Taxotere

[L1974]

Hello ladies, my sister had her first taxotere on Thursday after 3 Fec treatments. Can anyone give any advice on how long the joint pains/aches last, she is really struggling to sleep also. Any advice as always is very much appreciated x

[biddenden_sue]

She should just about be back to normal 2 weeks after she had the chemo. Hopefully she is taking painkillers already because it probably hasn't peaked yet. I was advised to take paracetamol and ibuprofen together every 4 hours until the pain was manageable again.

I hope that helps.

[Haven44]

Hello. I had terrible achey and restless legs with this treatment which made it difficult to sleep. I then bought a big v shaped pregnancy pillow on which I could prop my legs up and this really helped me to sleep in a bit more comfort. I also now take magnesium to help with aches and pains but I am well post chemo now so would check as to whether these are safe to take. It is a much tougher regime than fec which I found relatively easy. I had a pretty bad time after my first taxotere so they gave me booster jabs after the next two which were a great help - I don't know if that's an option with your sister? As already mentioned, it does ease up after the first week. Trying to plan some sort of treat towards the end of the cycle and before the next one helps keep you sane! Oh and if you can get hold of it melatonin for sleep. There's been some studies that also suggest that this helps against cancer so it can't hurt to try and my Oncologist has been fine with me taking it. Anyway, best of luck to you and your sister. I hope she gets through with as little discomfort as possible. X

[carolinenailsea]

Hi there. I too had 3 and 3. I found the fec the easier part of the treatment. I did not have very much in the way of aches during my chemo. I did struggle to sleep for a couple of days after each chemo but after that my sleep pattern returned. My only advice is to tell the medics about the symptoms, I found them very good at giving something to help ie extra steroids and something for the mouth problems. Good luck to you both - now over half way. Caroline xxx

[L1974 in reply to carolinenailsea]

Hi thanks for your replies, she is still really struggling with the pain at the point where she doesn’t know if she can do the other 2 treatments!! Hope she picks up soon x

[LaineyG]

Keep on top of the pain using paracetamol and ibuprofen regularly according to instructions. I used to get my chemo on a Friday, would be fine Friday, Saturday and Sunday while on steroids and then be hit with the "chemo train" that'd have me feeling rotten until Wednesday/ Thursday.

That's one down already- only 2 more to go, downhill all the way now ❤

[L1974 in reply to LaineyG]

Hi thanks for your reply, she has had a terrible time bless her, I think she is slightly better today but out of breath quickly she is doubting her strength to get through the other two 😥x

[Mccrum1963]

Hi I have just got through my chemo. I struggled with taxotere and end up in hospital twice but i spoke to my consultant who reduced the dosage so that I could continue with treatment. Dosage was reduced twice as I said I didn't want to continue as I couldn't cope with side effects. Speak to consultant. Sending love xx

[L1974 in reply to Mccrum1963]

Thanks my sister is going to see her oncologist to see if it can be reduced she is almost recovered now after 2 weeks and another one due in a week!