Hi I am new to this and only just managed to get myself registered. I had my second operation just 2 days before Xmas 2013 to remove my lymph nodes as the cancer had spread to the first node, luckily that was it. I had my first chemo treatment on 24th Jan 2014 and now I am on my 4th one, thought I never get past half way.
I just had my first docetaxyl on 15th Apr and it has really knocked me down. Also I have Zarzio injections which hopefully boost the white cells, because I have had 2 knock backs, the injections have given me real joint aches especially in my hips, knees and my back. I just hope I feel better after the injections are finished with.
That joint pain is awful, isn’t it. I found the combination of docetaxol and the injections really caused a lot of joint pain for me. It’s now day 19 after my FINAL dose of docetaxol (Thank God) and it’s my knees and feet that still ache the worst. My knees keep failing to lock into position, causing me to almost fall over. Very inconvenient at the age of 48! I checked with my BCN and this is still considered “normal”.
Hope you’re ready for all the nail problems that go with docetaxol. I have kept mine painted, but still several seem to be lifting. They are all yellow and ridged now. I think it’s just a matter of time before I start losing nails. I spoke to one lady on the forum who was a year down the line from having chemo and she said she ended up losing all her nails, some 3 times over. It takes a year or so for them to get back to normal! Oh joy.
I can understand why it took you so long to join the forum, but there is a lot of support here. We’re all at different stages of the same journey, some of us have come out the other side.
I hope you gain some strength from chatting here. x
Well done for getting past the half way mark. I only had one Docetaxel and was so ill (zero neutrophils) my onco put me back on FEC! As for the pain, my injections were called Filgastrim and I had one every day for 7 days. When the white blood cells begin to form, they form in your bones and as your hips and spine are the biggest bones, that’s where you feel it most. I took Ibuprofen and Paracetamol every time.
Sending hugs and best wishes for the rest of your treatment.
Along with the support here please feel free to call our helpliners for practical and emotional support on 0808 800 6000, lines are open weekdays 9-5 and Saturdays 10-2
You may also find the following link to the BCC ’ I am having treatments’ information and further support ideas helpful: