Docetaxel Side Effects

[Blair77]

My husband starts cycle 4 this Friday. Side effects have been not too awful so far. However, since his third treatment he has had painful swelling in the feet. Any tips on how to deal with this side effect? He's pretty miserable.

[Hidden]

Sorry to hear he's suffering.

I'm on 4th cycle of Taxotere and had the same problem with feet and legs swelling on the third cycle. It was really hot then and I was out in the heat and on my feet a lot. What I did that helped was trying to stay out of the heat, drinking lots of water and getting off my feet. I also raised them up above my heart for at least 2 hours a day. I took a nap at the same time so it helped me to feel less tired too. I've been watching it pretty closely ever since and have been able to manage the problem. Fluid retention is a side effect of chemo. I'm also taking Prednisone which is supposed to help with that. His doctor may also prescribe a diuretic.

Good luck and hope he gets better soon.

[Blair77 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks 🙂

[Hidden in reply to Blair77]

I forgot to mention, keep the salt intake down.

[RangerTug in reply to Hidden]

My swelling in my lower legs,ankles and feet started after session 5. My Doctor reduced the Prednisone dose I was on, not sure this did anything, I am now almost 3 months out from my last session of chemo (8 sessions at 21 day intervals). My legs and ankles have just started to go down. My feet are not much different. I still have numb toes.

However, the fluid retention is not necessarily all the result of Docetaxel, I am also on Blood Pressure medication and one of the tablets can contribute to fluid retention. I didn't have a problem until half way through my Docetaxel program, so in my case it is probably a combination.

Try wearing the compression stockings on alternate days, last week a fellow patient told me this tip. But was a bit late for me.

My advice is to hang in there, the fluid retention is better than the alternative , all the best.

[JamesAtlanta]

I agree with the other advice you have received. I had my problem when I was flying. I was prescribed a diuretic, which helped a lot. Also, try a pair of orthopedic socks. They give a lot of relief and you can get a pair at the drug store.

[Cancer09]

Elevate his legs above heart level and adequate hydration ..water .limit salt .ask about elastic stockings at Drs appt .my husband had this side effect too.one foot had more swelling all the time ..wear comf fitting shoes .good luck ..we were flying and he couldn't get his sneakers on ..had to wear my daughters ..