It's now a week since my 1st cycle of Docetaxel following 3 cycles of FEC, it has been a dreadful week where the treatment has thrown back every side effect possible. I expected it to be tough but it has nearly broken me. I have at times reached my lowest and questioned if I can continue to put my body through this poison. I followed all the advice and recommendations given by the medical team and tried to be positive about the treatment working to fight the cancer but it has been hard. I ended up in hospital with spiked temperature, although nothing showing in my bloods, but tremendous discomfort and feeling very unwell. I have been given so many tablets with this cycle which need to be taken with food but find eating almost impossible due to chemo mouth explosion of thrush despite being on medication. I think I am coming to the end of feeling like I have hit by a bus with the chronic aches in all my joints and bones. Then I had actual vomiting, first time ever, because the medications have upset my stomach. Even my vision has been effected.
Sorry to be such a negative misery , I am usually upbeat and positive but wanted to ask if these cycles compound with the side effects as I am not sure I could cope with another 2 cycles. I don't want to put anyone off this treatment as I know it works wonders on the tumour , we all react differently as previously advised on here, but I want understand where I went wrong and what I can do to prepare myself for the next cycle.
Hope you are all doing well with your journey and keeping well.
Thanks.
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Dolbycat
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You haven't gone wrong Dolbycat, as you said it effects everyone differently. Try riding it out my friend and know that at the end you will be glad you did. Not easy at all. For your mouth get som kingingical mouth wash and rinse with salt water every hour or so. It will help clear it and make eating slightly more tolerable. Sending massive hugs as I know just how you feel. Stay strong honey xxxxxxxxxxx
Thank you Lainey66, I will give Kin gingival a try as I feel I am in a vicious circle of mouth problems making eating difficult and tablets which need to be taken with food. My GP has just upped the antibacterial and anti fungal meds to double strength to hopefully help clear the thrush. I have previously been prescribed mouth wash, gel and drops to no avail this time round. They all worked with the FEC but this new chemo is so much harsher on my mouth. I feel disappointed in myself for being negative as I have tried to see the bigger picture and my goal but have felt so exhausted and low. My husband has booked a cottage break in July to hopefully celebrate the end of chemo before my surgery. I need to focus on this and get back on track. Thank you for the support, hope you are doing well. xx
I'm with you on this I was the same didn't think I could go on but you do, I'm all done & back to work & back to normal (as normal as can be) good luck keep strong 💖
The first dose of docetaxol was the worst for me. I was better prepared for the following two though. I was advised to take paracetamol (or cocodamol if you can bear it) and ibuprofen together every 4 hours from the third day after you have the chemo until the pain eases off, which for me was about day 10. Hopefully the extra meds your gp has prescribed will manage the thrush. I got that too. I hope your teeth are in good condition. Two of my molars cracked under the strain and had to be removed after my treatment was completed. Make sure that those around you understand that while the pain peaks, you need absolute rest. You won't be up to doing anything. You should feel a lot better in about a week's time. Stick with it. Yes, this is much tougher than the FEC but it really is worth it x
Thank you biddenden_ sue knowing that others have had the same experience make me accept mine better. I was given Co-Codomol 500mg at the hospital when my temperature spiked. I had been doing the paracetamol and ibuprofen as previously advised but the Oncology Sister told me that ibuprofen is not suitable for chemo patients as they can interfere with treatment and other medications, since switching I have had more relief and felt better. I have weaned myself off the Co-Codamol as I don't want to rely on it and the bone aches have reduced considerably now. I have a good support system at home who do just about everything as I have been bed or sofa bound for the last 10 days with just small walks around the house to keep the circulation going. You make a good point about teeth, my whole jaw and mouth was aching and was feeling on edge, I have lots of mouth meds to help protect them but need to be vigilant. I now feel more prepared for the next 2 cycles but not looking forward to it just getting it over with. You have been a big help with your message of support. Thank you, hope you continue to be well. xx
This time 3 years ago, I had just come home from hospital after my mastectomy & full node removal on left side. I had the FEC-T chemo first, from December 2013 to April 2014. Then starting in June 2014, I had 15 doses of Radiotherapy. It was tough going, but I got there. Still on the journey. I started on Tamoxifen and switched to Anastrozole after a year, which I'll be taking for 10 years. Had a DIEP flap reconstruction in August 2016 and am currently waiting to get my date for another op to uplift and reduce my right boob to match the new one. But I am in good health and loving life. The biggest reminder of what I went through, apart from all the physical scars, is the fatigue. I do have to rest far more than I used to, although I manage to cope with a busy full time job. You'll get there too. x
I had the same treatment last year and just as you I struggled with Fec but my first T absolutely knocked me side ways! 4 days after having it I was so sick I could not go to work. I had the first T on Wednesday, was too sick to work come Monday, even worse come Thursday and in Hospital with Sepsis come Friday!
I was severely feverish, my whole body ached to the point that I felt like I was in a can crushing machine, I felt sick and my mouth was worse than ever (it had been bad all the way through).
A week in hospital on IV antibiotics and fluids and I was allowed home to rest rest rest! Hard to rest with all the side effects of all the drugs but I did my best.
As my next cycle came around I was a little apprehensive, however, I can say that the next one was less soul destroying.
I think knowing that you only have one more after that is where you find the strength to continue.
Overall I did find the T harder than Fec but others say they found it the other way around so it's just pot luck really.
The mouth issues I suffered with all the way through chemo (didn't have thrush) but would say the mouth part was my worst SE. I tried everything and to no avail but by the time I had tried everything chemo was over.
My wonderful wife took me away between chemo and Rads, it was a truly enjoyable break, 5 days in a cabin in the woods (provided free by The Willow Foundation).
I found it helped a great deal so I do hope you get to enjoy yours. I actually postponed Rads for a few weeks so that we could go away.
You don't sound negative, you just sound disheartened that after following all advice you are still suffering and also that you are finding treatment difficult. Remember, not all advice works for everyone. You are not alone in this. I don't think you have "gone wrong" anywhere, more that T has hit you hard and you would like to be in a better place for the next 2.
Most of the hard work is done, you just need to push a little harder to finish the race!
Search deep within yourself, you will find the strength. Really, you already have otherwise you wouldn't be 4 sessions down with only 2 more to go.
Give yourself credit for getting this far. Remember your reason for starting chemo.
Know that you are two thirds of the way there.
Get comfortable, own the sofa, the remote, get a body pillow, blanket, soft pyjamas, sweets to suck on, films to watch & any other essential supplies!
When meds say 'Take with food' a couple of biscuits or something similar is enough.
Ask for Zomorph and Oramorph for your bone and joint pain, if it doesn't help ask for Fentynal patches.
Take regular Paracetamol and Ibruprofen all day every day.
Get some fresh air each day.
Write down how you feel each day, it's surprising how this can reduce distress, upset and even ease SE's a little.
Try some meditation (use an app if you don't have any).
Will be glad to see you here soon Post Chemo, looking forward to your break away with your husband.
Give yourself a great big pat on the back, you are nearly there!!!
Thank you for taking the time to send me such an inspirational account of your experience, reading it almost made me cry but it hit in all the right places to make me fight this and get on with the treatment. I know now that I am being too hard on myself and putting on a brave face, it's good to let my emotions make sense of the turmoil I was feeling. You have given me some great pointers and hopefully I can be calmer about my next 2 cycles. Thank you, i hope your recovery continues to bring good news and health. xx
An absolute pleasure to have helped. It won't be long until you to are in a position to help others with your experiences of the journey we all find ourselves on. For now, just concentrate on YOU!
Sorry to have made you cry 😭 lol
We are all stronger than we think and even stronger than we give ourselves credit for!
I shall follow your journey with hope and healing.
Hi Dolbycat, were in this side by side...I missed out on the mouth thrush, came away with chemo ward mouthwash not used it much. Last injection today. The side effects from that have been enough...poor gut. Can eat, not been sick, not taken antisickness meds, but nausia with ukky taste but poor sleep got worse. Chemo nurses kept pushing me to take strong painkillers....I survived with only half tablets at night. Found the freeze gell hit the joint areas better and gave relief. Liked the clearer head but found days 3 to 6 the worst when ankles, knees or hips gave way. Dragged myself to picc line clean at hospital...bad mistake, will have district nurse call next time. So close to week three now, exercise nil, so bored with all the sofa days. Bored with food, inspite of adding fruit after my steroid sugar ban. Nails still ok, feet and nails need constant cream sessions. Eyes watery but ok. I have had problems with temperature...chilly and drafts set off cough and shivering, warm and cosy sweating. I end up with wet pillows at night...never had that with Tamaxifen or in 50s. At least week three is getting close, mine starts next Tuesday. Tax is bad, next time compounded it might be worse, roll on July! We can do it...not sure how but we are two thirds there. Xx
Hi Berylynn, thank you for the support, we are certainly in this together for you are experiencing some of the same issues as me with this dreadful new chemo. I feel more at ease in this second week of treatment and hope to have recovered enough to have my next cycle. I just want to get on with it now and wave good bye to chemo. I still have a mountain to climb with surgery and radio therapy but it can't be any worse than this. If we can get through this we can face anything. I have the district nurse for the 5 injections following chemo and also the Picc line flushes as not left the house since last chemo, not had the energy. I will watch out for you and we can support each other. Take care and best of luck with your next cycle. xx
My consultant reduced my injection strength so I had to endure 10 injections as prescribed. Was 48mu for EC but took 7...Tax was 30mu. It helps with pain so uncomfortable in spasms but endurable if I dont climb too many stairs with lead legs, It may have helped the mouth too, the stronger dose did make me reach for the bonjella where moments before was ok. 10 days of horrible tastes and softer foods has been hard. Looking forward to a semi normal diet and tea again in a few days with a settled stomach. I feel less guilty doing nothing for a fortnight if others the same sofa days do seem to be extended. Take care, week 3 coming up soon! Some brief shopping time to restock for the next session. Hope we get a good July and August to compensate for the months we missed on the sofa. Xx
Thanks Berylynn. Sounds like you have had quite a week, similar to mine. This chemo certainly throws everything at us to endure. I just seem to get one thing in order then something else happens. I think I am over the worst of the bone aches but the stomach cramps, nausia and erratic bowels throw up a whole new situation. Yesterday I finally got these problems under control. I am still needing sofa days, but hoping to get out soon for a much needed change of scenery and breath of fresh air. I can't say I am looking forward to next cycle but just want it over. I think it would have been better to know just what to expect but as we all react different it's not possible. At least with experiencing this cycle we will be more prepared. I want to speak with the Oncologist about the strength of Docetxel used it it seems very high at 200mg. But then again what do I know? Lets hope it does the trick and we can put this behind us. Take care and we will get through this. X
Reading all the comments, many of us have been through the mill with this 4th treatment. I had terrible diarrhoea because of neutropenia and had 5 days of IV antibiotics. I had the sore mouth too but I must have been one if the lucky ones as I do not remember too many other side effects - it was 7 years ago. My next 2 cycles went ok so, hopefully you are through the worst. The end is now in sight and just keep thinking what a good job the chemo is doing getting rid of this nasty disease. Best wishes to everyone on this treatment and you will come out the other side. Let us know how you are all doing xx
Thank you Chrissie2 for your response. I am hopeful that the next two cycles will be less of a shock to the system. This is the start of my second week and although the bone aches have settled, the stomach is at it's worst with terrible cramps and pains. As I have not had much of an appetite due to mouth issues, I had constipation but once that passed I have had loose bowels. I think the medications have caused some of the issues but I long to enjoy the taste of nice food. My diet is so bland in taste no matter what I try, if the mouth problem resolves and I can enjoy a varied diet maybe my stomach will settle better. Thank you for sharing your journey and giving me hope. Best wishes for continued good health. x
Dolbycat,I was exactly like you,I couldn't eat and was constantly retching at the sight or smell of food,and was also bad with aches like you,sorry to say the eating thing didn't get any easier during my 4 cycles of docetaxl but the aches got easier with the help of ibuprofen and paracetomol but you have to be vigilant and take them regular basis.I would say just make some nutritional soups and eat them but don't expect to enjoy your food for a while.Just resign yourself to the fact that you need to have the poison to kill the cancer and you have to take food even if you can't face it.It does end,I know how you feel,I was exactly the same ,felt like giving up.Ask for plenty of help and keep drinking water.Stay strong,luv Vicky.x
Thank you for helping me to understand. It really helps to have these words of encouragement and support. I have a soup maker so maybe I should give it a go. I know the taste thing lasts for a while but I crave something good to eat. I need to eat better to keep up my energy which is at an all time low. Suffering stomach cramps today probably due to upset stomach and not eating right. Hope you are keeping well. Take care. X
Hi sorry to hear it is so terrible for you they may need to up your anti nausea meds this happened to me at the start but once the added in onother anti nausea drug it was much better talk to your nurse there must be something to improve your side effects
Thinking of you hugs and best wishes you can do this 💗
Thanks Mags for your message. I have anti nausea meds that work its just the new chemo is a lot stronger. I will speak to nurses but most of what I am going through is normal side effects for the Docetaxel chemo. I am just unfortunate to get them all. Keep well. Xx
Hope you are all feeling well and happy. Today is the first day of actually feeling better after first cycle of Docetaxel, I am going to enjoy this last week before the next cycle of chemo starts. I know what to expect now and feel better prepared for chemo cycle 5, 2nd of Docetaxel . Thanks everyone for your messages of support. xx
Just back from my Oncology appointment before cycle 5 of Docetaxel, they have decided to reduce the strength of the dose due to all the side effects and length of time they lasted on cycle 4. The Doctor informed me it is normal to experience these problems but they should not have continued for so long. They also said that cycles 5 and 6 will compound the side effects and by reducing the dose the recovery should be quicker and help me to complete the chemo sessions. Hopefully this will work out and spare me the ordeal of last time. Keeping positive and looking forward to getting to the end of it all. Gone too far now to stop just need to finish the course. Hope you are all enjoying the sunshine and feeling better. xx
I too had terrible 1st cycle and likewise was admitted due to high temp feel better now but due next cycle on we'd feeling scared I have 3 very young children am incurable breast cancer not sure can cope am now on injection to keep blood count up
Sorry to hear of your experience Jazzy, I know it's not pleasant. I had my 2nd cycle of Docetaxel yesterday. I only have one more left now as it was my 5th cycle of chemo regimen FEC x 3 then Docetaxel x 3 . Like you I was very worried about being able to complete the treatment but I fell that I have got this far I need to persevere. So far I have been ok on the 2nd cycle just starting to feel the side effects kicking in this evening . I am just hoping they settle quicker than before as I am more prepared with medications from knowing what happened last time. I am trying to keep focused and positive to get through this. My tumour is responding well as confirmed by a recent MRI between cycle 3 and 4 so I need to continue to hopefully get through these last two cycles. Good luck with your next cycle and hopefully you too will benefit from the treatment. Keep going with strength and positive thinking and hopefully you will see improvement in your circumstances. Thinking of you and your family, best wishes. xxx
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