Is Taxotere really THAT bad?
Is Taxotere really THAT bad? Hiya,
I know im probably going to get a difference of opinions here but is Taxotere really that bad?
Just been for my 4th EC today and was old that there doesnt appear to be much of a change with my lump so have to have my chemo drugs changed to Taxotere.
I have to go back on Friday morning to start the Taxotere.
Im pooping myself after some of the posts ive read on here.
I think im starting to stress myself out worrying about the side effects.
I had very few with EC.
Im back to square one again…you know, that place where your worried whether you will have an instant allergic reaction to it, or worried as to what the side effects will be like for you.
I just want that 1st Taxotere to be over and done with so i know what to expect.
Has anyone got any helpful advice or words of wisdow they can share with me?
Regards
Julie x x
No.
I had 2/3 fluish days and a rough mouth for 7-10 days per cycle. I have got some nasty fluid retention in my feet/ankles and lower legs from the last one, but overall, no, I was very lucky and I didn’t think it was that bad. However, I am aware that some people have had a truly dreadful time on Taxotere and you’ll just have to cross your fingers!
Taxotere - strange one Julie,
I had 3 x fec and 3 x taxotere. I didnt feel sick at all compared to FEC and the only problem I had was sore mouth (had mouthwash prescribed and dose reduced after first one because mouth felt very prickly but this went off in time). Watch out for that and make sure you ask for mouthwash if you feel you need it. My moto is “only worry about something when there is something to worry about.” Try not to worry. Everyone is so different. My onc told me that you can give the same chemo to two different patients and they will react completely differently.
Good luck.
karen x
Hi Julie
With Taxotere I think that it is a case of expect the unexpected! I have had 3 out of 4 and each cycle has produced completely different effects! However none of them have stopped me doing what i want to do (well within reason- energy levels are a bit depleted!)
I had 4 cycles of AC first with only indigestion as a side effect. With Taxotere I have a bit of joint pain (but not enough to stop me rushing around all day). The first cycle was the worst I had 2 days of a very flushed face, then a couple of days of painful fingers and toes, then neutropenia.The second cycle was fine, apart from pain in my joints(I get out of bed like an old lady, but it eases up very quickly.) The third one has been worse joint pain and now swollen ankles.
to sum up I wouldn’t be worried about Taxotere, it hasn’t made me feel ill at all, just a few discomforts, I would recommend taking your temperature everyday as if it goes beyond 37.5 you have to contact the hospital.
After reading posts on here it does seem as if Taxotere does produce varying symptoms in different people. I guess that I have been lucky but am aware that some of the symptoms can happen after the chemo has finished!
Hope this has answered your questions, any further ones just ask.
Take care, I was dreading Taxotere but it has certainly not been as bad as I was expecting!
Nicky xx
Thanks for your replies.
I suppose im still going to worry until I know how I will be effected by it.
Its just awful how we are all having to go through c*ap.
I feel like him up there is testing me for some reason?!!!
Could someone please tell me what neutropenia is?
Ive seen it mentioned in a few posts now.
Regards
Julie x
Hi Julie There is a good post here at the moment that explains neutropenia - they ceck these level before every chemo - I think the bottom line is around 1 - then you are very susceptible to infection and sometimes take you into hopsital in isolation. Luckily my levels have not been too bad so far, but I start Taxotere tomorrow and, yes, I’m a bit worried and also a bit high on the steorid tonight!
I am trying to have an open mind and worry about side effects as and when I get them. I got myself into a right state before my first of 3 FEC and I have managed OK.
Fingers crossed for you - that’s all we can do really - but reading this post has been good.
Take care
Anita
I had my last taxotere on 10th May I had 4 and each had different effects.6weeks on my legs are still very weak and wobbly and I have residual numbness in my fingers and toes.My onc says it can take 6mnths to a year to get back to normal.I wouldnt worry too much many people have few side effects.You will be carefully monitored while the drug is administered and if you have an allergic reaction it will be dealt with at once.Neutropenia is a very low white cell count.Often the first sign is a raised temperature so check it daily.I ended up in hos after my last tax.By the way,I was advised to use dark varnish on fingers and toes as tax can have a nasty effect on your nails.Good luck.Val