I will begin docetaxol/herceptin next week. I was wondering what I could expect in the way of side effects. Feeling a bit anxious about it all.

Hi Lorraine, I had Docetaxel just over a year ago now. I call myself one of the lucky ones, as my side effects were mild compared to some. The main things for me were tiredness from about day 5 to 9, a nasty skin rash which Zyrtec helped immensely, constipation( I used coloxyl) my hair and eyebrows started to fall on day 14, but I did have my head shaved just before r starting chemo. My food cravings were intense,and I always wanted salty things. Apart from these things, I did ok. Remember to try and walk every day. It really helps with the fatigue. Cheers Robyn

Hi Lorraine, I will be honest and say I wasn't one the lucky ones on Docetaxol. However, we are all so different, so please don't let my honesty scare you. I remember asking on the website what to expect and most of the ladies didn't have too much trouble, so I thought I would be ok. When things went terrible, I thought why didn't the ladies tell me this could happen? The reason being that everybody is affected differently. The biggest problem I had was with mouth issues. No matter how good I was with rinsing my mouth etc, I developed oral thrush after each dose. I was treated with Nilstat. My taste buds were another problem, Docetaxol kills them off and they regenerate every 6 - 10 days, usually in time for another dose. The oncologist told me that it is a harsh drug but it is also one of the most effective. My best advice to you is to be proactive with side effects and wait and see what happens. You may not get all of the effects, you may get none. It's not an easy gig but it is doable. All the best, Hazel xx

Hey Lorraine, I have just finished 3 cycles of docetaxol . I had 3 cycles of FEC first. I Also have herceptin for the rest of the year. My side effects were not too bad. My hair had already gone by the time I started docetaxol. However all my eyebrows departed after my last docetaxol. I had aching joints, that panadol osteo kept under control. My worst side effect was diahorrea and a crampy tummy. After 7 -8 days after chemo I started to feel back to normal. I did sleep more, however I worked most of the time and only needed a few days off after each cycle. My nails also discoloured. It's not pleasant, but it is manageable. It will be over with, before you know it! Sarahx

Thank you Robyn, I have already had four rounds of FEC and coped with the side effects quite well. I have been googling about the effects of the docetaxel, and have found it very disheartening. I need to stop googling I think, it only makes me very anxious and depressed. I am pleased to hear you coped ok with the side effects, it is comforting to hear. When I was first dx my breast care nurse could not emphasis more the importance of exercise. So hubby and I started walking every day but we have slacked of over the last few weeks. I will definitely begin walking again. Thank you for your advice. I can feel more prepared if I know what I could expect. I have been reluctant to call out for help from family and friends but if I do suffer from fatigue, may need to let go and allow people to help. me. Cheers

Thank you for your honesty Hazel. I do want to know about the nasty side effects so I can prepare myself the best that I can. I am sorry you had a tough time with the treatment, the mouth issues does not sound like to much fun. I have already had 4 FEC treatments, and I did not have to many problems with my mouth. It is good to know that I may have issues with my mouth and so I will try and be more vigilant with mouth care this time round. It will help to cope with all the side effects knowing that it is a very effective drug, thank you. I must keep reminding myself that all the treatment and side effects are necessary in order to help fight this terrible disease. Cheers

Docetaxol - what can I expect? | BCNA Online Network

12 Replies

Hazel_M
Member
11 years ago
Hi Lorraine, I will be honest and say I wasn't one the lucky ones on Docetaxol. However, we are all so different, so please don't let my honesty scare you. I remember asking on the website what to expect and most of the ladies didn't have too much trouble, so I thought I would be ok. When things went terrible, I thought why didn't the ladies tell me this could happen? The reason being that everybody is affected differently. The biggest problem I had was with mouth issues. No matter how good I was with rinsing my mouth etc, I developed oral thrush after each dose. I was treated with Nilstat. My taste buds were another problem, Docetaxol kills them off and they regenerate every 6 - 10 days, usually in time for another dose. The oncologist told me that it is a harsh drug but it is also one of the most effective. My best advice to you is to be proactive with side effects and wait and see what happens. You may not get all of the effects, you may get none. It's not an easy gig but it is doable. All the best, Hazel xx
Robyn_W
Member
11 years ago
Hi Lorraine, I had Docetaxel just over a year ago now. I call myself one of the lucky ones, as my side effects were mild compared to some. The main things for me were tiredness from about day 5 to 9, a nasty skin rash which Zyrtec helped immensely, constipation( I used coloxyl) my hair and eyebrows started to fall on day 14, but I did have my head shaved just before r starting chemo. My food cravings were intense,and I always wanted salty things. Apart from these things, I did ok. Remember to try and walk every day. It really helps with the fatigue. Cheers Robyn

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Docetaxol - what can I expect?

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