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Lookingup's avatar
Lookingup
Member
8 years ago

Docetaxol Yuk!

Hi everyone
Coming to the end of my chemo and struggling. Had doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide every 3 weeks for 3 months then started on a course of taxol for 12 weeks. Neuropathy became too bad so oncologist changed medication to docetaxol every three weeks. I have just had my second (and last) dose of it. Feel horrible. Terrible taste in mouth constipation followed by stomach cramps and diarrhoea, nausea and shooting pains in bones muscles and joints. Have a cold too which isn’t helping.
Are these side effects common with docetaxol. Also had an injection to make by bone marrow produce more white blood cells which could be contributing to bone pain.
But.... so grateful it was my last one. Have worked partine some weeks but now taking leave because I feel totally spent and need to get my head together.
chemotherapy
side-effects

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  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hang in there @kmakm. One foot in front of the other. Rest then repeat.
  • Sister's avatar
    Sister
    Member
    8 years ago
    I'm not on Dox but from what I've read from others' experiences, you should probably tell your onc about the leg tingling and numbness as it might be neuropathy and I think it's better reported sooner.  But others will be able to tell you more.
  • kmakm's avatar
    kmakm
    Member
    8 years ago
    I had dose 3 of 4 of Docetaxol last Monday. I am constipated af, nothing tastes good, my tongue is grey, I was moaning outloud with bone aches the night before last, almost passed out in public yesterday when I ill advisedly went out, I have numb & tingling sensations in my left leg, virtually no energy, nail bed pain and no hair. And that's just this round so far. Gawd what a whinge!

    Counting my blessings, last time I had nausea, both previous rounds I had reflux. None so far this time.

    So yes, my experience tells me your side effects are common. Unless you and I are VERY special!

    Docetaxol's a bitch. Hang in there.
  • duchess's avatar
    duchess
    Member
    8 years ago
    Look forward to  it being over. It will be over soon and you will get well again.
  • Mollygirl's avatar
    Mollygirl
    Member
    8 years ago
    @Lookingup, docetaxel was HORRENDOUS I would be in tears by day 3 with bone pain. The injection gives your bone marrow a big boost to make more blood cells and in effect the overload inside your bones presses on nerve endings in there. It's awful. But, hooray for your last one!!  You will hopefully feel a little more comfortable in a few days then you'll need lots of time to recover. Biggest hugs xxxx
  • Lookingup's avatar
    Lookingup
    Member
    8 years ago
    I think the carpet in my dogs kennel looks better than my tongue and would probably have more taste than any food I put in my mouth!
    The day before I had my second dose of docetaxol my tongue started to improve so I know it will get better.
    thanks for your support.
  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    8 years ago

    Yuk is an understatement. Horrible, horrible, horrible. No wonder you need time off, you've had a right going over to have all that back to back.

    Thankfully once your tongue starts to look normal (instead of like a piece of dead grey carpet that has spent 4 years on the floor of a dog kennel) the miserable taste in your mouth goes away. It can still take a while for your gut to settle and the muscle and bone pain can hang around for a bit as well. Be kind to yourself and take some 'me' time. Marg xx

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi @Lookingup
    So sorry you are struggling. Yes, I had Docetaxel and struggled big time. I had most of your symptoms but not really any nausea. As you probably know, keep an eye on your temp, just in case any of these symptoms turn out to be an infection of some type. 

    That injection for your  white blood cells can cause the bone pain as you say. But so does the chemo too.

    I had 3 lots of Docetaxel after 3 rounds of FEC and it knocked me flat. With FEC I would have a couple of good weeks each time but not with the Docetaxel. The only good thing was finishing it! This last time means that as you recover that will be that. No more!

    If you have any issues with your temp or your symptoms get worse (particularly the stomach cramps, diarrhoea and nausea) then get it checked. Sometimes it can be a bug you have picked up. Hope you are feeling better soon. Take care. Deanne xxx