Questions about Docetaxel and Radiotherapy

Hi

1. i don’t know about the chemo but re RT I didn’t need to isolate and was given a covid test kit at my planning session to do at home and I had to take it with me on the first day of treatment.

You may not experience side effects with docetaxel, but for me, I found the first 2 days fine and then day 3 to about day 5 or 6 I had pain. I took Paracetemol before it started for my last 2 cycles, which helped. 

If found with EC, I felt worst shortly after chemo and then gradually better and better. With docetaxel, the side effects kept coming. Once the aches and pains were gone, I had muscles that felt like lead and I got skin sores, mouth sores and nose sores about day 10 or so.

My taste was awful too and that lasted all the way through chemo.

You get though it though! Good luck, hopefully won't be too bad for you. Some people sail through it and find it much better than EC.

Hi Thirds

i am in the 10th week of a 12 week cycle of docetaxel and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy.

i found the aches and joint pains started a couple of days after each dose which took 3 to 4 hours ( 4 at 3 weekly intervals) and would last for about 10 days, combined with feeling dizzy and light headed.  I did have to do a daily injection of filgrastim for 7 days following each dose which I think contributed to not feeling so great.  I had started feeling more and more fatigued certainly after the second dose so got a sick note to allow me not to work til the New Year at least which means I can do stuff at home based around my energy levels.

Depending on how your body copes with your chemo cocktail do be honest and let your oncologist know as if you have any unpleasant side effects such as diarrhoea which I had for 7 days, they can change things around. 

I have a consultation about possible radiotherapy on 29 November as I am expecting that next before bone infusion and then seeing my oncologist on 30 November to check on progress. 

It is tough and it does seem we are all different in how our bodies cope with it but hang in there and you can do it.

Sending a virtual hug and best wishes.

My experience of docetaxel was very similar to beatthebreast and bgirl, I’m day 14 now (After 4th dose)  and I’m still experiencing muscle aches and fatigue, spots and nose issues. I also feel nauseous after eating.you do get a variety of responses though x

Thank you Anna12345.  Certainly sounds a bit grim, but hopefully doable.  I hope that the rest of your treatment is less severe with regard to side effects.  I consider this as part of our road to recovery.  I hope you will enjoy good health and take care.

Hi I finished chemo 24june 21. My first dose of docetaxel wasn’t great because they forgot to tell me to have the steroids the day before chemo. Also don’t eat grapefruit as it apparently reduces the effectiveness of the drug which I wasn’t told. I did ha e the Pfizer Covid jab 4 days before the first docetaxel so my symptoms were pretty harsh. Awful pains for 4/5 days and blistering skin and nails went black on feet and thiumb but subsequent cycles were fine and I’m good now.  Neuropathy is a bit of a problem but im. Very active and walk daily and do bodypump 3 times a week too. I also did the chemo diet which helped which is basically fruit veg nuts and carbs and a small amount of protein. Loads of water too   I have given up alcohol too as it raises oestrogen levels which I need to avoid with er+.  My hair grew back two weeks after last chemo. Radiotherapy was fine despite me being very anxious. Just a bit sore after  15 days but very bearable. I do hope it goes well for you x

Thank you for your reply Activeannie.  It sounds as though you had a bit of a rough time.  Glad that you survived it.  The steroids are a bit of a problem for me as they send my blood glucose level up as I have diabetes and an underactive thyroid, I will ask the oncologist.  I walk a lot and I think that has helped me with the previous cycles.  I think it is doable.

I hope that you will enjoy good health.  Thanks again for your advice which is much appreciated.  Take care and all the best.

Yes it’s been doable for me, even if it’s accepting a couple of days on the sofa!! You just have to accept that you feel rough sometimes and try to listen to your body x

Hi thirds, I had fec-t so hAd 3 rounds of the docetaxel over 9 weeks also. I found the docetaxel slightly easier than the EC. I wasn’t quite so wiped out but it did affect my stomach. I had diarrhoea whereas with EC I had constipation. However the oncology team help you to manage this. I had the same aches and pains with both really and runny nose. I also had slight tingling in my fingers and toes which I still have but nothing that causes any problems and I’ve been told this may still go after a few months.  I think it was about day 3 the side effects started after each round - once the steroids stop. The side effects lasted for around a week to 10 days. I think I found my body was just a little more tired nearer ro the end I got, I found it just took me a little longer to bounce back each time. However after chemo finished my muscles aches and stomach etc all cleared up.  

I had 5 days of radio 4 weeks after last chemo and they only tested me for COVID before the sessions started and didn’t need testing again. 

Hope this is all helpful. Good luck with all your treatments. Xx

Thank you so much It is what it is.  It does sound grim but doable.  I will give it my best shot.  Found out that my treatment will continue into February/March.  I was a bit taken aback as I had thought I might be finished by the end of January but it seems not.  I just have to accept it.  Thank you for the heads up about the radiotherapy.  I now know what to expect.  My you continue to have good health and take care.  All the best.