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hmary's avatar
hmary
Member
11 years ago

Journey continues

My journey continues.  Have had 2 treatments of  chemmo, third one this thursday. Then change on to docetaxel, is that worse or better? My first treatment wasn't too bad, no vomiting but fatigue for about the first 7 days, but the next one, I was fatigued for about 9 days, hopefully the dr will be able to give me something to help before this next treatment.  He said early on any side effect he would be able to give me something to help!! But probably only edical speak!! We all look for positives, after this one, half way through the chemmo.

I got a little magnet for the fridge "We are just like a teabag..we don't know how strong we are until we are in hot water"  quote

Helen

  • margiemoo's avatar
    margiemoo
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi

     

    What chemo concoction have you been on? I had my first round of docetaxel and cyclophasphimide last tuesday - I have 4 doses once every 3 weeks. so I don't have much to tell you - but I was extremely fatigued friday and saturday, and have been getting better each day. even did 6hrs of work today. Home now and tired but felt good to go to work. I have a "metal" taste in my mouth, not too bad, and I will lose my hair in the next week or 2. I am sure some of the other lovely ladies who have been through this will have some comments for you.

    Its unfortunate that we need to know how strong we are - but strong we have to be. 

    Marg x

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    11 years ago
    That's a great quote. It does help to try and stay positive. I think most of us get a little more fatigued as chemo progresses. It is difficult to say whether Docetaxel will be better or worse for you. It seems to vary widely the variety and severity of the side effects. Talk with your oncologist about medications you might need to counteract the most common side effects. I found it affected my mouth more and I had a very sore throat. I needed medication for oral thrush and dry mouth. Nothing tasted good but I have heard that some people find manuka honey really helps the throat. I had lots of aches and pains and muscle weakness. After much trial and error I found nurofen worked the best for this. Something for diahorea and constipation might be good to have on hand in case. It is harder on your skin and nails too. So lots of nail hardener and I used moo goo moisturizer by the bucket full. Someone on here told me to prepare for the worst but hope for the best. I felt better having medications ready even if I did not need them all, all the time. I am the sort of person who normally does not even take a panadol so having so many medications worried me but if they help lessen the discomfort it is worth it for this short period of need. It is 7 months since my last Docetaxel and life is good with only vitamins and tamoxifen to take now. You do what you have to to get through chemo and then life gets back on track. Good luck with your next chemo and I hope you find Docetaxel is not too bad for you. Take care. Deanne xxx
  • hmary's avatar
    hmary
    Member
    11 years ago

    Have had my first treatment of docetaxel two more to go.  Haven't been too bad my worst problem is diarrhoea ended up in op in hospital last week had iv fluids then iv of potassium for 4 hours.  But still have diarrhoea even today.  Will have to mention it to my oncologist on Thursday before my next treatment.  I know they say you can have diarrhoea and constipitation at any time, but at this stage I don't seem to have any good days.  I have just about decided I might be one of the unlucky ones who don't tolerate chemo too well.  Who said life was meant to be easy? I might be one who just have to get through the next 7 weeks, start the countdown.