Docetaxel

Hi Lyn,

I think he's mainly concerned because of my heart scan it was only 52% prior to starting chemo and he seems to be concerned about the amount of pain I get in my bones and muscles because I have read on the network about the side effects some women have had and I've had bone and muscle pain from my first chemo session but it's all just part of kicking Cancers backside I have a little now so I'll wait a little longer then take a pain killer if it gets severe I seem to be getting a lot of fluid retention which he noticed and wants to keep an eye on that also anyway I am good and remain positive all the time my husband and daughter are absolute treasures my daughter allways knows just what to say or do to make me smile or laugh and my husband is the same but my mother in law different story she doesn't care and doesn't even speak to me most of the time but that's okay I don't need narrow minded peoples support let her be as mean as she likes it doesn't bother me anymore my husband is from Sri Lanka and we have been married almost 18 years but she doesn't like that he's married to an aussie but he didn't give her a choice and she was ok with me until our daughter was born and gradually got nastier and more bitter but you can't change how people think so I don't bother. I hope we can chat again soon, sending a hug and a smile and all the best for your final chemo session.

Anita

Thanks ladies yes it's a long ride.  I just do one day at a time yesterday I gave myself the first neulasta shot my white cells finally gave up Tuesday was my 3rd AC red devil so today I'm sporting a red face lol and chemo fog! One more AC to go then 12 weeks taxol then 12 weeks radio then reconstruction ah yes plus expander fills.  Don't know about you all but I had to have time off work which is good and bad. Prior to my diagnosis I felt fabulous had stopped smoking was training at gym Lordy now it's like dancing to video hits, part Pilates on u tube.  I do get quite frustrated at my lack of energy ah well I slap myself around the head and keep going.  My kids are in their 20's and live away so in that respect I feel lucky that I just look after myself fiancée and 9 cats 3 dogs.  It must be difficult with younger ones when you feel like this much love 

Hi Anita

I'm a few days away from my 3rd & final Docetaxel. I have heard of a smaller dose being given weekly,to reduce side effects, & if that's what is recommended, go with it. My  1st Docetaxel cycle wasn't much fun, but this 2nd cycle is almost the best I've felt since starting chemo, go figure! 

You sound like your're doing ok at this stage. Take care,

Lyn

Hi Wendy,

Thanks for the information I have read that is the norm now giving Docetaxol weekly I am a little more relieved now I already have a lot of bone and muscular pain which Itake a 1/2 tablet of the pain killer Endone when it's bad enough but again like the first chemo It's the fear of the unknown I suppose but I'm sure I'll be fine and it will all be over before I know it but this last chemo cycle I had all I've done has layed down and had body pain but the insomnia and the chemo fog as I call it drives me insane also the short term forge tfullness but it'll get better it's just a process to get rid of this horrible disease, things can only get better and I look forward to the day when I've finished all my treatment including radiotherapy which I've been told 5 days a week for 6 weeks but there is a life after cancer which I'm thinking a lot about lately all positive just one treatment at a time, All the best sending you a cyber hug.

Anitaxx

Hi Ladies

It is a long process isnt it!

I completed 4 AC which was 3 weekly. I am now on paclitaxol which is administered weekly. I have just finished number 5 and have 7 more to go. I have found that i have experienced more body aches and pains with this that although are not holding me back they do bring me down. I have found that even during sleep i am getting sore when i lay for too long in one position. I have been told to take panadol continuously but i have chosen not too as i just find that it all just clouds my brain on top of chemo brain. I am happy to put up with the aches and pains and just try to keep active and keep moving as i have also experienced the numbness in fingers and toes. I have chemo on Tuesdays and these symptoms usually come in by the Friday and last for about 3 to 4 days. Wednesdays and Thursdays are my good days. This has been my experience and as i said i try not to let it hold me back, it is just what i have experienced moving to weekly treatment. All the best with your treatments,

Wendy xx

Hi Alsopt,

I was told by my Oncologist the side effects can be a bit harsher with docetaxel it just means to me my chemo all together will go for 21 weeks not 18 but I am just curious also as to if others have had this happen to them as I have a 9 year old daughter and she can't stand the time we spend apart as for the first week because of the chemo drugs I am not so hands on with her because of the effect the drugs can have on her if I'm sick etc so I don't sleep with her she's scared of the dark and likes someone to sleep with her and read her books just bonding we do before she goes to sleep but she understands but that doesn't mean she has to like it well It's only temporary it has brought us closer in a way she finds her own little ways to make me feel better she's so sweet and sensitive and my husband is so incredibly supportive also but he's a little concerned as to what sort of side effects you can get, I know there are ladies that have been on docetaxel also and the support and advice on here is amazing hope to chat to you again soon,

Sending cyber hugs your way

Anitaxx

Hi Anita I can't help you but I'm curious as well after my next AC I start as well for 12 weekly some people say it's easier others say it's not. Apparently weekly is an easier schedule would love to hear from others as well