Starting TC Chemo - Docetaxel (Taxotere) Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) experience anyone?

Hi - I had AC but I can see no one had yet replied. They should run through side effects when you sign the consent form (or read them on the MacMillan website).  My best advice round be to take all medication they give you alongside exactly as they suggest - they have a lot of experience and it’s easier to prevent some of the side effects (vomiting for example) than it is to stop them once they’ve started.  You will need to be diligent about infections - not just catching things from people but cuts/burns/grazes etc. and make sure you have a good thermometer and something for diarrhoea and constipation. A soft toothbrush and mouthwash.  A journal to log side effects as they tend to be quite consistent between rounds.  The first is the scariest as you don’t know what to expect but then it’s a bit easier.  I found taking a puzzle book with me helped when I was feeling panicky/anxious as I’d get it out and really concentrate on that.  Don’t forget the little things to make it nicer - hand cream, favourite OJs clean and ready, magazines, books, make a list of DVDs or programmes you want to watch if you do end up on the sofa for a few days. It wasn’t as bad as I’d expected in the end (though I was so terrified …).  Be as prepared as you can for the common side effects but also to be kind to yourself.  

Hello, I was in the same place last December starting ECT treatment l, wondering about the side effects and now post chemo can share some tips I leant along the way.  

As Labradorlover said, the nurses are very experienced and will give you lots of medications and warm you about the side effects. I took all of them as prescribed.  For antisickness I had tried different ones, so if one does not work, just contact them and ask for different one, don’t suffer in silence.

I had suffered from severe constipation, even Docetaxel was suppose to give me diarrhoea.  Once I ended up to A&E after not able have bowl movement for 5 days.  What I learnt is that taking fiber supplements given a very high doses (more than prescribed) will work. Also, keep eating and hydrating yourself. When you are feeling sick you don’t necessary want to eat and drink.

i also had sever insomnia which was due to taking high dose of steroids. That was very tiring but I would listen to meditation music instead of worrying.  I was not working so had naps whenever I can. 

During my final chemo I also had Oral Thrush which was due to  strong Antibiotics given to keep the infections under control.  Antifungal medicine did not work for me but I called up the GP to get a stronger course, but it kept coming.  

These symptoms may seem a lot but not everyone reacts the same.  You may be lucky and not have its so severe.  Regardless, just think that Chemo is mopping up any cancer cells in your body, and overall doing good for keeping cancer at bay.  Side effects are just temporary and will pass as soon as Chemo stops.  All the best, x

Thank you that's really helpful! I'm going to sort my supplies out now so I'm prepared!

Thank you for your response,  and sorry to hear the side effects were so tough. Its really helpful to know though that people who have gone through it coped and while it's not pleasant it's manageable. 

Started Docetaxel today after EC The EC was a nightmare for me so I'm hoping the side effects of Docetaxel will be less.More steroids than on EC and less stomach acid.

Take your meds regularly I didn't first time round and ended up in A&E never again.

Hope you kick chemo good luck 

AJ

Hi.. I've just had my third round of 6... And am moving next onto Docetaxel so I'm interested to see what the side effects of that will be.  But what I learnt from starting is that I shouldn't have waited to get supplies in such as sensitive skin cleaners and shampoo... And lots of lip balm. I didn't think I would need them so soon but needed then within the first week. 

But on the whole I would say it isn't as bad as I was expecting. Some good days and some bad for tiredness etc. But the nurses are great at fixing any side effects so like the others said don't suffer in silence. 

Hi there! Can you tell me what your experience has been with the combo of drugs? Especially with hair loss? I've been guided to start the same treatment in just over a week and read so many concerning articles about permanent hair loss. I cannot afford this, I won't survive being bald forever. 

My hair is growing back after EC and Taxel.

Try not to worry about your hair it will come back.

Hope all goes well im on oral chemotherapy now for two years  

AJ x

Interesting I have had the reverse. I sailed through 4 cycles of ec with minimal side effects. Docetaxel has been a totally different kettle of fish. 1st cycle i ended up in hospital with neutropenic sepsis so oncologist reduced dose for second cycle. However I caught flu so have been really rough at home. However no neutropenia so that's a positive. Hope things go ok for you

It has been a year since my last chemo and my hair is growing well, just a little more curlier which I really like as I had straight hair before.  I also read about permanent hair loss and asked my Oncologist who had assured me saying he had not come across anyone who did not get hair back.  That put my mind to rest. Try not to worry and all the best x