Starting Docetaxel

[Bball]

My 82yr old husband’s MO has recommended Docetaxel since Xtandi is failing. PSA is 7 after a high of 4.5 four years ago. I’m concerned his weakened condition will make the chemo intolerable. He has lost 20 pounds recently. Little appetite, very weak, needs help dressing, sleeps 14-16 hours a day. He is on hydrocodone and 100microgram fentanyl patch. We wonder if it will only diminish his QOL?

[Dachshundlove]

Hi B-ball

Sorry to hear about the struggles. Docetaxal is considered to be a very tolerable chemo. The side effects have been very minimal for my husband. He completed round 5 3 weeks ago and carboplatin was recently added because docetaxal was not working.

What does your husband want to do? If chemo works for him, it might be a very good thing. It’s hard to know what to do given his age and his current health status.

[Tall_Allen]

Docetaxel usually increases quality of life afterwards. He may be able to reduce pain meds.

[TNCanuck]

Chemo (Taxotere) can be very tolerable and ultimately have a huge impact! I've posted an article on what to expect and how to avoid the bad stuff several times. Just search "Avoiding chemo side effects - Taxotere". If you can't find it, let me know and I'll re-post. Wishing you the best!

[CRPCMan]

The PSA doubling time under 6 months should be the only concern. At 82 there is no way he should do Docetaxal or he will just lay there in misery like so many guys I have seen.

[Bball in reply to CRPCMan]

Can you tell me specifically how it affects older men?

[VictoryPC]

It completely wipes you out. Mentally and physically. Leaves you weak and non coherent. I hate it when guys tell me they are doing it or Lupron.