Hi all!
Similarly to an old post on here I’ve just finished my third cycle of EC and am due to start docetaxel (T) next .
The Doctor’s been saying its much tougher and I’m worried about all the horror stories out there so I’m wondering if anyone can share less scary experiences and any tips to help me feel better about this next stage.
I got terrible nausea and vomiting with the EC, and am hoping these next sessions won’t be worse.
Hi Cali,
Well done on getting through your three EC treatments.
I was also told docetaxel was worse but I remember reading others stories and some breezed through it, some found EC the tougher out of both…quite individual.
I think my symptoms were different with both. My mouth and tongue got more painful with docetaxel and my neutrophils dropped more. Not to scare you but I did need a hospital visit on cycle 5 and again on 6 for IV antibiotics. Taking my temperature picked this up tho and gave me warning. Honestly, I didn’t feel that bad and asked if I really needed to go for assessment but my body was feeling different obviously so listen to yours.
I think it may also psychologically help being over half way mark? You will also have picked up some good tips after your EC so use any that work and adapt as needed.
You got this!
Laura
Hi Cali,
I agree with Laura, it really is an individual thing, no-one can predict how you’ll react. I wasn’t nearly so nauseous as I’d been with EC, so I could eat and drink little and often. The high doses of steroids can cause insomnia, so have plenty of nocturnal activities ready- podcasts or music to listen to, good books etc. Try not to get anxious about not sleeping, you can catch up on sleep eventually. I abandoned my husband and mostly slept in the spare room, and made it comfy and relaxing.
I was certainly able to be up and about during the day, more than I had with EC, but tended to have a rough couple of days around 3 days post Docetaxel. All you can do is give in to it, then make the most of the time you’re feeling better.
Definitely look after your skin and nails carefully with plenty of moisturiser and nail protector. Avoid busy places where you might pick up bugs, and be meticulous with dental hygiene & personal hygiene too.
You WILL get through the 9 weeks, we all do somehow! I’m one year out now, I was Stage 3, and feeling good, but I’ll never forget what chemo was like and how I felt at that time.
If you’re struggling, please come on the forum, or contact your nurses. It definitely helps to talk to someone about how you’re feeling.
Sending love and support, Jules X
Udderly smooth with extra urea cream from Amazon was the one a lot of us used on docetaxol was the only cream that quenched the skin 
hope this helps 
Shi xx
Hi Calli
I felt exactly the same as you - I had felt very nauseous on Fec so was dreading docetaxol as the oncologists etc warned me it was worse. However I had no side effects besides feeling tired and so I was able to carry on as normal just sleeping more.
Best wishes
Bookie
I’m feeling the same, very anxious and worried about number 4, I’ve just literally had number 3 so will worry now until number 4 as my oncologist said the same, his words were…it will flatten you!..great!
one treatment at a time you will settle into routine with it, keep focused it was between chemo 4 and 5 I found I really had to dig deep mentally and focus on ringing the bell also get yourself a little treat in mind for when you finish chemo, mine was coco Chanel mademoiselle intense a large one you got this your still fabulous Shi xx
Thanks for that.
I’m trying to take each day as it comes and be as positive as I can.
Husband is great he does everything around the house when I can’t.
My family are also fab.
I’ve missed out on our summer holiday this year and a few short breaks so my end treat will be staying in a yurt with my hubby, son and 3 dogs enjoying nice food and relaxing in the hot tub, drinking nice wine eating chocolates, BBQ’s, outside pizza…all around a camp fire…OMG…can’t wait…
It does really help to have something to look forward to at the end of this journey.
Have found from first treatment that effects kick in around day 4 and last for about a week for me. Next cycle starts on monday so we’ll see how that is!
How did it go cali?
Hi, when you say you ate little and,often, can you tell me what you ate, I struggle with eating anything…I roll stuff around my mouth, no appetite for anything, so I just eat dried rich tea biscuits.
Hi @Paulypops67
It’s a struggle I know, but here are a few things that worked for me:
Fresh fruit salad, especially containing pineapple and grapes, with plenty of juice . Sometimes I made it into a smoothie
(At one stage, that was all I could eat)
Crackers and cheese- strong mature cheddar I could taste
Crisps such as Kettle cheese and onion or black pepper
Fruity yoghurts
Toasted sandwich with banana filling
My favourite drinks were the Fever Tree flavoured tonic waters, ordinary water was Yuk, but improved by adding a slice of lemon.
If I remember anything else, I’ll let you know, best wishes J xx
Ahhh, that’s great, thanks for the tips I will remember and send hubby to the shop for the supplies when needed.
I’m planning for number 4 and I know it’s going to hit hard, I dont eat much after each cycle as it is so this is a great help…please do let me know if you remember other stuff…x
I have just completed my 4 sessions of EC and start Docetaxol on 25th September for 4 sessions. I asked about this and the chemo nurse said that EC is more aggressive . I’ll just wait and see , Im slightly foot phobic so as long as my toe nails dont fall out lol
As others have said, and having now done both, they’re tough in different ways, but each treatment is doable.
I was worried about my nails too, but so far, I’ve just had a sort of tightness in my thumb nails, nothing wrong with my toenails at all. I’d recommend putting some nail strengthener on your toe nails before your session, then just leave them until you feel better before the next one. Good luck!
This is probably after you’ve had a couple of doses of Docetaxal- but will put it here still for others too.
I was so worried about Docetaxal after having EC and having a few very minor side effects (other than obvious hair loss) but it has been absolutely ok.
I feel under the weather for a week, day 4 seems to be harder with some aches and pains. My mouth has also been sore and lose taste for a bit.
BUT - I am able to still do lovely things for the next two weeks. Just tired - which I’ll take! 
Hello loves, just want to say this thread has made me feel better! On 1st docetaxel after 3 x ECs. Currently on day 4 and feel like a bag of spanners (nice technical term there!). Achy and tingly. It’s so good to hear that you guys bounced back… hopefully by tomorrow I’ll be on the mend. 
Sending love xxx