My husband just finished round 3 of 6 of Docetaxel.
He is having triple therapy - also on Orgovxy and Darolutamide.
He is so far responding well to treatment and also experiencing side effects. The worst days are between 2 and 7 days after chemo.
Chemo, while not without its side effect issues, is far better than even a few years ago from what we understand.
My husband did docetaxel last summer, he did great! Just "tired" but ADT does that too. I didn't mind rubbing his head while he'd take a nap on the couch each afternoon! (mostly after a week of the infusion)
A funny side effect he had was hiccups from the steroids they gave him- first a pill the night before then one in the morning plus some right before the infusion. The first 24hrs on the steroids he was like the energizer bunny! But after the chemo maybe 4-6hrs later at night, he got hiccups that wouldn't go away, he tried everything! nothing worked, I think he was up to 45 min of it or over an hour! It was after hours so Dr couldn't help, we messaged a nurse friend and he suggested breathing into a paper bag (or zip loc) until you can't stand it anymore, to the point of gasping for air! THAT worked! It happened several times after each infusion and my husband had his baggie with him even when he'd wake up at night to pee, the hiccups started again!
Of course there's a PILL you can take now for it, but he didn't want to take anything MORE! so the bag worked!
After round 2 or 3 he started losing his hair in chunks and shaved it off, he even had smoother legs than me after I shave! (not fair LOL)
Once the hair came back after several months (more around Christmas time) it was a lot more grey than before- I think he looks great!
He still tried to go to the gym every day during the chemo season but did take some days off also because we knew the gym is probably germ central!
We bought the chemo mittens and booties on amazon and used those, he only got tingly toes (neuropathy) near the end and it took a few months to go back to normal.
So all this to say I think docetaxel is a "beginner" chemo and not that harsh.
My husband did docetaxel last summer, he did great! Just "tired" but ADT does that too. I didn't mind rubbing his head while he'd take a nap on the couch each afternoon! (mostly after a week of the infusion)
A funny side effect he had was hiccups from the steroids they gave him- first a pill the night before then one in the morning plus some right before the infusion. The first 24hrs on the steroids he was like the energizer bunny! But after the chemo maybe 4-6hrs later at night, he got hiccups that wouldn't go away, he tried everything! nothing worked, I think he was up to 45 min of it or over an hour! It was after hours so Dr couldn't help, we messaged a nurse friend and he suggested breathing into a paper bag (or zip loc) until you can't stand it anymore, to the point of gasping for air! THAT worked! It happened several times after each infusion and my husband had his baggie with him even when he'd wake up at night to pee, the hiccups started again!
Of course there's a PILL you can take now for it, but he didn't want to take anything MORE! so the bag worked!
After round 2 or 3 he started losing his hair in chunks and shaved it off, he even had smoother legs than me after I shave! (not fair LOL)
Once the hair came back after several months (more around Christmas time) it was a lot more grey than before- I think he looks great!
He still tried to go to the gym every day during the chemo season but did take some days off also because we knew the gym is probably germ central!
We bought the chemo mittens and booties on amazon and used those, he only got tingly toes (neuropathy) near the end and it took a few months to go back to normal.
So all this to say I think docetaxel is a "beginner" chemo and not that harsh.
@beaquilter
“ So all this to say I think docetaxel is a "beginner" chemo and not that harsh.”
Actually, Docetaxel is THE chemo for prostate cancer. The one that causes the most problems for people. Some people can’t handle it at all, Others need smaller doses and longer amounts of time between them.
Cabazitaxel Is another kind and it’s a little bit easier on people.
Carboplatin is used with the other chemo in cases that are not responding, but it is not much more harsh.
To @jerlaz
I underwent 6 cycles of Docetaxel and, of course, was concerned about everything. Understanding that different people handle chemo very differently, i can give you hope here.
I was fortunate to have none of the side effects except for hair loss...(that's just about guaranteed), extremely low white count on occasion even after neulasta, hospitalizing me once only with a temperature of 100.6. Quick recovery. More tired than usual, of course, but nothing to prevent me from my routines.
My hair did grow back fully, although it was white (!!), but I've dyed my hair for years...easy fix...
The end all is that I had very few side effects, nothing that changed my daily life dramatically but, as all disclaimers, your experiences may vary.
Go in with a positive mental attitude!! Good luck and God bless!!
My husband did docetaxel last summer, he did great! Just "tired" but ADT does that too. I didn't mind rubbing his head while he'd take a nap on the couch each afternoon! (mostly after a week of the infusion)
A funny side effect he had was hiccups from the steroids they gave him- first a pill the night before then one in the morning plus some right before the infusion. The first 24hrs on the steroids he was like the energizer bunny! But after the chemo maybe 4-6hrs later at night, he got hiccups that wouldn't go away, he tried everything! nothing worked, I think he was up to 45 min of it or over an hour! It was after hours so Dr couldn't help, we messaged a nurse friend and he suggested breathing into a paper bag (or zip loc) until you can't stand it anymore, to the point of gasping for air! THAT worked! It happened several times after each infusion and my husband had his baggie with him even when he'd wake up at night to pee, the hiccups started again!
Of course there's a PILL you can take now for it, but he didn't want to take anything MORE! so the bag worked!
