Help - bone pain and scalp hurts

I had muscle and bone pain with docetaxel and was advised to take paracetemol and ibuprofen / naproxen. They actually really helped, which I was surprised by. If it is is really sore, and those don't help, then phone your cancer care line or BCN - they would be happy to advise and may be able to help if the over the counter painkillers don't work. Also remember to tell your oncologist ahead of next cycle.

I kept a diary of side effects and activity and found it really helpful to look back. Next cycle, you might be less panicky about the pain as you can look back and think it only last x number of days. The first cycle is scary when you have side effects you struggle to cope with.

Hi, I’m sorry it’s horrible isn’t it. You are right about the scalp pain, your hair will probably start to come away, I was on EC-T and I lost my hair day 12/13 quite significantly and at that stage just had it shaved off which oddly helped me feel a bit empowered, I’ve been in beanies ever since. As breathebreast says take the painkillers regularly and also take loratadine as that seemed to help me a bit. I was given 7 days injections of the filgastrim and that increased my bone pain and headaches badly. I reduced it to 5 days (as my white bloods cells and neutrophils were holding up) and that really helped. The first cycle is scary as you don’t know  how things are going to escalate. Take pain relief every two hours, paracetamol once and ibuprofen once. If you are concerned call the helpline and keep an eye on your temperature. I hope it eases soon xx

Thanks Beatthebreast for your advice.

Rang helpline, they said to to and get cocodomol. Not sure if I want anything stronger as I will feel even worse after! But I will keep an open mind. 

Went out for a walk and the sun seemed to make things so much better. I am recording all the meds taken and also SEs. 

The tingles in my hands apparently should not be for first round but who knows!! I must make a point to regularly take meds after each meal! Easiest pattern to follow.

I am so glad I have my partner here today to help me out. Cried so much like I am a baby 

C x

Hi Anna

Thanks for comforting words. At times we just need empathy! 

I will watch out for day 12/13. My filgastrim jab is one only after 24 hrs but maybe a higher strength. Its all so new so tq, I will keep an eye on temp. 

Cx 

Sorry to year you're struggling Claud272. I'm afraid I don't have any advice for you as I've not experienced chemo, but I wanted to send my best wishes and really hope you start to feel better soon  

Hi Claud, just wanted to send some hugs.  I hope you feel a bit better soon x

Thanks Pangles/Moco

I think I have anxiety attack leading to hyperventilation. I need to also try breathing exercises to make things better for me. I think the first really does make one freak easily! Not knowing what is right or wrong. I am also reaching out for so much junk food to try to test my taste or take the bad taste away but must focus to consciously not do so!!! It's such a steep learning curve. 

C x

Hello Claus272

I found the First EC was the worst for me and for the reasons you say. It is all new and scary. I remember the painful scalp. Every hair follicle screaming. I felt much better when I had my family firstly cut it short, then do a number 1 cut with an electric shaver and lastly completely off with a wet shave. We went through this over a few days. They were crying doing it for me, but is was such a relief. Stopped the scalp pain. 

I send you big virtual hugs. You can do this and you will.

All the best

WallyDug

Hi Claud272 so sorry you are feeling so rough right now, I hope you have found some meds to ease the pain.  I am not sure I can offer any more help or advice, but just wanted to say hi, let you know I am thinking of you.  You are strong and you will get through this, just keep hanging on to the small positives.   Sending hugs and lots of strength xxx

Thanks Wally. It feels so reassured when I know it's sort of the new normal for me...I think it's also getting head around the many meds to help with SE. The break outs in scalp is insane!! But good to know that it does go away eventually. I think my diet needs fine tuning too...when partner cooks its such large heavy meals that it leaves me bloated. I also worry about the stomach ..how it's going to take 5 more rounds of this!

Thank u for sharing your experience xx

C x