Docetaxel (Taxotere) - any tips on what to eat/drink??

[helenm1]

Hi I am 5 days post 2nd chemo taxotere/carboplatin. The taste thing is difficult but like others I'm trying little and often and fluids. I find the volvic juiced lemonade good and plain pasta with Marscapone sauce. Can't wait for a good cuppa and toast. X

[Emma76]

Hi Zia,
Hope you're feeling better now- I had docetaxal last year, 6 rounds with herceptin and carboplatin, I found lucozade really good- helped with nausea too, also elderflower presse is nice too.
If you're struggling with nausea ask your onc about emend (anti sickness) I had it after my second round, and I never felt any sickness after that.
Best wishes Emma

[helenm1]

I'm 15 days post taxotere/carboplatin. I'm similar to others - first week struggled to find much to tempt me or take the nasty taste away. I did like volvic juiced lemonade from asda as it cut thru the taste. 2 weeks on it had improved. I'm hoping that my next 5 cycles won't be any worse - please ...

[Lucy_BCC]

Hi JannyR and welcome to the BCC forums

Along with the support and experiences shared here, please feel free to call our helpliners for further practical and emotional support on 0808 800 6000, lines open 9-5 weekdays and 10-2 Saturdays

I am posting a couple of links to the undergoing treatment and support area of the site where you will find information and further support ideas which I hope you find helpful:

https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/information-support/facing-breast-cancer/going-through-treatment...

https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/information-support/support-you

Take care
Lucy BCC

[JannyR]

Hi Everyone

This is the first time I have posted on the forum.  Like alot of you I found Fec not too bad, but I am now struggling with docetaxel, 1st treatment on 17/6 after the 1st day I have struggled aching in all my weak points

and mouth horrible.  I usually have a good healthy appetite, but have lost the will to eat,and drink everything tastes too strong. Last night I was sick for the first time since starting Chemo.  Thank you for mentioning the problems that not drinking causes and I will make more of an effort to get something inside of me.

Take care everyone.

[chachacha]

I am day 4 post tax 1 after 3 FEC. As everyone says, most food is bland and yuk. However, I have found Greek salad still has some taste, must be the salty-ness of the feta and olives.
I was going to try Marmite but being yeast based I wonder if it may make thrush worse?

[feistyflora]

Hi there - a few months ago I was having Docetaxel and I was also hauled into hospital due to an infection,  given antibiotics and it was hell.  I practically existed on scrambled eggs and I still like them now.  If it is any consolation I am well into my 60's but now, post-treatment, I feel as fit and energetic as I did at 18, in fact I'm hyperactive - please don't laugh but I'm having a go at hula-hooping this afternoon!!!

[feistyflora]

Hi there - a few months ago I was having Docetaxel and I was also hauled into hospital due to an infection,  given antibiotics and it was hell - if it is any consolation I am well into my 60's but honestly feel as fit and energetic as I did at 18, in fact I'm hyperactive and nearly bouncing off the walls so there is hope! 

[feistyflora]

After this drug I could only eat about three things, dry crispbreads, toast and marmite and mandarin oranges - I lived almost exclusively on mandarins because everything else tasted disgusting.  (I too read somewhere that grapefruit can make the side-effects of the drug worse).

[Redbev1964]

Will do thanks Jackie

[jackiek55]

Sorry to put a dampener on your drink, but grapefruit isn't a good combination with Tax. I think it enhances the effects. Check it out on the website 😒

[Redbev1964]

Thanks ladies, your tips and thoughts are really helpful. I am just feeling so fed up because I am so exhausted the thought of doing the smallest of things fill me with dread. Not been out for a couple of days which I don't think helps so I have given myself a right royal kick up the backside today and put on the lippy and am going to go out for a little walk, only to my mum's but the change will do me good. Found a drink that I can finally taste, grapefruit juice and lemonade and it should be good for me too bonus. Hope you are all doing well and not experiencing too many rotten side effects. Take care x

[jackiek55]

I'm having 6 TC, Tax and Cyclophosphomide this time round. First session side effects lasted 10 days but I did get a water infection on day 4 which didn't help. Feeling much better this time, hope it will last. Will report back later in the week. Whatever you feel like, a change will do you good xx

[jackiek55]

Oh yes, toast and Marmite. Had to ask hubby to get me a new jar. I love it and it's one thing you can taste, bonus!

