Hey
I had my 1st Taxotere on Wednesday and today I am practically crippled with pain in my legs and feet. I can hardly even walk upstairs or stand for that matter.
Does anyone have any own remedies for this? I was thinking about keeping my legs raised or heat pads or something, but not sure if that would maybe irritate it more. My doc warned me it would feel like I’d done 10 rounds in the boxing ring but as far as I know all I can do is grin and bear it. The pain comes in spasms and can be that bad it’s making me queezy so any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
There is another post on the go at the moment with a few of us comparing notes with Taxotere side effects, so you might want to look that up.
I got exactly the same - had my last Tax on Thursday so expecting the pain to hit tonight. All I can recommend is pain relief -and rest - I get a bit wobbly on the old pins too. I get a couple of really bad days then 3-4 where I can reduce the pain killers. I use dihyrocodeine for the first couple of days and the ibruprofen/paracetemol - neurophen is supposed to be good too.
Sorry not got any other suggestions - hang on in there, I know what you are going thru xx
Hi
i had the same problem and could never walk for about 3-5 days each cycle - luckily I only had 4 and the last one had to be reduced due to the pain, continual mouth ulcers and numbness development in my feet and fingers.
I took paracetamol, ibruporfen (that is the medical term for neurofen, usually at a stronger dose at well so you can’t take them both together or you would overdose) and codeine as well. I found hot wheat bags helped as well.
Taxotere was by far the toughest chemo I’ve had and I really do sympathise with you about the pain. I know I got so desparate for relief and used to only be able to crawl upstairs.
Maybe they will reduce the dose next time as this is quite common.
Good luck
Kate
Hi
It sounds as though you are having a really tough time. The only real side effect I am getting at the moment is the upset tummy. Without wanting to sound crude I have spent rather a lot of time on the toilet and my bottom feels a bit raw. The pain passes and then I’m fine. Managed to get sleep last night without the usual sit on the throne but had a while this morning. Now that’s passed and I feel OK - have had some breakfast.
I know they did warn me about the possibility of the pain but so far so good. This is my first cycle so perhaps next time I might not be so lucky. I was told just to take pain killers - someone said co-codamol (is that spelt right) but you’d bext check it out.
Just another thought - how do you all manage that middle week when you know your immunity is low? I am now on day 9 and went to visit friends last night and have been invited out tonight to a house for a meal. Feel happy to go as no colds etc in house but wonder do I need to be more cautious than this i.e. sit at home for week? Appreciate any thoughts.
Hang in there folks - if you’re poorly let’s hope you’ll be better soon - hopefully my rear end will soon calm down!! The indignity of it all!!
Hi Moira,
I too suffered excruciating pains on Taxotere. First time was utter shock and went to my GP who tried Co-dydramol, Tramadol and Temazepam. Nothing worked. 2nd time I told chemo DR., who appeared a little surprised I was suffering so much, as if it was unusual(!), but suggested adding in Ibroprufen. Still horrendous. 3rd time, another DR at chemo suggested it was the neutrophil injections I was having due to low count, and as it was my last (hooray!) told me not to give myself the injections. I was so delighted that this was the answer…kidding!.. it made no difference and I still had to go thru’ the pain, but at least I knew it was the last time ever. I think that the one thing that helped after the really BAD spasm contraction-like pains was the temazepam as it is a muscle relaxant as well as its main purpose of being used for anxiety or sleeplessness, but you have to be careful as it is addictive and Dr’s might not be willing to prescribe it. I just hope that they are noting these terrible side-effects, as it is a new drug and on any info you fins about it they talk about MILD joint pain. They need to inform patients that sometimes it can cause severe pain, so that we are forewarned.
Best of luck with rest of your treatment. It is a lovely feeling when you FINALLY have your last one and the pain, ulcers, diarrhoea etc all start to recede…
Thanks so much for all your responses. It’s easing a touch today where I can stand up on my own, but still can’t walk. Temazepam sounds like something I was on for FEC as I used to get such bad panic attacks about it as I was so sick. I’ll discuss this with my ONC next time I see him. I’ll check out the other thread too you mentioned. I know what you mean too Muddy, but I’m at the opposite end at the mo and haven’t been able to go to the bathroom for 6 days now. Next weeks effects should be interesting
1 more thing though, really late last night I got agonizing pains in my lungs. It was so painful to breath and my throat kept feeling like it was closing over. Is this normal or is this because I was a smoker (and still am when I’ve a really really bad day)
Moira
Again at the risk of being crude - i too was really constipated in week one - eating fruit etc and had all friends make suggestions (again the indignity - normally no one needs to know your business so intimately) As I said from one extreme to other - on the positive tummy significantly calmer today. Hang in there folks.
Bit more about me - married for 14 years to a lovely patient man who is finding this all very hard. Work (off on sick) as a Careers Adviser - part time and two boys 11 and 8.
Not had too many bad effects but think I have had a mild version of your lung pain, my chest feels very tight and sore, also on my upper back, and my throat also feels a little sore. Ive never smoked so its probably a side-effect, Im just trying to keep relaxed with it, if I had a bath I would have a long soak in it! Hope youre feeling better soon.
