Just started Docetaxel

Hi all I can say is we are all different in our reactions to these terrible drugs. I too had 3 x FEC then 3 x Docetaxel. I had eight if the side effects will spare you the details but could have no re went back to FEC for last 2. Some folk tolerate this really well others do not. I sadly couldn't and am still suffering side effects a lot milder but a couple still there You can get the dose reduced but it wasn't an option for me. Hope you get sorted we are all different. I worried as I had only had one but a lady in here said the difference is small . Take care and see how you go or speak to oncologist they will help you and advise x

Really every sympathy, nobody can really tell you how long it’ll last as our reactions are very personal, I also found the first couple of days I was ok ish and then had a rough next week or so. I didn’t really enjoy food at all while on docetaxel and had to pick very carefully through certain things to get done stuff that wasn’t disgusting, but the aches did ease off a bit. Do let the hospital know how you are feeling as they might be able to help. The pains and aches are really tough, do try taking painkillers. All I can say is, soon it’ll be over and well done on being halfway through, all the best xx

Hi there! I feel your pain! I had 3 x EC and it was amazingly easy I found! Hence my shock at the Docetaxel! Like others, the first couple of days weren’t so bad. But then I started to feel wretched (I think the Filgrastim was a bit of an antagonist too, not sure if you’re taking that?). Anyway, long story short;  I stopped chemo after that because it took me the full three weeks to feel OK-ish again, and I decided I didn’t want to go back to that feeling again. Not suggesting you should do that, but my chemo was adjuvant (precautionary after mastectomy with no lymph involvement and a borderline Oncotype score). I’m having radiotherapy and hormone blockers, and I was assured that the chemo I had will have definitely have helped. Had I been in a different position, I would certainly have persevered. Anyway, my oncologist said if I wanted to continue with my final two cycles, they would either reduce the dose, revert back to EC or give me weekly paclitaxel, but I’d already made up my mind. Anyway, if you don’t start to feel better, there are options. Speak to your BCN if you feel the need. Best of luck xxx

Hi Brunette 23 Sorry your suffering with docetaxal. I had weekly paclitaxal which I believe they can prescribe if you find docetaxal difficult. I am not in the UK so my treatment is private so a bit different but my oncologist was UK based fir 17 years so advised to go with the weekly as he thought I’d cope better with the side effects. I found it ok but my liver really struggled and we stopped after 9 round (3 full doses) skipping the last 3 as he felt the side effects would outweigh the benefits. I found the joint pain to be really difficult days 3-5 but just kept popping the brufen at that time and it t helped, trying to keep it at bay for me worked, if I let the pain come it was more difficult to get rid of so I’d advise to take meds pre-emptively if you can Regardless I got through it and thE time passed pretty quickly abd was over in no time. The paclitaxal and herceptin/ perjeta did what they were meant to do and I was cancer free when my mastectomy and lymph nodes were removed, so I am grateful for the pain. My oncologist was on holiday during 2 of my treatments and Dr Ed was the oncologist that I saw then and he was so happy when I said I had pain as in his option it means it’s working, I really hope that it proves true for you too. Stay positive and keep taking your painkillers and drink lots of water️

Hi I’ve done 3 ec 3 Docetaxel if you’re really struggling get in touch with your chemo team
The filigram injections were hell for me and I felt unwell for 5 days gradually getting slightly better as each day went on 

I took pain killers for aches and pains was took ondenestron for nausea docutose for constipation gaviscon extra for heartburn  all definitely helped hope you feel better soon xx

Hi Brunette 

I also was so Ill after the 1st dose and filgrastim injections, never felt anything like it in my life, everything hurt even to sit down, I was beside myself. I explained all this prior to my 2nd dose which I’ve just had, and my onco reduced the dose and stopped the filgrastim injections. I too have on a Thursday I’m fine till Sunday then the side effects started but no where near as bad and have been able to cope with them. Yes feel tired and crappy for a few days,  severe diarrhoea, no appetite, and a little joint pain. For the first few days I forced a banana and nibbled on crackers and Philly, just to put something in my stomach. Hope your feeling much better now, but defo speak to your onco they may also reduce the dose for you. Xx

Hi. Are you me in disguise?  Had exactly the same 3 EC, little issues,  Docoxatel on Thursday and knocked for 6 over the weekend. 

I also have Systemic Lupus, so the pain in my joints and tiredness might be related or just down to the Docoxatel. My biggest struggle is the steroids. I don't tolerate them very well. Tummy ache all the time.

I was advised to try some relaxation therapy, audiobooks. Hopefully it will subside. Just try some light soups to get some taste(mine has gone) and just to keep your fluids up if you're not eating much. 

Best of luck. X

Hi sunshine75 

That bought a smile to my face  appetite was the worse side effect and I'm due again Thursday,  not looking forward to that , my taste has still not come back but I am eating better,  roll on Thursday then I only have 1 more to go ... I can tolerate the injection thankgod..... Good luck with everything I will you well xx