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Hazel_M's avatar
Hazel_M
Member
12 years ago

Worried about Docetaxol

Hi Ladies,

For several weeks I have been putting out of my mind the fact I start on Docetaxol on 21/1/2014.

I can feel my anxiety rising because I haven't heard much good about the drug, well, I should say I've heard it's a very good drug that does it's job but the side effects can be severe. Now I know we are all different and so far I've been fortunate on FEC with only managable problems. I had my picc dressing changed today and the nurse asked what I was having, when I said I change to Docetaxol next week, she cringed and said 'Oh, people get really sick on that'.

As my partner says, 'there's no use worrying about something that may never happen', but I just keep thinking my luck with side effects is going to be over. Whatever happens it's something I need to do, it's all part of the process.

The rational part of me knows all this, but I'm starting to dread next Tuesday. Wondering if I could have some feedback, good or bad, about what I could expect? I'm a worry wort:( Thanks,

Hazel xx

10 Replies

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  • Hazel_M's avatar
    Hazel_M
    Member
    12 years ago

    All ready for today, Joy. Not much sleep last night, sometimes I wish I could shut my mind down. Just have this apprehensive feeling, I've been so good so far and hopefully it stays that way, thank you for hugs, appreciate it so much, hope you are doing fine, 

    Hazel xx

  • Bearteggie's avatar
    Bearteggie
    Member
    12 years ago

    All the best for today Hazel and I hope it turns out to be much better than you have been anticipating.  Let us know how it went.

    Big hugs

    Joy xx

  • vicki63's avatar
    vicki63
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi Hazel, I am on my 2nd round of dox day 8 I have had a few side effects My first one was the worst. I had the worst bone pain on day 4 I also had what looked like a case of bad sunburn. I went from being constipated to loose bowels. I have learned the following !) Keep a diary of your symptoms 2) Moisturise using sorbelene 3) Eat small meals and try an avoid fat and sugar they will make you feel worse 4) Hot flushes sit in front of a fan (worked for me) 5) Wear comfortable shoes ( doxy) can hurt your feet  6) Fatigue can be an issue rest as much as possible. You will most probably lose you hair I suggest shave it before otherwise it itches and your scalp will  become sore. I love having no hair it is so cool and easy and I use scarves and hats when I go out. If you get nauseated you can have meds I didn't really Just ask heaps of questions and try to breathe it will be OK  Oh and for my pain my oncologist just extended my steroids an extra day pain controlled

  • Bearteggie's avatar
    Bearteggie
    Member
    12 years ago

    Thinking of you as you start your Docetaxol on 21st and as I am having same treatment as you am very encourged by all the other ladies comments.  I hope it all goes very well and you don't have too many problems.  You are halfway now throught his chemo business it will be over soon.  Love  Joyxx

  • Andir's avatar
    Andir
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi Hazel, I had four rounds of docetaxol & the worst thing I had was muscle aches - no big deal. Hopefully it won't be as bad as you think. All the best Andi
  • jenpen's avatar
    jenpen
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi Hazel,

    Like Robyn (I have just finished my chemo) I did not have any major problems on Docetaxel.....furry tongue, constipation & slight tiredness but that was about it. I did have a bad round 2, hospitalized  for neutropenia & then infected seroma but  with neulasta medication this seems to sort it out...had no side effects with this medi either. 

    I wish you all the best & the anticipation as always is defo worse than the actual process!

    Big hugs Jen x

  • jenpen's avatar
    jenpen
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi Hazel,

    Like Robyn (I have just finished my chemo) I did not have any major problems on Docetaxel.....furry tongue, constipation & slight tiredness but that was about it. I did have a bad round 2, hospitalized  for neutropenia & then infected seroma but  with neulasta medication this seems to sort it out...had no side effects with this medi either. 

    I wish you all the best & the anticipation as always is defo worse than the actual process!

    Big hugs Jen x

  • Yoga_nut's avatar
    Yoga_nut
    Member
    12 years ago
    I just had my second round of Docetaxol 8 days ago ... By far the worst side effect ( bone pain ) I've had has been from the neulasta shot rather than the chemo ! The nausea has been well managed from the medications and I've been a bit itchy like Robyn but antihistamine settles that in a jiffy. I've been walking every day and managing my full yoga class . Sure I get a bit tired sometimes but a lot has happened in 8 weeks for my little brain to process ....so I'd probably feel like that anyway . I think this whole thing is a bit like pregnancy and childbirth ....everyone has lots of stories but until you actually get there no-one knows how your body will react . Not a really helpful thing for the nurse to say to you even though it was probably well intentioned ! My oncologist told me to paint my nails with really dark nail polish which can help them stop falling off and she said exercise was really important to reduce side effects . You'll feel better once you've started I'm sure ...the waiting is the worst. All the very best , will be thinking of you :) Karen
  • mgndam1603's avatar
    mgndam1603
    Member
    12 years ago

    I have not had Docetaxol so have no comment but something I have learnt through out my life is that anticipation is far worse than particiapation.

    We build things up in our minds and yes sometimes it may be horrid but more times than not its not as bad as we thought.

    I hope for you its this way. Let us know how you go.

    Donna

  • Tashie125's avatar
    Tashie125
    Member
    12 years ago
    I had three rounds of Docetaxol without too much trouble, finished the last one in December. The worst side effect I had was the runs! But when I had to run I had to sprint. I used some Imodium to counteract that and the rest was fine. I had the frozen gloves on (bit torturous) while it was being administered to help my nails and they are fine also. I also had the FEC with little/ manageable side effects. Everyone is different and I'm sure you will take it in your stride.