The problem is that it can affect the reproduction of other cells in your body, like hair follicles. love and hugs.Lorrie. We have each other even if we don't know each other. Good luck with your next cycle and hopefully you too will benefit from the treatment. I haven't had much information about that yet. Thank you, hope you continue to be well. Docetaxel is normally given once every three weeks, over about one hour. And a bit of movement / chatting / getting out of the house helps.. Bacon, ham, and onion can add flavor to vegetables. While we were driving home - it's a nice, sunny, fairly warm day - Moopy observed that getting out was a reminder of what our life will be like again. My kids are 10 and 5. Take care. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can significantly increase the blood levels of DOCEtaxel. Not able to advise, but sending loads of hugs to get you through this traumatic part of your journey xxxxxxxx, You haven't gone wrong Dolbycat, as you said it effects everyone differently. They started to put another chemical, I dont know what it was, into my infusion bag so that it would help but I still was nauseous and diarrhea would start that day. It was a big deal but it wasnt. Each mL contains 40 mg docetaxel (anhydrous) and 1040 mg polysorbate 80. starting at end of cisplatin infusion (2.4)See full prescr ibing information for TAXOTERE. I had the sore mouth too but I must have been one if the lucky ones as I do not remember too many other side effects - it was 7 years ago. Try saltines, or ginger ale to lessen symptoms. Docetaxel belongs to the group of medicines called antineoplastics (cancer medicines). I am sorry to read that the chemo is hitting you so hard.If there is a magic answer i never found it but the things that were usefull to me were -dont eat befor chemo and walk afterwards.If you can get your body going-even if it is to the end of the road and back and you feel like **** I found it seemed to get your system going at least a bit. I have been told that they have FL First Lady wants to explore new strategies for Cancer Tre ILC: Double Mastectomy-all breast tissue removed - Pathology showed positive margins. Notify your oncology care team if your mouth, tongue, inside of your cheek or throat becomes white, ulcerated, or painful. If the count gets too low, you may receive a blood transfusion. I had four rounds of Herceptin, Carboplatin, and Taxotere. Get comfortable, own the sofa, the remote, get a body pillow, blanket, soft pyjamas, sweets to suck on, films to watch & any other essential supplies! Its common to lose hair when youre undergoing cancer treatments. Exposure of an unborn child to this medication could cause birth defects, so you should not become pregnant or father a child while on this medication. If youre considering taking Taxotere to treat your cancer, you need to be prepared for what might come. Whole body ache , muscles and joints, headaches, kidney pains, swolen glands, lethargy and over emotion. Repeat cycle every 3 week. Saying goodbye to our 8th graders and saying" Because of my oncotype and how small the cancer was, my oncologist wanted to go for TC. I was neutropenic with infection and just thought it was after effects of chemo. Protein helped and exercise helped me. I just seem to get one thing in order then something else happens. No cancer cells were found, and she was deemed "no evidence of disease". If red meat is a problem, eat chicken, turkey, eggs, dairy products, and fish without a strong smell. Stick with it. Hope you are all enjoying the sunshine and feeling better. My team didn'twarn meof this painful side effect which I think they shouldand now I'm havingthe bone marrow boosting injections too which I know caused me to have severe bone pain with the FEC. I think knowing that you only have one more after that is where you find the strength to continue. So my advice is dont be scared to ring the chemo hotline, they know what to advise and whether or not you should go in.. If any nails fall off, clean the nail bed well with soap and water and cover with a Band-Aid. Taxotere is a chemotherapy drug that is used to treat various cancers such as breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, prostate cancer, gastroesophageal cancers, and head and neck cancers. It was tough going, but I got there. I went back to work on Tuesday, but wasn't feeling the greatest. Im not an athlete by any means, but I could swim and I could walk. She keeps telling me that she is not strong enough to do this; and I tell her that she is stronger than she thinks she is.Bob. I was initially told to have the chemo in the hope they could conserve the breast! I will speak to nurses but most