How did your Docetaxel rechallenge compare to your original chemo treatment?

[spouse21]

Mr. Spouse 21 is starting a Docetaxel rechallenge next week--3 rounds then another PMSA-PET scan. If you did a Docetaxel rechallenge as well, can you compare your early experiences with the rechallenge in terms of side effects and effectiveness and where you are now? He developed neuropathy despite using cold mitts/socks. He still has some neuropathy, though less of it, but dreads the return of that. Was your chemo rechallenge about the same or harder due to being older and perhaps sicker or weaker from so many treatments? This time he's getting dexamethasone, which he didn't last time. Does that replace Neulasta, which he did get at the time of infusion? He's going to ask about that.

Mr. Spouse was 75 at the end of his first 10 infusions which resulted in 4 years of stability. His oncologist said a long run like that was remarkable. But now he's 80 at the time of the rechallenge. He's still very active, biking, walking, and participating in life. That said, he's more tired, more worn out from his nearly 11 years of heavy-duty treatment--radiation, Eligard, Zytiga (failure) Xgeva (now back on every 3 months after it was cut back to twice a year). His oncologist ordered spot radiation on a spinal met in May, which is gone, but second PMSA PET scan showed more bone mets. His PSA is on the move, doubling from 4.0 in April to around 9.0 a few weeks ago. The oncologist said he's trying a Docetaxel rechallenge due to my husband's long response to it and reserving other treatments for later.

If you also did a Docetaxel (or other chemo) rechallenge, how did it compare with the first time you got chemo? Were symptoms same, worse? Any advice welcomed. Thank you.