. I also have a child look after albeit a bit older and have been lucky enough just to take some time off work and concentrate on recovering inbetween treatments and spending what energy I have keeping my wee one loved and cared for.  My next treatment is number 5 and has come much quicker than I expected. Treatment 4 was a reduced dose due to all the side effects so speaking to your nurse/ oncologist is essential to keep you well. They do not want you to feel this bad.  This will pass quicker than you think and you are still in there in amongst side effects you can't have imagined. Your wee one will manage on less mum than usual for your treatment period. Be really kind to yourself as regardless the side effects are really rough. Keep eating, sleep to recover when you can. I also found walking really helpful even if it was the last thing I wanted, it  eased the soreness afterwards and mentally I felt better. I hope this is helpful, take ever such good. Are of yourself you aren't going through this in your own. 

Mac84 I know where you are coming from I sailed through EC but the docetaxel has been awful. It and the filgrastim jags absolutely floored me first round and I ended up in hospital with tachycardia. I don’t envy you with a 2 year old I haven’t had the energy to walk my dogs.  However 2nd wasn’t as bad joint pain was more manageable although today it’s muscle pain and wobbly legs . I’ve got my last treatment on Friday if my bloods are behaving so hopefully it will be like the 2nd and not the first.

Hope you have plenty of help and support and don’t be scared to accept it. Rest really helps.

Take care x