of what I am going through is normal side effects for the Docetaxel chemo. Cycle 1 was not too bad - aching legs and joints, lost toe and fingernails, numness in toes, soles of feet and fingertips, sore mouth (had to eat and drink through a straw) and nausea. I have just had 4 cycles of FEC and other than the 3rd one, coped OK and carried on working a combination of at home and in work on my good week. Signs of a reaction can include: shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, trouble swallowing, chest pain, rash, flushing, hives or itching or a decrease in blood pressure. Had tummy issues mostly diarrhoea but managed to get a good stopper tablet. The effects from the chemo were still the typical things though. Then starting in June 2014, I had 15 doses of Radiotherapy. You are not alone in this. Days 4 and 5 were the hardest: nausea or just energy, emotions. Do not cut cuticles or ingrown nails. Copyright 2000-2022 Cancer Survivors Network. If your mouth becomes dry, eat moist foods, drink plenty of fluids (6-8 glasses), and suck on sugarless hard candy. These symptoms can last for several months or longer after treatment ends. In fact, Taxol is the top-selling cancer drug worldwide. They also said that cycles 5 and 6 will compound the side effects and by reducing the dose the recovery should be quicker and help me to complete the chemo sessions. Docetaxel is a microtubule inhibitor used to slow cell growth. The pain is horrendous and for me it moves from anywhere to anywhere. Fellow sufferers, keep your hopes up. Thank you for the support, hope you are doing well. Stay well hydrated. I do have to rest far more than I used to, although I manage to cope with a busy full time job. as these can all increase the risk of bleeding. These Taxotere side effects are less common, meaning they occur in 10-29 percent of patients receiving Taxotere: Vomiting Muscle/bone/joint pain (myalgias and arthralgias) Low platelet count (This can increase your risk of bleeding) Increases in blood tests measuring liver function. The Docetaxel/Taxotere is the drug causing this nasty side effect. I had infusions every 21 days. A week in hospital on IV antibiotics and fluids and I was allowed home to rest rest rest! I had two medications, Gemcitabine and a combination of Gemcitabine and Taxotere. ), and have smoked and used alcohol for most of my life. Hard to rest with all the side effects of all the drugs but I did my best. But guess what? You will have docetaxel as an outpatient. I only have one more left now as it was my 5th cycle of chemo regimen FEC x 3 then Docetaxel x 3 . Premedication is required with Docetaxel. Foods high in soluble fiber include: applesauce, bananas (ripe), canned fruit, orange sections, boiled potatoes, white rice, products made with white flour, oatmeal, cream of rice, cream of wheat, and farina. Some common Taxotere side effects include: vomiting nausea loss of appetite constipation diarrhea injection site reactions (redness, pain, or swelling) I have no effects, no CRASH, no anything ((. Your labs will be closely monitored prior to each dose of docetaxel and the dose may be decreased or held if your liver function is not normal. All patients should be premedicated with oral corticosteroids (see below for prostate cancer) such as dexamethasone 16 mg per day (e.g., 8 mg twice daily) for 3 days starting 1 day prior to TAXOTERE administration in order to reduce the incidence and severity of fluid retention as well as the severity of hypersensitivity reactions [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and . X, Hi sorry to hear it is so terrible for you they may need to up your anti nausea meds this happened to me at the start but once the added in onother anti nausea drug it was much better talk to your nurse there must be something to improve your side effects, Thinking of you hugs and best wishes you can do this , Thanks Mags for your message. Avoid contact sports and activities that can result in injury or bleeding. Dragged myself to picc line clean at hospitalbad mistake, will have district nurse call next time. I am hopeful that the next two cycles will be less of a shock to the system. Yes you will have have to have the G - CSFinjections for the bone marrow stimulation after the Docetaxal chemotherapy - the same as the FEC. I have at times reached my lowest and questioned if I can continue to put my body through this poison. It wasnt until the following year that food started to taste good again. I have finished 4 cycles so far with 4 more to go. I started on Tamoxifen and switched to Anastrozole after a year, which I'll be taking for 10 years. Its normal to feel completely wiped out when you begin this medication. Like