Cabazitaxel and chemo side effects

[Nicholas27]

Hello Everyone,

Hope everything is going as well as it can be. I have some Qs for people first handily experiencing or going through chemo. Grandad is currently on second line chemo for castrate resistant prostate cancer. He is currently lacking a lot of energy, feeling very tired and getting bad muscle spasms and cramps. Has anyone else experienced these symptoms or have any solutions or anything that all that may help increase energy levels or reduce cramps/spasms. I mean you get stuff off the internet, but anything that has worked extremely well for you?

Thanks

[mrscruffy]

I take Acetyl Carnitine and a fat burner(green tea and caffeine) for energy and Potassium for the cramps. Be sure to check with doctor first

[Nicholas27 in reply to mrscruffy]

Thank you ill have a look for some of this stuff at the pharmacy. And cool ill get him to mention the potassium to his doctor. Thank you for your response

[Danielgreer]

Hi Nicholas, I’m currently undergoing chemo, Docetaxel and Carboplatin. My Doc said that the lack of energy and tiredness are normal unless it’s so bad you can’t perform self care routines. Your Grandad’s muscle spasms and cramps may have to do with dehydration? Does he get IV hydration? The hydration helped me.

[Nicholas27 in reply to Danielgreer]

potentially, and no he hasnt had any IV hydration as of yet. If it is on going ill get him to mention it to his Dr. Ill tell him for now to increase water intake make get some supplements as well to replace electrolytes. Thanks for your response

[tallguy2 in reply to Nicholas27]

If he doesn’t like the taste of water try those zero-calorie fizzy flavored waters (“Ice” or a generic Costco equivalent). I drank a lot of those during chemotherapy.

[Danielgreer]

By the way, I get over hydration the same visit when I get the chemo and then follow up with additional hydration a couple of days after the chemo. For me it’s hard to drink enough fluids to keep up with the loss of fluids after the chemo.

[Danielgreer]

Didn’t mean over hydration, meant to say IV hydration.

[Bodysculpture]

I can't emphasize this enough Exercise however little is benefitial

He must more around don't lie in bed all day

Find out things he like to do encourage this

A well trained personal trainer who has experience with those challenged may also be a good idea

Exercise and laughter are the best medicine you can prescribe

[j-o-h-n in reply to Bodysculpture]

I think you meant, laughter and exercise.....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Friday 11/19/2021 10:18 PM EST

[Max135]

NicholasThe comments above are spot on... hydration or fluids prior to chemo is standard of care and I am sure he is getting some but may need to ask for additional. As for feeling tired it comes with chemo but try hard to get him up and stay active. It's easy to want no movement when your body hurts but it's the worst thing for him. As for muscle cramps have his potassium checked and if needed add supplements. Always check first with his doctor (fingers crossed he is seeing a GU Medical Oncologist). My comments come from 30 rounds of docetaxel use and a somewhat stable PSA.

[Bodysculpture in reply to Max135]

Bananas were recoomended to me for potassium It worked for me