Docetaxel

Hi Andrea, we must be at about the same point in our chemo. I had 3 cycles of FEC, then 1st cycle of docetaxel last Tuesday. I, too, became constipated despite prunes etc. Sunday I went to coloxyl with senna, & started to get the diarrhoea cramps that I had with FEC, without the diarrhoea. Monday was dreadful. Started movicol Monday night, finally got rid of the constipation, and the diarrhoea started!!! Cramps and all. Tuesday afternoon spiked a temp, 38.1, came to hospital, and here I am with febrile neutropaenia. FEC definitely a walk in the park compared to this. Still only 2 more cycles of this, then chemo over for me. I've taken not of everyone's suggestions for managing the constipation, so thanks all. One of my biggest problems, is that for the first time in my life I'm struggling with fluid intake. Any suggestions to help with that? Or will I just have to force myself to drink?

Take care, Lyn

Hi Andj, that docetaxel is a bugger, I experienced joint and muscle pain to the point where I was grounded to the couch for 3 days. The constipation cleared eventually with warmed prune juice, I found that the best and most gentle. Also lost a bit of sensation in both thumbs and both index fingers. Am currently nursing some fingernails and 1 toenail. Thinking of you, and sending you a big cuddle, Trace ??????

Hi Andi, you can try pears, kiwi fruit and exercise for the constipation.  I didn't like taking the medications very much - hated movical.  I didn't have a rash so I can't help you there.  Maureen

Thank you Maryrose:)

Thank you Robyn

i have phoned onco to see what he thinks. We have spent soo much money on creams, tablets,  for this rash and bone pain and movicol and the coloxyl and senna Its just rediculous. :( I will remember your hints for constipation next round as well. Thank you

Thanks Pam. Tried moo goo to no avail. Just waiting for onco to phone me back. 

Hi there. I had fec and taxotere. Constipation was a problem for me also had terrible flare up of hemorrhoids as a result. Nothing really worked for me despite trying coloxyl and movicol. You could try something like prunes. I had red rashes around my ankle/heel area which were annoying sort of itchy sore couldnt wear closed shoes that would rub.  I agree fec was much easier for me too.

Maryrose 

Hello Andij:) I had the constipation,and I had the rash just like you.For the rash I took Zyrtec,( I tried claratyne but it didn't help)and it worked like magic:) My rash was terrible,all over my neck and shoulders,and in my groin.I had huge red welts,and they were insanely itchy!! I had really bad constipation during the first round of  my chemo,but I got it under control,and I didn't get it again.I used coloxyl with senna,and I took a double dose from the day I had my chemo.From memory,I took it for about 5 days.The other thing I did was eat Uncle Toby's Bran Plus,about 3 tablespoons ,sprinkled on my cereal every morning.Make sure to increase your water intake if you try this.I swear by this to stop constipation!! 

Pam again, not very clear.  Was using QV wash and cream all during radio/chemo, can't now, used sorbolene for a while, then reacted.  Am using dermaveen soap, shampoo now.  It ok so far.  I think the moo goo range is meant to be good but havent tried it.  Cant use perfumes oils etc

The rash at that stage didn't worry me, later it got really itchy (really, really) I went to dermatologist and got some Diprosone which was good.  But otherwise I have to be really carefull with what creams I use, I appear to react to most creams (even ones I've used for years).  And I am not applying them more than once a day.  Bit hard when my skin is so dry.

Pam