Docetaxel treatment

[alperk]

I am starting treatment every 2 weeks for 6 months on Monday. I am considering cold packs for head, feet and hands and would like your advice in this or any other actions I should take. I am hoping that the reduced dosage but longer treatment time(vs SOC 3 wks/6 treatments) will reduce side effects. Thanks

[APK3]

I iced with every infusion. Just my hands and feet. No neuropathy here.

[hbrixn in reply to APK3]

I had 6x docetaxel 5 years ago and avoided hairloss and other problems bt water fasting. Drink water only and eat nothing 4-5 days before each treatment. All fast growing cells and cels that are not very important for sustaining life close down and therefore do not get the Docetaxel poison. Cancer cels can not close down and get the full poison.

[God_Loves_Me]

I hope your dr agree to give you Benadryl IV before infusion that reduce so many other side effects

[spencoid2]

cold packs are a real nuisance. i did them and would do something different next time. plain old zip lock bags of ice (bring a big ice chest and fill it at Costco) or there is a fairly new system that pumps cold water through mitts and booties a little expensive but a lot cheaper than the rip off company that rents these things for absurd prices.

polarproducts.com/polarshop...

i had very little peripheral neuropathy but getting the Suzzy things to fit was impossible and i had to severely modify them and even then it was really a bitch swapping inserts etc.

if i do chemo again i will spend the $750 and maybe sell it to someone else after using it.

[Oblivious1]

I completed six cycles of docetaxel and used the ice mittens, socks, and the cap. I bought two sets so that I could make sure they stay cold enough and change them halfway through. I also wore them for a few minutes before and after and I experienced minimal neuropathy. I am type two diabetic and had a bit of neuropathy before the treatment, so I think that the cooling cap mittens & socks really were helpful. I had a slight increase in neuropathy after two cycles, but it improved quickly and nothing lasting.

[Oct18]

I did 10 rounds, did not use ice on hands or head. I had no neuropathy. Hair consistently thinned and after 10th treatment I shaved my head

[Tasmanian]

I recently completed six cycles of docetaxal spaced three weeks apart. I used iced mittens and booties and have had no neuropathy nor nail issues. I only used one set for each cycle and put them on at the start of the infusion. Very happy with the result.

[Wagon-Wheel]

I completed six cycles of doxetaxel without any ice packs. I lost every nail on my hands and feet and the neuropathy hasn't subsided. I would definitely use some type of cooling device if I need chemo again.

[CAMPSOUPS]

Everyone seems to have different reactions. Some without ice get neuropathy and some don't. Some with ice get neuropathy I guess it would be a do it just to cover the bases. Just in case it helps.

My 6 infusions ended in May of 2020. About 8 months later most of my toenails fell off. The bottom of my feet are numb on the distal half of my feet. My toes are numb. I didnt use ice.

In early 2023 I had 3 infusions but progressed and had terrible side effects this time. I used ice for the 3 infusions on hands/feet and sucked on ice. Might, maybe, I don't really know, have kept neuropathy form getting worse.

I was feeling too physically and mentally down to get motivated to research, buy, and haul ice accessories to my infusions but found the hospital nurses were glad to offer bags that they filled with ice for me.

hospital supplied ice packs on top of upside down plastic basin

[CAMPSOUPS in reply to CAMPSOUPS]

ice on hands

ice on hands

[CAMPSOUPS]

r foot

r foot

[Islandboy2021]

I did the cold packs for Docetaxel. It doesn’t hurt and helps with side effects.

I am currently doing Cabaxitaxel and don’t bother. My hair came back as soon as stopped Docetaxel. I still am getting some swelling but it seems to be from all the steroids I have been on.

They have me taking 1.5mg of steroids the entire time every day.

[LifeQuality]

As CAMPSOUPS said, everyone seems to react differently . I just had inf #6 of 6, and based on advice of all the infusion center nurses, I used no ice or associated devices. I have not developed neuropathy. I have had taste changes that do seem to return to normal by week 3 after infusion. I tried chewing on ice during infusion 5 and 6, but that seemed to have no effect. If I were to fo it again, I'd do the same thing = keep things simple, no fuss, in and out in an hour+. Then go to a really nice lunch in San Francisco!

[RoseDoc]

I used the Penquin Cool Cap which worked great as I kept most of my hair, save for a little thinning. It is labor intensive and goes on for a few hours post infusion.

I also used the mittens and socks filled with ice I bought off of Amazon. I did have some peripheral neuropathy in my right fingers which is now just about gone 13 months post last infusion.

Hydrate well post infusion. That helps with the muscle aches.