[Cocolily]

Hi everyone .. I'm on my last FEC next week then will have the dreaded T doxetaxel .. With FEC I am well by the 7th day .. Is this the same with the T as I am going away for the weekend .. Not too far just an hour away .. Hoping symptoms even if worse just last 6/7 days x

[rosie14]

Hi Jackie I used to vary the drinks sometimes water, squash, a range of fruit juices and sometimes lemonade with a dash of lime. I also kept tins of soup in the cupboard so on days when couldn't eat much it was easy to open and heat a can of soup. My favourite was the lentil. I added pepper to enhance flavour! Another favourite, not everyone's taste, was toast and marmite! It seems forever whilst you are going through chemo,but it does end and there is life after and wine!
Good luck onwards and upwards!

[jackiek55]

Just on day 3 of my 2nd Tax, and feeling better than last session so far. Ended up with water infection and antibiotics last time by not drinking enough. Now I permanently have a jug of orange squash at the side of me and top up my glass all the time. Can't really face any hot drinks, like being pregnant all over again! I actually lost weight last session, food definitely was low on my list of priorities, which isn't like me at all. Hopefully with my omeprazole I won't suffer the awful indigestion this time.

[Zia]

I'm now 3 weeks post my last chemo, yay! But I was exactly the same and I just wanted to say I tried every single drink suggested, from water to fruit juice to lime juice, to fruit tea to bitter lemon, it all just tasted disgusting. The one thing I did eventually manage to drink was diet coke. My advice would be if they're all making you sick try just quickly downing some water to at least get some fluids into your system. I didn't drink enough and ended up with low blood pressure and recurring cystitis. Hang in their ladies, not long to go now and you can do this! xx

[Jane1978]

Redbev same here day 7 of first tax my mouth feels awful very dry nothing tastes right!! Feel like need t wash mouth out but it doesn't help yuk!!! Also achy breast bones n under arms and abs no energy!!!!!!! Huh

[Redbev1964]

I'm just coming to the end if my first Taxotere which followed 3 FEC, I was very lucky with FEC as I had very little side effects, ended with a couple of infections tonsillitis and a fungal infection, my tip is don't ignore anything, I am somebody that in the past always thought oh it will go the way it came, well I've learnt my lesson. With the Tax I was ok for the first couple of days but by day 3 everything ached. Found that I am exhausted but really struggling sleeping as I am hot flushes. My temp has normally be average 36.6 but since Tax I have been above between 37 - 37.6. I have been managing to work around treatment thanks to the massive support from my boss but I certainly stay away when my immune system is low. I am finding that I am not drinking enough as everything tastes so bland, I am also finding that my eating is so erratic, because food is tasteless I am finding it boring, I end up getting kids fizzy sweets as they have a bit of kick to them. I am really concerned with my weight as I have gained 10 lb since diagnosis and can't get my head around healthy eating.

[jackiek55]

You'll be fine Jane, just think once it's done you're 2/3rds of the way through. I'll be thinking of you. Just make sure you drink plenty of water xx

[Jane1978]

My first tax tom n I'm **bleep**ting it!!! Dunno y will
Let u know hiw goes x

[Nattyoo]

Hi Jackie, I'm sorry to hear you are back on this treatment path. Very best wishes for tomorrow. And as you quite rightly say, take care of yourself x

[jackiek55]

Hi starting my first TC tomorrow, no 1 of 6. Not looking forward to the side effects. I had chemo 6 1/2 years ago, 4 Epi followed by 4 CMF. The side effects were bearable and hoping I'll be able to cope as well this time. One thing I did learn was listen to your body and if you need to rest just do it. This is just a short period and we should treat ourselves as well as possible and then we can get on with the rest of our lives. Jackie x

[Nattyoo]

