Doxetaxel

Hi Jenny,

Hah! Oncologists dont like discussing side effects very much I notice, also they are different for everyone I suppose. As long as the drug is working.

I am 7 weeks out from my last dose of Docetaxel and I was surprised at the swelling all over my body so late in the piece. Steroids are prescribed to prevent it but it didnt seem to work for me. Finally, the fluid is starting to move now and I am more mobile again.

I also had shortness of breath and tightness in the chest with the swelling, but this all came after I finished chemo.

The body aches and muscle spasms were the worst and I couldnt sleep at night. I was prescribed endone to help with that. Bliss!!! Or as someone said panadol every 4 hours without a break.

I kept a diary of each day so I could compare symptoms and prepare for each dose. It hit me on day 3 until day 8 - slept a lot. I am about to lose my big toe nails as they are so badly damaged, but used ice gloves during chemo for my fingernails and had them painted each week to protect them. They seem to have survived okay.

You are halfway there with the chemo. Try and look forward to the end and saying goodbye to it all - I know easier said than done. I also planned for celebratory dinners with my girlfriends for after the end date. I just had to wear sandals to dinner for my fat feet!!

All the best,

Kym