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Kymvass's avatar
Kymvass
Member
10 years ago

Docetaxol/Taxotere side effects

I am 4 weeks post my final chemotherapy.

I am experiencing chest tightness, sometimes stabbing, shortness of breath and fluid retention all over my body, but mainly legs and feet. I was admitted for overnight observation and had every heart, chest and leg scan and all looks okay. I can't wear shoes or any of my pants now. I have put on 10 kilos since my 2nd last chemo dose without changing my diet.

The doctors are at a loss - I'm having an echo test of my heart on the 29th. Surely it's a side effect of either the taxol or the dexamthazone steroid???? 

Has anyone had this experience too? How long did it take to resolve? 

Oncologists don't seem to care, as long as it worked - the nurses care more about the patient and side effects.

Merry Christmas everyone.

kym 

 

side-effects

7 Replies

  • Kymvass's avatar
    Kymvass
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks Maryrose - at least zi know that the drug is the cause then. Good to know it resolves itself eventually.

    hugs

    kym

  • Kymvass's avatar
    Kymvass
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Tracey,

     thanks for your reply.

    Okay I'm coming into week 6 so I'm hoping for some improvement. I'm booked in for an echo cardiogram on Tuesday and a brace for 24 hours to monitor. They don't think they'll find anything tho - but better to rule everything out.

    My assumption is the drug has strained the heart as well as everything else and it will probably just heal itself. At least the shortness of breath seems to have gotten less and I can walk further with 2 kilos off now of fluid. Maybe the diuretics have worked in the fluid area.

    All the best with your recovery too.

    cheers

    kym

     

  • Tracey62's avatar
    Tracey62
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Kym,

    i had much the same side effects that you mention - rapid weight gain, mostly fluid, chest tightness, shortness of breath & aches in muscles and joints. Last chemo was 6 weeks ago and symptoms slowly starting to improve. Had every test under the sun but no answers. When you google after effects of chemo these all come up as being quite common, don't know why my oncologist didn't know that. Hang in there, I've had to really restrict what I do each day, but find that taking it slowly I am getting stronger. Sit back, enjoy Christmas, and let others do the work this year. You will feel better as time goes by if you just rest up and take care of yourself. Best of luck, Tracey xXx

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    10 years ago

    Oh Kim, that's awful that you have to go through that fluid retention. I hope that they find out what's going on for you and quickly. I came out in all sorts of weird rashes after my last docetaxel dose, and still have scars 6 months later. Horrible muck is chemo.

    Sending you a big cuddle, Trace ????????

  • maryroset1's avatar
    maryroset1
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hey kym. I had taxotere also. I gained huge amounts of weight and got puffed very easily. I also had lots of swelling in my feet. Took me ages post treatment for things to improve eventually it all got better by itself.

    Take care.

    Maryrose 

  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    10 years ago

    Best to report it but in side effects it does say there can be swelling and it may not show up until later in treatment. Hoping it goes away fast for you.