Hi folks.
I've had 3x FEC and my second (of three) TAX last Thursday.
First T was really painful for four days, unbearable. Felt as though I was unable to control it with even strong painkillers. I lost my taste for two weeks, though that came back before the next session.
My dose was reduced by 25% last week and I got an extra 3 days' of steroids. Haven't had any pain yet although v exhausted and am just able to potter and lie on the sofa. I don't know if the second T is just generally easier, but this is much better, and I feel optimistic about my last dose in16 days' time.
Am using Gelclair mouthwash twice a day for the first time, which is helping a lot.
I also drink aloe Vera juice which seems to help with digestion. I guess we need to concentrate on hydration and eating whatever we can stomach.
Best wishes, everyone x

[Jane1978]

Oh u guys scaring me lol I'm not handling the lasts fec very well never mind the tax!!!! My skin on my face is all hot and tops of arms feel
Like temp but it's not !!! Then all achy under arms n chest ! Makes u feel all hot n bothered x

[Jobiejo]

today is day6 after 2nd round of docetaxyl, (after 3 rounds of FEC), only one docetaxyl to go. I too feel like I have been hit with a sledgehammer. The FEC was a breeze in comparison, I have had a craving for carbohydrates, thanks to the person who suggested plain rice. My hair had also started sprouting back. I am also drinking lots and lots of water and taking regular pain relief, but still in bed.

[BooLem]

Hi, I am doing FEC-T as well and had first dose of T 12 days ago. I am avoiding anything which is remotely spicy as it sends me into orbit. I am finding ketchup has a kick to it.
I have been living on scrambled eggs and strawberry cornettos to help numb the pain from my swollen, chapped lips. Although today It feels as if the 'furry' sensation that is normally present in my mouth may of subsided. Water & lemon is also refreshing as mentioned below. I am finding normal rules don't apply and you need to do/eat whatever you can taste to allow you to function. Hope you find something you can eat.

[Cocolily]

Hi, I felt really ill after my first FEC .. And couldn't even drink a cup of tea .. Only water .. I was off nearly all foods but the only thing I could eat without making me feel sick was rice .. Try this as it will also give you energy .. It's bland but hope it helps .. I had the nausea and heaving for 6 days and thought it would never stop ! Hope you start to feel better soon x

[Zia]

Skdy2k - Oh I really feel for you, I had horrendous pain with my first round too, it kicked in over the weekend so I couldn't get to the doctors and ended up having to get some Tramadol from my uncle. Even that didn't help completely, it just eased it slightly. It did get better each day though, mine kicked in on day 3 and by day 10 I was feeling a lot better. For those 7 days in between I was basically either feeling like death or sleeping, my advice would be to try and sleep as much as possible! The good news is the pain wasn't nearly as bad on my second round - I'm due to have my third and final round this Thursday and I'm praying that'll be even better again.

I really struggled with drinking on my first round, I literally tried everything and it all tasted awful, so much so that I ended up terribly dehydrated which caused low blood pressure. Eventually I was able to stomach diet coke and fruit lolly ices but again, that was much better on the second round.

Carol - it sounds like you've had an awful time of it, I really hope you're feeling much better soon! xx

[Skdy2k]

I had my first dose of docetaxol 4 dats ago. I've not had any nausea but the pains are like nothing I have ever felt before. Does anyone know when that starts to fade? I lost my taste and got a sore mouth from the following morning so I only fancy really strong tasting foods to eat. I find little nibbles of whatever you fancy is the best way. I usually drink lots of water but it tastes like putty at the moment and u can't stomach it x

[carolwri]

 Hi there I am at the same stge s yourself , 3 rounds of FEC and now on 3 Docetaxel...my nausea was not as bad this time,,just eat little and often and drinking is def more important...I had a bad exp as I am just out of hospital after an infection and neutropeania and was very weak and no apetite at all!! back home yesterday its beginning to improve...my white cell count is coming up but i will be staying awy from crowds and public places..this is a lot worse than the first three.....seem to b going backwards not forwards.   I am 51 and feel 81...it woud be nce to keep in touch.  `I am from N Ireland....cold and windy today as usual!!!

[Carmen42]

Have the same problem. I'm on day 11 and starting to think my taste is getting better but just had a tasteless banana, so guess not!

Sparkling water with a slice of lemon is the best drink I've found. 

