I’m 2/3 of the way through 3 cycles of EC and then move onto 3 cycles of Docetaxel/Taxotere.
I’ve found EC quite challenging and I was just wondering how people found Docetaxel/Taxotere in comparison to EC. I have to attend a wedding two days after I start it and I’m trying to figure out whether I’ll be capable of it (I realise nothing is guaranteed but I’d love to go because it’s someone very special to me!).
Any experiences of the two would be hugely appreciated!
Sarah x
Hi Sarah
I did experience quite significant nausea whilst on EC and was dreading docetaxol after reading potential side effects. However I am pleased to say that I had no side effects at all on Docetaxol and i was able to carry on day to day life as normal.
Best wishes
Bookie
I had similar treatment to you. 3 FEC (can’t remember what the F was, but another part of chemo, then 3 docetaxel
No awful side effects on FEC.
Not sick, but tired and docetaxel affected my mouth (tongue felt like sandpaper), but that all developed by the third round.
Perhaps you might not stay for the whole wedding celebration but as much as you can. I’m sure your friends will be happy to see you there.
Hi Sarah
I found EC horrific-9 solid days every round where I could hardly move through nausea and fatigue. Really dark thoughts on it.
Docetaxal was much easier for me. A more gentle slide into not feeling great - maybe the extra steroids- then a couple of off days but I could get out of bed and then generally ok. Had a sore mouth and nasty taste (lemonade ice lollies helped) and dry skin on hands etc. but it was nothing like Ec. I don’t think I could have completed 6 rounds if it was all Ec but would have managed ok if it was 6 docetaxal.
Good luck- nearly halfway and then it’s downhill from there.
Hi all, I know this wasn’t for me but you’ve made me feel so much better as I too was dreading Docetaxal, I’ve just completed 2nd EC and I just feel like I’m constantly suffering with the most horrendous hangover ( don’t know how else to describe it) I’m not a big drinker because I can’t stand feeling sick and rough the next day, the thought that Docetaxal might be a bit gentler had brightened my day today so thank you all , 
Oh @elle16 I’m with you. The first few days felt better on this EC but Day’s 4-6 have just been horrible. Just so unwell. Nothing specific but just groggy, in pain, headachey and nausea. Feels worse, more poisoned than last time. I just know it’s going to be the weekend before I can be a functioning human being. Urgh. Sorry yours is going badly too x
I’m trying to be positive that I feel better than yesterday, I had my second Friday just gone, so I’m on day 5, but just glad only one more of these to go and feeling less anxious of moving onto Docetaxal now so thank you,
Agree with what you said about feeling poisoned , very good way to describe it and I suppose that’s exactly what it’s is xx
@elle16
How’s cycle 3 going for you? I feel a bit like I’m getting off lightly but then they’ve given me a tapered steroid this time so I did:
Day 2: 2 for breakfast/2 for lunch
Day 3: Same
Day 4 (today); 2 for breakfast
Day 5: 1 for breakfast
They’re hoping I don’t plummet like the last two where I just struggled mentally going into week 2 by tapering it a little.
Hope yours is going okay and the GCSF hit hasn’t been too bad for you this time around xx
Hi @swk1981
It’s completely wiped me out this time, feel like I’ve slept most of the time since Friday, my steroids are 2 twice a day for 7 doses started sat morning but have said for my next chemo I’m taking it’s going up to 4 twice a day starting the 24 hours before.
I’m off to bed now tried to stay up as I’ve had so much sleep but still think I will sleep tonight, I’ve been waking up about 6am but think that’s because of all the rest I’m getting, hoping tomorrow is better, started injections today I normally pick up once they are over, but feel like every time it’s slightly different side effects, hope you are doing ok xx my brains mush so hope this message makes sense xxx
Hey @elle16,
I’m guessing you’re on Docetaxel/Taxitere next too then as I’m getting the same steroids next time!
I’m also waking super early. Nausea better this time but definitely shattered. The weakness kicked in after I wrote to you yesterday but I stupidly cleaned the house and cooked a roast and paid for it.
Have my Dad visiting from France which has been amazing but I feel a huge responsibility to soften the blow and not break his heart by being too cancery. I can’t imagine how hard it must be for him to see his strong daughter be weak and compromised.
I hope you’re feeling a little better today and less tired. I know I’ve got to stop trying to get better faster. I had been really excited that my neutrophils were constantly getting back to 4.5 but apparently they’d expect them to be higher than my normal with the GCSF so I’m not bouncing as well as I thought. That said, I’d like to try and take the kids to the racing today at Bath Racecourse, even if just for a few hours!
But yippee for us @elle16, we’re halfway now!!! 
. Not sure if you saw my other post but I found a node left behind and had to have it biopsied and luckily it was negative. Not the stress I needed at this stage, waiting for the result! It was like January all over again! X
@swk1981 Yes my next is Docetaxel but no mention of Taxitere, I’m managed some house work and ironing this morning and been out in the garden, so really pleased with that, but I still feel like a zombie, really trying to get on with things but think I will have to have a nap this afternoon 
my sister is doing our lunch today and luckily it’s nice enough to sit in the garden , but just need a change of scenery, I don’t normally do visits or have visits for the first 7 days but feels like a good idea,
How lovely for you to get to spend some time with your Dad, I understand what you mean though about not wanting him to see you looking ill,
Unfortunately I lost my Dad to covid in the height of the pandemic but I often think how hard it would of been for him to see me like this, it’s s as special bond for dad and daughter, so let him look after you he will know how hard you will be trying to be brave hope you get to go out this afternoon and enjoy some family time, a little of what we fancy does us good even if we need a Power Nap following it 
Fingers crossed for a quick recovery for both of us and hopefully have two good weeks before the new poison 
And great news that the node was negative 
xx