Docetaxel

Hi Fiona,

i had taxotere (doxytaxel) for four treatment (TAC) and then went on to AC, which was by far gentler. When I was on TAC I washed out my mouth with a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of bi-carb of soda after each meal and before I went to bed. Doesn't taste great but I never got a sore mouth or ulcers. I had the biotene mouth wash but never used it. You do lose taste and the first treatment I had of TAC was definitely the worst and lasted the longest. By day 10 I had got it back. With AC it wasn't so bad and lasted about 3 days. UNfortunately I am on steroids now as TAC effected the lungs and they also give me loss of taste! 

Take one day at a time. You will get through it. 

Oh and as soon as I stopped the mouth wash, I got a sore mouth and ulcers and oral thrush. Could have been the antibiotics I was on at the time though due to neutropenia and my hospital stays. Not nice I know. We just have to observe very little thing and get not it right away.

hope you will feel a lot better and soon.

linda xx

Thanks again everyone really appreciate it, got some Nilstat from the chemist and it is working already slept through but now the diarrhea has set in now I have been to Bali 13 times and never have I experienced anything like this.  Have the gastrolite ready on hand and watching my temperature closely don't want to end up in hospital which I understand is what can happen.  Thank goodness I only have 2 more to go and knowing what lies ahead means i will be better prepared.  My next blood test is not  for another 2 weeks will be getting some mersyndol night strength on hand for next time  - the bone pain was incredible even worse than after the neulasta injection I have the next day after chemo

As they say We don't know how strong we are until being strong is the only choice we have xxx

Hi Fiona

I have recently finished four rounds of Docetaxyl, you are absolutely right, it's completely horrible to get through. I too had terrible bone pain and mouth/ throat pain.

Like Marlee says in her post, I took mersyndol night strength and it was the only thing that worked well for me to ease the discomfort. I did take two at a time but I also had additional bone pain from nivestim injections! 

Also for the mouth problems my aromatherapist friend made a mix of clove oil (about 5-10 drops) in about 1/2 cup of coconut oil. You put 1/4 teaspoon in your mouth and swish it all around a few times a day. Natural antibacterial and anti microbial and it helped me a lot! 

Goodluck :)

Hi Fiona

I have had three Docetaxel -one more to go

have you had your white cells checked, my first dose was the worst so far because my white cells pretty much disappeared. Now I have neulasta and it's much better

Also gargle bicarbonate soda three times a day for first two weeks after chemo dose. 

I take mersyndol at night, when needed for pain. It helps a lot and gives me sleep. I have found I only need one tablet 

I hope it gets better for you xx

Hi Fiona

I am like you after 3 sessions of FEC and mostly smooth sailing, last Wed I started Docetaxel and once the steriods stopped my bones are in enormous pain and no paracetomol seems to make much of an impact. I am trying warm baths with epson salts and heat bags, but its is no fun I hope it goes away soon.  Any ideas on how long it lasts?  I will start googling on the site and see what I can find.

Cheers

Maree

Hey Jen.

I had taxotere and found i used to get sore throats quite a bit. My oncologist said i could use betadine sore throat gargle. That stuff works a treat but taste isnt very pleasant. I found the taxo a very different ball game to FEC. Made me feel very weak and achy and took longer after treatment to effect me.

Good luck with it all. ????

Maryrose 

With that determination I'd say you are................good luck with the treatment - you know everyone on here is willing you better!

Take care

Christine

Thanks everyone I have found the other blogs.  Glad to see it is not just me FEC was a walk in the park compared to this today I spent the day in bed and do feel better hope this is the turning point and will be well pre prepared for the next 2 lots.  Now also know the mouth sore throat is also thrush so heading to the chemist now......

All i can say is It had BETTER BE KILLING THE LITTLE #######

Couldnt have got through this without this network thank you all so so much !

Hello:) I had docetaxel,and apart from salt water,I used Biotene mouthwash ,Biotene toothpaste and chewing gum.A bit pricey,but definitely worth it:)I think you will find by about day 14 you will be feeling ok again:) Stay in touch.Cheers Robyn xox.You can buy all the Biotene stuff at the chemist.

Oh no Fiona,

I may not have explained it clear enough. Try typing it in this search box.