I was dx 4 and a half years ago at age 35 with invasive BC. I had WLE, axillary clearance, chemo (FEC), radio, herceptin and (the dreaded!) tamoxifen. I have since had another beautiful baby (already have a 6 and 7 year old!)(there is hope - she’s a dream come true for us!), but when she was only 9 months in November 11, a tiny lump I found before pregnant had got bigger. On examination it was found to be a local recurrence. Anyway, have had surgery and now back on the chemo, radio, tamox route again! Will be starting Taxotere chemo in Feb (6 cycles) and just wondered how it compares with FEC?? I had 8 cycles of FEC before, but have heard Tax is quite different SE-wise.
Would be good to have some idea what to expect as have son’s 8th birthday and little one’s 1st birthday coming up shortly after starting chemo! Will prob catch my older daughter’s 7th towards the end of chemo, too, so would be good to plan for parties at less poorly times!
So sorry you’re back here again but congratulations on the new(ish) baby. What a lovely thing given all you had been through. There are lots of comments on Tax in the thread share.breastcancercare.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=33626 Also a lot of us in the Starting chemo in November thread have started Tax. I’m afraid most of it is not very positive but it does vary a lot between people. It’s helpful to prepare for the worst, which for most people is the pain and the taste problems, then anything better is a bonus. Most SEs come on day 2/3 and last till day7-9. I’ve just cleared my diary for the week following my next dose. So it might if possible be worth avoiding parties in the week after each dose, or get lots of help.
Good luck.
I have had 2 sessions of Taxotere (Docetaxel). Last session was on Thursday, touch wood, so far I have been fine, no sickness or anything like that, but have found that on days 2 & 3 I am a little more tired than normal and limbs a little achy a bit like flu, otherwise no adverse affects.
good luck, and hope this helps.
Anne x
Hi Nic
I’ve just had my 2nd tax. First experience was relatively easy, suffered a little with heartburn (onc given me extra meds for that) and a little upset stomach. No real pains. Just a little tired for the first few days, then probs sleeping for a few nights about one week after chemo. Spoken to Onc who has changed meds to suit. I now know after speaking to others that chemo is very individual, its SE vary enormously from person to person. Hears hoping its a breeze for you. Take care xx