I'm also struggling with a sore mouth so I can't eat anything crunchy. Really am fed up but sure I'm losing my chemo weight that FEC/EC added, so minor plus point!

[TheBigRagu]

Hi Zia,

What I do during those first 7 days of awfulness is to juice as many vegetables as I can. Even if the taste is weird, it's the only thing I can get down and at least I am getting nutrients.

TheBigRagu

[JETS]

I've been v sick on fec but managed ritz biscuits - was warned dehydration the main concern and seem to be ok if I sip through straw water and ice x jacket potatoes also managed with butter -also xxx

[Jo_BCC]

Hi Jane

Sorry to hear you're getting so upset about things.  If you need to talk to someone in confidence, then please don't hesitate to call the helpline here, the staff are here to support you through this.  Calls are free, 0808 800 6000 lines open at 9am today through to 5pm (weekdays) and 10-2 Saturdays

Take care,

Jo, Moderator

[Jane1978]

Oh right ok in so anxious about it all I seem to be getting worked up over everything ! Nearly passed out at mri other day 😳 constantly reading stuff and trying to be positive but it's hard !!! Hope u find something salt n vinegar crisps help me lol not long left for u so look forward to that xxxx

[Zia]

Hi Jane,
When I say making me sick I don't mean I'm suffering from nausea, I mean food and drink tastes that disgusting that I can't stomach it. I know everyone is different, but for me Taxotere has been much worse than FEC. With FEC I had some nausea and tiredness etc, but was still able to function pretty normally. With Taxotere it hit me on about day 3 and knocked me for six for about 7 days. The joint pain was horrendous but has thankfully eased off now but I'm still really struggling with food and drink, albeit I can feel my sense of taste coming back slightly. Just because it's like that for me doesn't mean it'll be like that for you though, my good friend had the same regime and she found FEC horrendous and Taxotere a breeze in comparison.

[Jane1978]

I thought the last stage was not supposed to make y sick ?!! I'm worrying now as I'm a sickly person anyway and heard that it doesn't make u sick but all your bones etc ??

[Zia]

Thanks Marli, I'm not a huge fan of ginger but I'll give the cordial a go. I managed to half taste a pot noodle yesterday so I'm hopeful that I might get some of my taste back prior to my next round! It's certainly not been any fun this weekend with everyone eating roast dinners and chocolate, arghhh! xx

[marli]

Hi Zia - know what you mean. I have had 5 /6 Taxotere, last one on Wednesday. It is a case of finding something that you can eat - for me it was milk puddings such as rice, macaroni or tapioca for a few days. One round I would find a drink I could get down but next round it would not appeal. Have you tried ginger cordial, Sainsbury do a nice one diluted quite weak. Very ice cold water or smoothiewell    diluted with sparkling water are also worth a try.

Good news is that , for me, from about this stage things would get better, as you have found with the tea.

Hope things do improve soon and then only 2 to go !! Good luck.  Marli xx

[Zia]

Hi everyone,

I'm 9 days post my first round of Docetaxel (following 3 rounds of FEC) and I'm REALLY struggling with eating and drinking. Everything is making me sick and I'm running out of things to try. At the moment literally the only thing I can stomach is soup, however that's now starting to make me baulk when I'm eating it too. Unfortunately I'm one of those people who, if I eat the same thing over and over, it will start to make me physically sick and my body just sort of rejects it. That's what's happening with soup and I'm worried that without that I really don't know what I'm going to eat?! Everything tastes either of nothing, but not the kind of nothing that you can just force down you, the kind of nothing that makes you heave, or it tastes slimy, which is even worse. I'm at the point now where I'm scared to even try anything else and I'm getting seriously worried about what I'm going to do to sustain myself through the next two rounds.

Today is the first in 9 days that I've even managed to drink a full cup of anything, I've tried everything from water to tea, lemonade, fruit juice, lime cordial, bitter lemon, fruit tea.........it all tastes like drain water. Today I've managed two full cups of tea but I know I'm not drinking enough fluids and I'm worried about becoming dehydrated. I've already been told my blood pressure is low due to not drinking enough.

Does anyone have any tips/suggestions on what I might be able to try please??