I’m still so baffled by the differences in meds. When I was on docetaxel the first two cycles I was on steroids for three days (x2 tablets twice a day) and they only increased it after I had a reaction (to x2 tablets twice a day for six days) and they hadn’t accepted I needed to come off it so were just trying to prevent a 2nd reaction (didn’t work, my oncologist reckons I’m allergic).
I’m relieved I’m going back to only having to take them for 3 days again, they mess me up worse than the chemo.
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Steroids mess me up too. I have to take 4x2mg of Steroids twice a day before and after chemo, so 16mg in total with docetaxel. With EC, just 6mg a day after chemo. Its a whopping jump up. But then maybe that’s why i feel ok so far? I think different oncos like to do it differently. The steroids keep me awake for days, make me hungry, flush my face, make me thirsty and give me aches. My heart races and i feel generally iffy. Hoping it fades soon xxx
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When I take them (2mg dexamethasone) they wake me several times a night when I’m already incredibly fatigued, last cycle they gave me heartburn for the first time in my life (all centred in my throat so I thought I was having trouble breathing). I also have steroid face which makes me looks really weird and not like myself (swollen and flushed).
I was so gutted when they increased them, relieved now they’ve been reduced back. 3 days with dodgy sleep is bad enough, let alone over a week.
I was told they help prevent reactions or at least lesson the affects or something, so hopefully they’re at least doing that.
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I think they do lessen effects but you are right, they do have just as bad side effects. I’m beetroot red today. @sez…let’s hope its soon over. I can’t wait to sleep through a whole night xxx
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@sez @bluesatsuma. I’m on similar steroid doses but I think I seem to be the only one who likes them! Probably because they lessen reactions, I actually look better than I often do. My skin has been quite pale looking and I haven’t had the usual allergic reactions to things (dust, pollen, sun…etc). Just as well really as I have enough to deal with with the hair loss etc. Autumn is the best time of the year for my skin anyway, but the steroids are the only thing I will miss about this chemo lark! However I hate the thought of starting the next cycle as I now feel ok, and know that will change. Still, only a few weeks to go…. onward and upward… roll on Christmas etc. 
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Oneward and upward indeed. I know the steroids are helping, just hate the insomnia. But I’ve definitely managed the chemo better because of them. When you metioned the chemo lark in your message @anne3, all i could think was that is that what wakes me up every morning at 4am? Xxx
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I know and feel they’re working and am grateful for it, just wish they didn’t come with the side effects.
I’m pale anyway (I’m transparent like a newborn fish, if I walk in front of a lamp you could see my brain) from Scottish and Welsh genes, so I’m even paler. Didn’t think it was possible.
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@bluesatsuma That is funny, the chemo lark! 
Thing is I’ve had no trouble sleeping. In fact I fall asleep early evening and can’t wake up, then just feel exhausted. Might be the anaemia if I still have it or the heart issue, but any medication just sends me off to sleep!
@sez sorry you’re getting the sleepless side effects too 
. My genes are all northern too but I often normally look a bit flushed because of allergies etc. I’m enjoying looking paler but don’t envy you the sleeplessness…. Not long and we can look back on this weird time of our lives! Take care and hang on…
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Hi @bluesatsuma
I will be on my fourth cycle of Docetaxal and carboplatin tomorrow and have 16mg steriod tablets each day for 3 days and 12mg for 3 days following that.
I also have filgrastim injections for 7 days which make my legs so painful i have to have oramorph. I was very poorly and admitted to
Hospital with neutropenic sepsis after cycle 1 so had a reduction in dose by 25%, the side effects have been much less severe since, the main issue has been that I am tyoe two diabetic, I’m on insulin now and inject 4 x a day.
I only started my steroids today and my diabetes is yet again off the scale so over 33 so I really wouldn’t worry about your levels they sound amazing to me. 
My mouth is so dry and drinking and peeing loads! I’m suppose to go to hospital but they won’t do anything and I feel fine.
Unfortunately i have got to the stage where I now struggle to walk up my stairs and that’s on the good days, it’s been a bit of a shock really how quickly Iv lost all my energy and not recovered by week 3, I’m ok in myself though and can eat and enjoy food and life by the beginning of week 3 so that’s good haha
I know others that have not had as bad side effects as myself! Iv just been very unlucky!
I had an ultrasound today but she couldn’t find the lump on there which is annoying she said it’s the type of cancer that’s not being picked up, it didn’t show on my mammogram either they only found it on mri and it was 3.5cm.
I now need to wait to the end of my treatment for an mri to see how much it’s shrunk, I can still feel it and don’t feel it’s that much smaller but I still have 3 cycles to go.
I hope you continue to feel good and if not don’t worry there is always the reduction in dose and plenty of medications to help with side effects it’s just getting it right for you.
Blimey we will be experts in all this by the time we finish.
It is strange how everyone’s doses of steroids and injections differ! I’m not keen on my oncologist he doesn’t read my notes and had no idea whats going on for me when I speak with him. Iv never met him he doesn’t come from around where I live 
Iv given up worrying and just become my own expert in my diagnosis! My ultrasound dr was congratulating me on my understanding of my cancer and my treatment today 
I have to know everything.
Everyone
I hope you all have a good week keep talking and sharing when you’re down we are all in this together and support each other as best we can! Xx
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@lilly123 you have had it rough and I’m so glad that the chemo stage is at least coming to an end. I’ve got a sneaky tunour lurking still after 3 attempts to ooerate it out. Never had an mri but will be asking my surgeon to investigate further and my other breast too. They missed a whole area on my left until I’d aready had 3 ops, so who’s to say there isn’t anything in right side too.
Really hope that things get settled and soted for you @lilly123, especially getting the diabetes better. Did they say it would go back to normal after steroids end? You are on a big dose, plus 7 filgrastim and 4x insulin…i bet you feel like a pin cushion.
We are all nearly there though, and definitely bossing cancer. We should be so proud of ourselves. Hope everyone gets a good night’s sleep. Xxx
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Morning everyone
Im feeling ok in myself just tired really it’s weird… you’re ok but you’re not… yesterday son had a birthday party and walking with my husband had to ask him to slow down as i couldn’t keep up and he was walking at normal pace… a flight of stairs has me out if breath… far from the fittest person ever but never like this. Made the comment to the nurse she suggested i go out for a 5 min walk because i was leaning into the fatigue. I do appreciate the suggestion but dont think that’s it really.
The only steroids I’m given are at tratament with Paclitaxel, but while on EC had tablets for the 3 days after treatment, and darn did they give me heartburn…
We are getting there one step at a time … still a long way to go but as long as we keep going that we’ll get there 
Wishing everyone a good day xx
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@dhmb it’s so hard trying to fight the tiredness. I shuffled around a national trust garden yesterday. Normally I’d be up the trees with the kids. I think i sat on every bench. God knows how I’ll manage easing back into the gym after chemo. Feel like a big lazy lump in my dressing gown.
I’ve been managing a short walk most days with EC but the docetaxel has me wiped. Kids are all on half term. 2 have exams to revise for, the youngest is hyper for halloween. I need to pluck some motivation from some deep hole inside. Youngest turns 10 at weekend and we have lots planned. Need to be well enough to make his birthday fun.
All you mums on here, hope this week goes well. I’m digging deep for energy, but send some my way if any of you have extra!! Xxx
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@bluesatsuma I’m always willing to share so wishing this week isn’t a struggle and that the birthday plans are filled with happiness, afterall if not for our children that pushes us forward then who? For those without children there is always someone special that’s worth fighting for… for all the brave warriors in this group you got this xx
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Hey
Chemo definitely going ahead tomorrow. Pleased and worried at the same time. Docetaxel begins !
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So glad for you @bigpickle , the sooner it starts the sooner it ends. Wishing you all the best for tomorrow and please let us know when you can how you’re feeling xx
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@bigpickle hoping all goes smoothly for your first docetaxel. Mine was friday and all went well. Nice and fast in hospital.
I’ve found this first docetaxel harder than EC, which I coped well with, and I’ve retreated from half term mayhem to bed during afternoon for the first time since I began chemo. Very achey and weak muscles. Definitely seems harder for me, but keeping everything crossed that it’s plain sailing for you @bigpickle. I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow xxx
Saw onco nurse today, and to be fair she made sure I was well prepared for what can happen. It sounds as if you are following the pattern. Basically I should be okay for the first 3-4 days, then I could feel as if I have a really bad dose of flu which may well mean staying in bed, with aches from head to toe, and no energy. I will let you know how it goes.
Hi @bluesatsuma sounds like you need some answers.
Fourth chemo done and dusted two to go still feels like too many. I have targeted therapy until august next year my targeted therapy injection really hurt today! Yes I feel like a pin cusion.
Yes my diabetes calms down once the steroids stop! I think the hardest thing is not being able to eat all the things I’m craving as all full of carbs and sugar
Hope your still doing good following the dreaded docetaxal xx
. Hi all
In relation to the docetaxal I find days 4- 13 the hardest and I have had all the side effects at one time or another.
I am struggling now with the accumulative effects I spoke to nurse today and she said that a lot of people need longer breaks towards the end of their cycles as they get more tired. I struggle with getting up the stairs and couldn’t do a shop on my own anymore and that’s all three weeks now affected. I really don’t want to take a longer break as my chemo finishes 9th December and I don’t want to carry it over to the new year as I still have targeted therapy and surgery next year. But i May have to if I get worse.
We are all individual so affects different for everyone.
@dhmb i feel that we are having similar affects with the weakness. It’s exhausting doing anything. I certainly would struggle with 5 minutes of walking!
@bigpickle good luck tomorrow xx
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