many have stated, I was OK for the two days following and then felt like sh*t for two or three days and then was on the mend and better until the next treatment. I've just had my first Docetaxel 5 days ago and boy am I sufferingshooting painsin lower back, kidney area,legs andshoulders for two days now. Docetaxel is given by intravenous (IV, into a vein) infusion, usually over an hour. Get the B**tard out for good! constipation. I've been prescribed Gabapentin, spoke to my oncologist after the first docetaxel. There is a risk that this medication may leak out of the vein at the injection site, resulting in tissue damage that can be severe. I had my first Taxotere on Monday and am not coping at all. We can do itnot sure how but we are two thirds there. Liked the clearer head but found days 3 to 6 the worst when ankles, knees or hips gave way. Plan times to rest during the day and conserve energy for more important activities. Xx, Thanks Berylynn. The infusion will be slowed or stopped if this occurs. I have had problems with temperaturechilly and drafts set off cough and shivering, warm and cosy sweating. Wear sunscreen (at least SPF 15) every day, wear sunglasses and long sleeves/pants to protect your skin. You may dislike foods or beverages that you liked before receiving cancer treatment. You will have got through it now though? Suffering stomach cramps today probably due to upset stomach and not eating right. My reaction to Taxol was different. Eating a healthy diet helps you deal with side effects and fight infections. The only really bad side effect I had was the fatigue. We've heard that the Taxol is a lot easier. My next 2 cycles went ok so, hopefully you are through the worst. Include fiber in your diet (fruits and vegetables), drink 8-10 glasses of non-alcoholic fluids a day, and keep active. It interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed by the body. If you feel unwell or have any of these signs, tell them straight away. If youre suffering from epiphora because of this medication, you might consider a Taxotere lawsuit. The drug can cause tear duct closures which can cause permanent tearing. TAXOTERE is sterile, non-pyrogenic, and is available in single-dose vials containing 20 mg (0.5 mL) or 80 mg (2 mL) docetaxel (anhydrous). When meds say 'Take with food' a couple of biscuits or something similar is enough. MYTH #6: I'll permanently lose all my hair after chemo. Progression-free survival was 2-3 months for both groups. 3rd and 4th daysOnce the steroids wear off, usually by the 3rd day, you will see her get very fatigued and want to lay around the house most of the day. The side effects from that have been enoughpoor gut. Edema happens when fluid collects under your skin and within the tissues outside your circulatory system. I don't think you have "gone wrong" anywhere, more that T has hit you hard and you would like to be in a better place for the next 2. Do not use a razor (an electric razor is fine). for use in the treatment of prostate cancer in the year 2004. It really helps to have these words of encouragement and support. I think it would have been better to know just what to expect but as we all react different it's not possible. But then again what do I know? July 16, 2018. I haven't been able to do anything. But I'm on SSP and we can't afford to have him stay at home every time I feel ****. The cycles were repeated every 3 weeks for 3 . But they had to keep treating her with antibiotics on the off chance it was an infection. It won't be long until you to are in a position to help others with your experiences of the journey we all find ourselves on. Even if your menstrual cycle stops or you believe you are not producing sperm, you could still be fertile and conceive. It helps with pain so uncomfortable in spasms but endurable if I dont climb too many stairs with lead legs, It may have helped the mouth too, the stronger dose did make me reach for the bonjella where moments before was ok. 10 days of horrible tastes and softer foods has been hard. I often feel like it's too much and want to give in. Severe symptoms are less common but require dose modifications. Hair generally starts to regrow soon after treatment is completed. I took Oestrogen suppressing tablets over July and August and restarted chem beginning of September with the FEC. Your hair may become thin, brittle, or may fall out. Researchers spent YEARS finding chemotherapy compounds that could attack prostate cancer cells. DelveInsight has compiled the symposium's major highlights so that one does not miss out on these expansions . My experience was that how I felt after my following treatments was similar to my reaction after the first treatment. My skin, when I rub my fingers or touch my face, arms, legs etc feels different, almost plastic-y! That finished months ago, but she's still whacked by the docetaxel on and off. Docetaxel is its generic name, and it belongs to the taxane class of drugs. Search deep within yourself, you will find the strength. Nicole B. Please. Some of the chemo drugs used to treat prostate cancer include: Docetaxel (Taxotere) Cabazitaxel (Jevtana) Mitoxantrone (Novantrone) Estramustine (Emcyt) In most cases, the first chemo drug given is docetaxel, combined with the steroid drug prednisone. 83 Likes, 0 Comments - Marley Foster (@marley._.foster) on Instagram: "The last few days of school were probably the worst. For obvious reasons, Saturday is the best day of the week because it's a holiday and the next day too is a holiday, followed by Friday because it's preceded by two holidays. Stay strong honey xxxxxxxxxxx, Thank you Lainey66, I will give Kin gingival a try as I feel I am in a vicious circle of mouth problems making eating difficult and tablets which need to be taken with food. The recommended dose of TAXOTERE is 60-100 mg/m2 administered intravenously over 1 hour every 3 weeks. My own experience to date As of day 8 after my first Tax blast, I currently hate Tax and FEC in equal measure. I was prescribed preventative FEC-T but because I was getting married and honeymooning in July, they decided to do the Taxotere first and cycle 3 was combined with my whole radiotherapy treatment. These are some of the most common or important side effects: Allergic reactions are possible with this medication. Thanks for being such a grand support for her. Taxotere was my aggressive chemo, and it caused the majority of the side effects the hair loss, nausea, all these different things. I have been given so many tablets with this cycle which need to be taken with food but find eating almost impossible due to chemo mouth explosion of thrush despite being on medication. I have other family and friends help but they have their own lives that need to go on. The median overall survival (OS) was 81 months . That's really great that she had that positive response though, seems worth it and hopeful for the rest of us! My doctors have been very good and have assured me that they caught it early. Many people lose alltheir body hair, including their eyebrows and eyelashes. White endeared himself to Jets fans over the last two years with his inspiring play as Zach Wilson's backup. Anyway, like you im a very positive person, was dealing very well with it all, had 3 rounds of EC first.. Now two rounds left of Docetaxal.. Im floored.. For instance, they may continue to work, spend time with family, and exercise. Hi Dolbycat, were in this side by sideI missed out on the mouth thrush, came away with chemo ward mouthwash not used it much. I completely avoided this by doing a few things (recommended by American and French oncologists, and also by many girls who have had the courage to try these things). Hope you are keeping well. At that time, TAXOTERE was typically used for advanced prostate cancer, after all other treatments had failed. We are all stronger than we think and even stronger than we give ourselves credit for! (Sarcoma, Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Stage 3, Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma [UPS]). Youre coming back off. Thank you for sharing your journey and giving me hope. Will try the mouthwash as that is also a problem, I have a drink and seconds later my mouth is so dry again! Taxotere is part of a family of drugs known as taxanes that work by preventing cell growth. Is day 4 the worst day? The care I have had from diagnosis to today has been quick, I begin Radiotherapy begining of March. The prospect of 12 weekly taxol is a bit daunting. One of the common types of chemotherapies for breast cancer, AC + T includes three drugs: doxorubicin (Adriamycin), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), and a taxane drug (Taxol, Taxotere . Any suggestions for the pain? Call your oncology care team if you are unable to keep fluids down for more than 12 hours or if you feel lightheaded or dizzy at any time. I know the taste thing lasts for a while but I crave something good to eat. Avoid large crowds and people who are sick (i.e. You may notice dry skin or changes in the color or tone of your skin. Actually, I had a really nice time as it was. xxx. I have been doing research and have learned of some pretty serious side, i.e., mouth sores, possible stroke or heart attack, loss of hair, I think one person even said they'd lost a toe! But I am in good health and loving life. 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