I have just read some blogs on Taxotere (cycle 1 due in 10 days).
I thought that things would be better after 3 cycles of FEC. :( doesn't sound like life is going to be a box of chocolates.
Does anyone have a good news story about Taxotere to cheer me up?
Hi 3recharmer, My reactions were similar to Louisa. I think my best bit of advice is to listen to our body, note all the side affects from your first dose and talk to the oncologist about these side affects. I wasn't aware how the side affects to my feet and legs could leave permanent nerve damage. My oncologist gave me a reduced dose for my first as I had some strange affects from FEC. My second dose was reduced again and he wouldn't give me the last dose for fear of permanent damage. My last dose was in mid October and most of the leg problems have gone but still can't sleep with my heels too long resting on the bed as I get a burning sensation. I am hoping in time this will also go. As Louisa has said we all react differently and your journey will be your own. I wish you the very best on your continuing journey.My best thoughts are with you.
The J
Dear 3rdcharmer, I finished chemo last July and I am still suffering the effects. Definately the worst for me was the Taxotere and I had 2 hospitalisations for 10 days at a time and have been left with nerve damage which may or may not be permanent. I am still not working. Sorry for the bad news but I have some good news to impart. According to my breast care nurse, latest research has shown that only women who lack a certain enzyme in their system have the bad side affects that I have experienced and are still suffering. Most women seem to have that enzyme metabolise the chemo and fly through chemo and recover quickly. Apparently only a small percentage of us have these extreme side effects. I wish you all the best. Read everyone's comments but dont take them on board as every one of us has a unique body chemistry and every one of us has a different experience. Yours will be your own. In the future they will be able to target each of us individually and give us just the right dose and type of drugs to knock over the particular cancer that we each suffer from. Hold you head high and look straight ahead, that is the only way to get through this time. Good luck:) Louisa
Hi, I was on the same regime as Chris and would agree with everything she said. I felt tired and lethargic throughout the treatment (a bit like the early months of my pregrnancies), a hint of nausea from time to time, mild rashes, sore mouth, slight muscle aches on days 3-4 but nothing terribly dramatic.
I think the important things are to not expect too much of yourself during this time, accept offers of help that come your way, take all the medictions as Chris mentioned and address any little issues as they arise so that they don't get out of hand. If you have any concerns get some medical advice straight away.
Taxotere is not much fun - and losing your hair is the worst - but life goes on and you will get through it. I tried to look it as a time when I could be a "bit lazy" without feeling guity - lie in bed and read books etc. Be kind to yourself.
Good luck. I hope it goes as smoothly as possible for you. Janet :)
Not sure about good news but I did not suffer too badly. I had 6 rounds of Taxotere/ Carboplatin/ Herceptin - finished in October. Hair loss yes, nausea yes, vomiting/diarrhea no, fatigue yes. There were times when I wanted it all to stop but then it does eventually and we have to hope that it's doing what we need to beat the disease.
Good luck
magicmum
