Docetaxel Chemo – the highs and the lows

It's worth a lot, a hell of a lot, thanks Marje.

Noted for Infusion 4 if my veggie fix doesn't work.

Infusion 2 Day 11

Half way through purdah again and it's same old, same old. I feel just the same as I did at this time in the last infusion cycle.

For the record, here is the list of the potential side effects of Docetaxel Chemo as defined by Macmillan cancer support and my current status in respect of these.

Risk of infection – No.

Bruising and bleeding – No.

Anaemia – No.

Feeling sick – No.

Diarrhoea – No.

Loss of appetite – No.

Sore mouth – No.

Taste change – No.

Peripheral neuropathy – No.

Hair loss – Yes. Booo Hooo! Me hairs coming out! I'm moulting. It won't be long before I'm polishing the top of me 'ead. http://community.prostatecanceruk.org/editors/tiny_mce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-tongue-out.gif

Skin changes – No.

Nail changes – No.

Build up of fluid – No.

Muscle/joint pain – No.

Shortness of breath – No.

Eye problems – No.

Hand-foot syndrome – No.

Blood clot – No.

He he! That will be a bit of a wardrobe challenge. Apart from my ColU shirt, I haven't got a thing to wear. http://community.prostatecanceruk.org/editors/tiny_mce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif

Thank you. I hope you and John also have a great Christmas.

Infusion 3 Day 1

Infusion 3 completed without any problems.

My resolve to consume loads of vegetables and no meat in the day or two before the infusion and for the two days after in order to combat The Basturds, weakened in the face of Christmas leftovers, so I've adopted Gromit's and Marje's advice to use Laxido.

So to the scores on the doors. My PSA has dropped from 13.28 to 7.44 and all other bloods results were good. I know these drops won't go on for ever but I have to say:

'Woop de dozzy do! Go on my son, get in there!'

If you could synthesize, bottle and sell, the feeling of elation I got when hearing these results, then you would be a multi-zillionaire. It was as good as watching your team smack in a last gasp cracker to win the local derby game, 5-4.

I'm going to ride this wave for as long as it will support me. This old dog is going to wag his tale for a while yet.

I might have a cheeky beer tomorrow night.

Edited by member 29 Dec 2016 at 11:13  | Reason: Not specified

Infusion 3 Day 5

My thanks to Gromit and Marje whose advice has been spot on.

More graphic details follow so if you are not taking or don't have any problems in taking Ondansetron then you don't need to read further.

As I understand it, Ondansetron is a drug that has an adverse effect on peristalsis and thus can cause constipation.

Prior to my infusion last Wednesday, I talked to the chemo nurse about whether I still needed Ondansetron. Her answer was along the lines of 'it's your body and therefore your choice'. I decided that whilst I hate being constipated, that I hate throwing up even more. Therefore, I decided to continue with the Ondansetron.

Last Tuesday, I took one Laxido after breakfast and one after dinner. On Wednesday, the day of the infusion, I did the same and took one Dulcolax before going to bed. On Thursday I had two small movements which were nowhere near a normal day's output but, most importantly, the movements were soft and needed no straining. I took one Laxido after breakfast and one after dinner on Thursday and one Dulcolax before going to bed.

On Friday, movements returned to normal with a consequent increase in volume to compensate for limited output the previous day. Movements were soft and needed no straining. I took one Laxido after breakfast on Friday and then nothing further. Since then, my bowels have been perfect.

FYI Ondansetron was administered by infusion on Wednesday afternoon and then by pill Wednesday evening, Thursday morning and Thursday evening. I decided not to take the Ondansetron pills on Friday morning or evening and suffered no adverse consequences.

I recommend trying the above course of action if Ondansetron is causing you problems.

Sally,

I really think you should be ringing the Chemo ward to tell them about this. It has been made clear to me in no uncertain terms that if I get an infection, don't go to your GP, do ring us. The problem with an infection is if things go bad then sepsis is a real danger. Please ring them.

David

You could certainly have done without that...did you manage to have any sort of a Christmas break before the virus hit? Hope you got up to see the family and that there were people on hand to nurse you as well as your husband - sounds as if you are both knocked for six.

Do hope that you are both on an even keel again before too long and that the chemo is doing its job. Any sign of a Warwick offer to cheer everyone up?

Take care.

Eleanor