Forum Discussion
Docetaxel pain
Hi All, I'm about halfway through my chemo. I've finished 3 cycles of FEC and have just started on Docetaxel. I thought the Docetaxel was better at first, since I didn't seem to get any nausea (a relief after the FEC which made me feel very ill). But now I've started getting strong all over body aches and pains. Even my finger nails hurt. I'm taking panadol and ibuprofen and going swimming whenever I can (which seems to take the pressure off). But has anyone else had this? Any tips on managing the pain? Will it go away or am I just going to feel like this for the rest of my treatment time?
27 Replies
- @share only thing i take is vit D anf magnesiun in powder form recommended by ny kinesiologist. Magnesium is the main supplement to take. Only thing helps with pain. Xo
Glad you finally got the well deserved and needed sleep @Christina 55 - makes such a huge difference.
As you are sensitive to many analgesics @melclarity, for your ongoing aches and pains, have you tried Glucosamine ? (Pharmacies, Priceline, Chemist Warehouse) - a good one is Nature's Way bottle of 1500mg one a day supplement. It was one that was mentioned by my oncologist. She said a few of her patients believe it has made a difference however may take some months to take effect. Initially taken twice a day was recommended. Essentially eases pain in the joints.
Magnesium - in either a tablet or powder is also good.
- Hi Ladies, I finally did get a full nights sleep. Hubby's going to supermarket today for me with my shopping list and yes Hand Sanitizers are on my list.
@Sevenbe , I was informed to paint my nails with a dark nail colour. The light is one of the things that can effect your nails while on Docetaxel.
@melclarity, I'm like you - sensative to medications. Everything just upsets my stomach. Cannot take a lot of painkillers.
@Tinny I hope everything goes well. Just stay in touch with your Breast care nurse and ask a lot of questions.
I will be asking a lot of questions when I see my Oncologist on Monday for Docetaxel #2. Just hoping the injection I get helps with the Neutraphills and I don't drop too much. next time.
Hugs to all Christina x - @Sevenbe Aaaaaah!!! I had 4 rounds of FEC, certainly underestimated by the professionals I think. I too was incredibly ill and drug sensitive, so couldnt take alot. I too thought aaaah weekly taxol by 8 will be soooo much easier. WRONG!!! it had a whole other symptoms happening. Its the 3rd day when it hits the pain after an infusion, I suffered, muscle, joint and nerve pain, unbelievable and it didnt let up, it hit like day 3 and continued til the day of the next infusion, Id have 1 day reprieve of pain free then back in again. Im 11 months on now but still have severe side effects, fatigue, extreme pain in my joints can hardly walk, unfortunately is exacerbated by Arimidex which causes the same symptoms. Oh boy!!! such a treat!!! I even took Endone for pain, it did nothing. Allergic to everything, so still live on Panadol-osteo to combat the pain on a bad day will had nurofen to it. Hugs Melinda xo
- Hi, I had bone & muscle pain with Doxetaxel, along with pain killers including endone I found a warm (not hot) bath with Epsom salts helped relax the muscles and ease the ache. With each new side effect I immediately talked to my breast care nurse, she got me through it.
- Tinny
I was fine on FEC, but only had docetaxel once - had a bad reaction after a couple of days with unrelenting stabbing pains and was taken off it. Nurse commented that some people fly through docataxel without any problems - hope you are one of them - Thanks for pain killer info and washing hands/ hygiene tips ladies.....Christina sounds like your experience was one you must be glad is over!!! Hope all is OK now.....particularly that you are back at home.
@Christina 55, I bet you are so glad to be home. What a huge upheaval going to hospital is without being so far away from home and feeling so terribly ill.
For things like pain relief, perhaps try Targin (slow release analgesic designed to be taken 12 hours apart morning and night), Panadol Osteo (take in between the Targin to help ease any breakthrough pain) is great and one of the BCNA nurses who I spoke with on the phone in the "holiday downtime" between Christmas and New Year last year, suggested I get a script for Oxynorm from my GP (gives immediate pain relief and nowhere near as strong as endone). As you are so isolated, it is just handy to have at home as a "just in case".
I found a constant for me was to use the little handbag tubes of hand sanitizers - inside my handbag, in the car, in the bathroom - that you can get from pharmacies and supermarkets. Quite handy when you are out in public or are suspicious of others who have less scrupulous handwashing techniques !
In addition to wash, wash and wash again your hands (and ensuring that ALL visitors were gowned and suitably scrubbed) that this just gave me an additional step in my OC ritual.
Hope you sleep comfortably in your own bed tonight. Lots of best wishes and light to you.
Sheryl xxx
- Hi everyone. I had my first round of Docetaxel on Tue 8th Nov. By Friday 11th I was aching all over and just hit me anywhere and everywhere, all I had at home was Panamax. The pain was bad for at least two days but I managed. Then by Wednesday 16th I wasn't feeling well, runny nose and achy, Thursday woke up with a temp of 38C and went to my local bush hospital. As I live on the east coast of Tassie, 200km by road to Launceston I was flown out by Plane and have spent the last 6 day in hospital for Neutropenia with flu type symptoms. My Neutraphils were zero. Because of the flu type symptoms I was in isolation. a room of my own and the door closed. Everyone, had to have gloves, masks and gown before coming into my room. Anyone who didn't gown up - I told off, that included the Oncologist for the ward. Got home today. Not everyone gets this, but just make sure you look after yourself Day 7 - Day 14. Its the worst for us and as they kept telling me wash, wash wash your hands, no hugging anyone or kisses and stay away from crowd etc. I will be getting a booster injection for my bone marrow with my next chemo (The govt will only give you this injection once you have been diagnosed with neutropenia - as the cost of this injection I was told was $10,000.). Then I was informed the the injection can also give you a side effect of making your long bones (in you legs and arms ) ache. So I guess you just have to look after yourself for the 3 Docetaxels. Christina x
- I also had FEC 3 rounds.....and am about to undergo 3 docetaxel rounds now. I've just posted a new discussion on how people found the two compared......then happened to find this discussion!! Mmmmm....docetaxel sounds ominous!
May need to prepare by getting strong pain killers......and talking to the oncologist about other options???? Ahhhhh!!
