Docetaxel Chemo

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Dear All, I had my first round of Docetaxel Chemo last week and it has been quite a shock to the system as no issues with the previous chemo they gave me. I ache all over, feel exhausted and lots of sharp needle like pains everywhere. My nails and tips of fingers are painful. Please do any of you lovely ladies have any tips on how to deal with the side effects of Docetaxel chemo even though I am totally drained I am not getting any sleep as feel so rough. Thank you so much xxx



  • Hi

    Me too, just finished 3 rounds of ec and had 1st round of docetaxel. I have never had bone pain like it, gave me oral thrush as well and a morning visit to the hospital because I just felt soo ill.

    I was taking the injections for 7 days after to boost white cells, which i believe are the reason for the pains not the actual docetaxel. 

    I stopped the injections early and will be speaking with my oncologist before next round, as definitely can't do that again.

    Hopefully you feel better soon 

    • Hi Blueberrymuffin. I too had horrendous side effects to the Filgrastim injections. I ended up in hospital twice following terrible bouts of constant diarrhoea and dehydration. The bone pains and aches were something else. My legs felt like they were made of spaghetti! My oncologist switched me to a one off injection of pegfilgrastim for my second round of chemo on Monday. I did this last night, and apart from a whacking great headache today I’ve so far not had the dreaded aches and pains. Will keep everything crossed for you x
  • I’m so sorry to hear you’re not doing too well. Treatment really isn’t a bed of roses is it Pensive 

    I had my second round yesterday and I’ve really hit a brick wall, just can’t seem to pull myself out of the black hole I’ve found myself in. The side effects are all so numerous and petrifying. I hated taking paracetamol before I was diagnosed so it’s like falling off a cliff with the amount of drugs going into your system. I know it’s all for the greater good, but it’s hard to see it that way sometimes. Wishing you well xx

  • Hi

    i had 3 EC and 3 Docetaxel, it was like chalk and cheese. My side effects after my first docetaxel were awful so much that my dose was reduced to 80% for the remaining 2. My only advice is to drink plenty of water and try and flush it through. After my first one I had diarrhoea for 12 days, mouth ulcers, oral thrush, nose bleeds, racing heart rate and I was terribly breathless. I did the filgrastim injections for 7 days and really they only caused discomfort for about 3 days. I ended up at A&E after every chemo with a raised temperature. No infection was found. Take every medication they offer you . All the best.

  • Thank you all so much for your replies, I ended up in hospital with sepsis and came home yesterday. Thankfully I am feeling much better. I have been told they may also lower the dose of Docetaxel next time as with the side effects of that as well it has been quite a week. Sending love and healing hugs to you all xxx

  • I had 3 rounds of EC and the sidee effects were manageable apart from round 3 

    my oncologist gave me lower dose of Docetaxel I had first dose yesterday and was ok  but have been awake since 3 am with aching arms and tummy ache so looks like I'm in for some fun !! Just hope it's not to bad a ride .

    We have got this ladies  it's just a rough ride but the journey will be worth it I hope .

    I need some sleep !!

  • Hi Sparkleandshine,

    I think unfortunately Docetaxel seems to be a chemo that comes with all the horrible side effects!! I was on it for 20 week (3 week cycles) I suffered with aches, weird needle feelings over my body, tiredness and awful nausea until about day 8, so not sure what day you are on but it then soon subsided and I gradually got back to feeling fairly normal again!! Make sure you drink lots of water and just rest and take all the meds they give you to help with side effects before you get the effects!!! It's a harsh drug but you will get through it!!

    Take care. Xxx

    • Sorry to hear you’ve been so unwell Sparkleandshine. I hope a lowered dose of Docetaxel will help. Although I’ve not been feeling wonderful, this cycle has been so much easier at 80%. Sending much love x