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Starting docetaxel chemotherapy

User
Posted 19 May 2025 at 15:17

I posted on 19 March saying I was soon to start my chemotherapy and was scared. I’ve had my third cycle of Docetaxyl and I just take Dexamethasone 12, 3 & 1 hour before. So far all has gone better than I imagined. 

I’ve found tiredness kicks in days 3 - 5 mostly; had painful indigestion but gaviscon sorted that out; constipation, but taking senna immediately has helped. And I’ve always found the Assessment Unit helpline to be very understanding, even though I felt I was ringing them a lot during the first cycle when everything was new. During this third cycle I’ve had redness on my hands, and a little nausea, but the anti-sickness tablets have controlled that.

 I was really concerned about catching infections so decided to only mix indoors with immediate family who I’m 100% sure of. I see friends out in the fresh air, and so far I’ve stayed clear of anything. The good weather has really helped. Trying to keep up walking most days to keep active, and managing housework and gardening fine. Fortunately retired so I’ve not had to worry about work.

My results have been encouraging. All my blood results have ended up higher than when I started, and my PSA is down to 1.1 from 21.7. 

So early days, but keeping positive. Halfway through, with radiotherapy once I finish chemotherapy. 

Hope all keeps going well for everyone.

 

Norman

User
Posted 19 May 2025 at 15:27

Hi

Glad to read your coping well with the chemo i did 10 rounds of docetaxel last year,I found that writing a little diary of symptoms after each infusion helps paticularly upto 5/6 daya after it.It just lets you know what to expect and how long to expect it for,you'll find that every infusion nearly mirrors each other.

Hope this helps 

User
Posted 29 Apr 2026 at 11:32

Hi everyone,

I am being offered docetaxel as part of my treatment and found this thread helpful as I am unsure whether to include it. I am worried about side effects, in particular how well people recover after the last treatment. My oncologist said 'you'll never be quite the same' but I couldn't get to the bottom of what he meant. Any experiences would be appreciated.

My numbers:

I am 61 years old and other wise healthy

PSA 47.6

Gleason 4+5=9

T3 N0 M1a - there is spread to two lymph nodes above the pelvis 

The proposed treatment is:

Zoladex and darolutamide

6 treatments of docetaxel

Radiotherapy (possibly joining the PEARLS trial.

Thanks.

Chris

User
Posted 29 Apr 2026 at 11:57

Hi Chris,

You can do it, you will be fine. I wrote up my experiences in tedious detail in my profile, make yourself a cup of tea and have a read 😁. I recommend on insisting on the cold cap in order to keep your hair. I found that the whole thing felt as if it was over and done with quite quickly and the impact of side effects quickly diminished after the final treatment. 

Good luck!

Spongebob

User
Posted 29 Apr 2026 at 12:37

Hi Chris,

I completed 6 rounds max dose 20th Feb, no problems thus far, my onco said the same think he was trying to put me off. 

If you are otherwise fit you should be fine. Just keep very well hydrated.

ATB,

hawkz

User
Posted 30 Apr 2026 at 09:24

Thank you fir message and encouragement. I read your story in your profile and admire your fortitude. It has helped me mentally prepare for my journey and reinforced my determination to get as fit as I can. I hope you are doing well. 

User
Posted 30 Apr 2026 at 09:27

Thank you for the message. It's helpful to hear other's experiences when feeling unsure and has helped me make the decision to include chemo. I hope you continue to do well

User
Posted 30 Apr 2026 at 09:35

Hi

I completed 10 rounds of docetaxel a couple of years ago had no real issues,please note I was only 54ish at the time,please read my profile for more in depth notes.

Good luck Phil 

 
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