docetaxel reaction - new drug being looked for

I dont think it's unfair to share good news.
If people only ever see problems it can get quite depressing.
Good news shows that it's not all negative.

I had a reaction with my first Docetaxel and they sorted it there and then, I've not had a reaction since.
However the side effects after my 5th dose were the worst thing I've ever had.
Started at 5pm the next day and felt like full on flu.
I spent 4 days in bed with zero energy
Just about over it now but sudden onset fatigue is still getting to me

Only one more dose to go .....

Thanks Slarti, sharing a good experience with Chemo is a very good point which I never considered - you've changed my perspective - hope I still have one to share after the change of drug.

Hope the side effects of Cycle 5 wear off soon and it's plain sailing all that way to bell!! 

Good luck 

Hello KTC.

I am so sorry to hear that you have had a bad reaction to the Docetxel. There is another chemotherapy drug that can be used for prostate cancer called Cabazitaxel but I have no experience of it. My husband had a bad reaction after

the first session of docetaxel but fortunately this was sorted out by giving him infusions of Tagamet (prevents gastric acid production and inhibits the action of histamines) and Histakut (antihistamine) up front after the anti nausea drug Akynzeo. He also took Dexadose the day before the infusion and the day after as well as by infusion immediately before the chemo drug. They also slowed the rate of the chemotherapy infusion down and reduced it from 120mg to 100mg so in total it took 4 hours each time. He was also given Grastofil injections to boost white blood cells on days 3 to 6, cilroton tablets twice daily on days 2 to 5 and epoetin alpha injections to boost red bloods once every 7 days. Phew how did we remember it all.

I hope things go better with the alternative chemotherapy drug and let us know how things go as my husband has been warned that he will probably have to have a course of it further down the line.

Hello Slartiblartfast.

Thanks for the update and it looks like you have been hit by a build up of chemo. Have you told your medical team as they might ask for an interim blood test to check whether you are becoming anaemic or if your white bloods have dropped. Get ready for the celebrations after the final dose which I hope goes better for you.

Well, I have Prostate Cancer with MSCC, extensive spread including the lungs, spine held together with rods and one hell of a drug cocktail, including slow release oxycodone and gabberpentin.  I am also on the Triplet therapy with Darolutamide, Degarelix and Docetaxel.  Strangly, I appear to have a different reaction, and unplesent reaction after every docetaxel dose - and with my reactions and poor blood readings (had four doses now) - they have talked about reducing the dose.  That said, to give a posative - my PSA readings are currently less than 1 - and as a person who six months ago spent two months on a spinal rehab ward, am currently feeling the best and most mobile I have been for a while which I attribute to radiotherepy and the four doetaxel doses received so far.  Ok, the side effects of the tripple therapy for me have been horrible - the extream fatigue, hot flushes, weight gain, love life killed - but - i'm walking again, with crutch(s), but walking again.  Stay posative, stick with it for as long as it works.... Take advice and stay well all....

Hello PolK  . What a positive and inspiring post from someone who has been (and still is) going through the mill.

Take a bow son - and thanks for your post - I really hope things get better for you in 2024. Stick with us and keep posting.

All the best - Brian.