3rd cycle down, start the docetaxel in two days
Since my 2nd cycle I have been pretty unwell, spent a week in bed, head spinning. Managed to get up and finally get back to work after two weeks. My head still spins, I can't lay down to sleep or it spins so badly that I feel like I'm falling through the bed. It's awful.
Up until now I have managed to stay positive, but I'm absolutely terrified of the next cycle. My immune system has been smashed. I have a bruise up my arm along the blood vessel. No one seems to have any answers, I will ask my oncologist on Thursday.
I know I will get through all of this, but god damn, it sucks.
??
scalena
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Hi Scalena, it does suck, doesn't it. But we will get through it. At the moment I'm finding it hard to believe that I only have one cycle to go, in 2 weeks time. I was pretty lucky through the FEC cycles. Had a couple of days off work each cycle, but managed the majority of my 3 days/week.
We all react differently. I get gut spasms that have me thinking I'm going to vomit or pass out. Docetaxel has done it to me as well, which wasn't supposed to happen!
Anyway, onwards & upwards. My date with surgery grows ever closer, & that's gotta be easier.
hope you go ok with the Docetaxel. Feel free to pm me if you have any questions
Take care, Lyn
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Hi Scalena, it sounds as if your blood pressure is low ask onc ? xx
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Take heart Scalena, I had the same head spins on FEC, the Docetaxel doesn't make you as dizzy or nauseous. Have a good chat to your oncologist about your symptoms. Chemo does suck, it's enough to make you scream, but a necessary evil unfortunately. Feeling for you and sending you a big cuddle, Trace ??????
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Hi Scalena
Ive had three rounds of FEC and one of Docetaxel. About to have the second tomorrow. My second round of FEC had nurses struggling with my veins and low and behold a week later my arm felt tender especially on the inside of my elbow. I rushed to gp and after a scan they discovered a 12cm DVT (Blood clot). Im now on clexane injections for the duration of chemo (total 3 months) and no blood tests or chemo for that arm. They have to use the surgery side. Probably not what your bruise is about but thought Id just suggest it to you.
Cant help with bed spins.sorry.sounds very unpleasant. I definately Docetaxel to FEC for what its worth. No nausea etc...
Take care
Annmaree
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Hi there
I too just had my 3rd FEC on Monday, and this week has probably been the worst. My next 3 are docetaxel with Herceptin and I have been dreading it as I have read doc can be worse than FEC. Its great to read here that maybe it won't be.
Yes, I'm with you..... it really does suck.
Kari
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Just had my second docetaxel today and found it again so much easier than fec. Mainly because its only 1 drug versus 3. Told the nurses how much better side effects were and they all agreed due to the feedback they get. One is a nurse consultant who seems extremely experienced. Plus once you start youre halfway through which is a bonus. Good luck!
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Thanks
Lynn, I have found happy relief in the docetaxel, no nausea! Yes I had stomach cramps, diarrhoea, agonising bone pain and exhaustion in the first week, along with itchy face and a rash on my arm along the track of the injection, and later peeling skin on my hands, but no nausea, so happy!
so thank you for you supportive words, I have done my fifth chemo, one to go, getting ready for the celebration!
scalena
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Hi, no my blood pressure is fine, I have what can happen with chemo, is a middle ear infection or other anomaly. I have to wait to finish chemo then get some tests done, but it seems likely to be middle ear.
thanks though, I am in much better spirits now, the end of chemo is nigh!
scalena
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Thanks Trace,
having a a much better time on Docetaxel, I love the no nausea, yeah the dizziness is middle ear most likely, will be having more tests after chemo.
cheers, Scalena
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Thanks Annmaree,
pas you will see, I have improved, the arm is still sore but I can live with it, it's nothing to get too concerned about. The dizziness is something to be sorted after chemo.
Thanks for your input.
best wishes
Scalena
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Hi Scalena, interesting that you mention an itchy face & rash on your arm. My 1st & 3rd doses of Docetaxel my face became red & itchy & ultimately peeled. Still quite uncomfortable with it at the moment, 12 days post dose. It's gone down my neck this time. On the flip side, I felt like I cruised through the 2nd cycle, with only the backs of my hands getting the rash.
I have a follow up ultrasound & mammogram, then review with my surgeon, prior to planned surgery date at the end of the month.
Hope you continue to travel well on the Docetaxel
Lyn
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