Finally, I completed the 10th cycle of Docetaxel last Friday. I arrived early as sailed through the traffic and had a coffee in the excellent Maggie centre in Newcastle before it started. One of the ladies there said the support group for breast cancer who get the same chemotherapy drug, Docetaxel called it the "Devil's Piss" Not heard that one before but can completely relate to it.
It has been a long hard road since last August, and I feel quite envious of the people on here who have not really been affected that much with Docetaxel. As a recap, my prostate cancer had spread to my lungs. I have had three spells in hospital during this time and suffered
1. Complete hair loss
2. Absolute exhaustion lasting 10 days or more after the chemo
3. Oral thrush resulting in every food and drink taken tasting absolutely foul. The effects got better after about two weeks after each chemo
4. Both tear ducts completely blocked
5. Finger and Toe nails became infected delaying the last two cycles by 10 days
On the upside, I have become pain free since starting the chemo with no pain in my hip area which was troublesome. Disappointingly I have maintained a PSA number of mid 20's throughout but my oncologist assured me that this is not an indicator of anything bad.
Had scans yesterday and now await the verdict at the end of the month. Stress is not a big enough word! The McMillan team have been fantastic and have organised an occupational therapist to come to my home to give me breathing excercises which will help. I thought this would be better than resorting to anti depressants.
I suppose it is now "Kay Sara Sara" and nothing more I can do to effect the situation. I will let you know the outcome after my appointment.
Best regards
Norman