After round 2 or 3 he started losing his hair in chunks and shaved it off, he even had smoother legs than me after I shave! (not fair LOL)
Once the hair came back after several months (more around Christmas time) it was a lot more grey than before- I think he looks great!
He still tried to go to the gym every day during the chemo season but did take some days off also because we knew the gym is probably germ central!
We bought the chemo mittens and booties on amazon and used those, he only got tingly toes (neuropathy) near the end and it took a few months to go back to normal.
So all this to say I think docetaxel is a "beginner" chemo and not that harsh.
@beaquilter thanks for sharing that info. My husband is facing starting docetaxel next week. May i ask what you used for mittens and feet that helped him. Any other tips would be appreciated. We are quite nervous about starting. My husband has a CDK12 genetic mutation so we know Docetaxel might not be as effective for him as it has been for others, but we try to remain hopeful and positive
To @jerlaz
I underwent 6 cycles of Docetaxel and, of course, was concerned about everything. Understanding that different people handle chemo very differently, i can give you hope here.
I was fortunate to have none of the side effects except for hair loss...(that's just about guaranteed), extremely low white count on occasion even after neulasta, hospitalizing me once only with a temperature of 100.6. Quick recovery. More tired than usual, of course, but nothing to prevent me from my routines.
My hair did grow back fully, although it was white (!!), but I've dyed my hair for years...easy fix...
The end all is that I had very few side effects, nothing that changed my daily life dramatically but, as all disclaimers, your experiences may vary.
Go in with a positive mental attitude!! Good luck and God bless!!
Hi and happy to help!
Nerves are normal...My advice is be positive, IGNORE all the "bad experiences" (!!) blogs. I don't know all the pathways nor mutations, but I was metastatic to the lower spine (SUV 7.9) and one lymph node in my belly (SUV 5.9).
I was "abnormal active free" with the next PET-PSMA scan, so it IS effective. I was able to maintain my normal life, raising a daughter and all those duties with just a short nap mid-day throughout the series.
As far as the neuropathy, I'd been taking ALA (1200mg 2x daily) and I have some slight effects still, but so very minor it's hardly noticeable. I still take it to this day, as I still proceed with ADT treatments...(One sees this now on TV ads, but my dosing is quite higher than what is normally purchased...talk to your Doctor about it!!)
Again, keep positive, meditate, pray...whatever you want to call it. Watch (monitor) your temperature, BP, Blood Sugar (as they may raise), red and white cell counts (as they may lower), etc...it's not difficult, but don't dwell on it! (It's a fine line).
@beaquilter thanks for sharing that info. My husband is facing starting docetaxel next week. May i ask what you used for mittens and feet that helped him. Any other tips would be appreciated. We are quite nervous about starting. My husband has a CDK12 genetic mutation so we know Docetaxel might not be as effective for him as it has been for others, but we try to remain hopeful and positive
@emteenest2
They were basic chemo gloves and mittens on amazon, like a turquoise color and then there's freezer packs you have to freeze at least 24hrs before or the night before and bring in a cooler, we only had a big honking cooler but rolled that around with a quilt too for hubby, then when he started the infusion I put those on him.
It may or may not work, but worth a shot.
Oh I'd say bring zip locs too just in case you need to get ice and dump his hands or feet in ice if the booties or mittens get too warm or whatever, nurses are very helpful with that and have ice nearby.
When my husband was first diagnosed a year ago and had a PSMA PET scan it was terrible, he lit up like a Christmas tree! it was everywhere!- lungs, spins, lymph nodes, pelvis, bones and of course prostate! The scan AFTER the chemo showed just a few spots, one on his lung and one on his pelvis or hips and maybe other places, but a HUGE difference!
Howdy all,
One last tip. Yes, this is serious business but don't let it consume you!
My last piece of advice (what works for me): Go out for a nice dinner, turn on some music and dance in the house, watch your favorite comedy movie, listen to motivational speakers.
Prostate cancer is life-changing for sure, but never let it get you down!!!
The famous Edgar Cayce always said "mind is ever the builder"...meaning: it always a matter of your chosen perspective.
To @emteenest2
Wow!...sorry that I just saw your post after I did mine...Yep, a nasty cruel disease it is...I'm glad you had success to a large degree!!!
For me, I'm now castration-resistant (unfortunately "textbook progression" for some). I've decided to pursue Pluvicto because my latest PET-PSMA showed further metastasis. The same fears come to me as to you, and I approach it the same way...
I hope we'll keep in touch through this medium, not to share horror stories, but to share successes!
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Forgot to mention the cooling mitts and booties. Our clinic provides them. So far no nail issues (fingers crossed!).
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1 ReactionMy husband did docetaxel last summer, he did great! Just "tired" but ADT does that too. I didn't mind rubbing his head while he'd take a nap on the couch each afternoon! (mostly after a week of the infusion)
A funny side effect he had was hiccups from the steroids they gave him- first a pill the night before then one in the morning plus some right before the infusion. The first 24hrs on the steroids he was like the energizer bunny! But after the chemo maybe 4-6hrs later at night, he got hiccups that wouldn't go away, he tried everything! nothing worked, I think he was up to 45 min of it or over an hour! It was after hours so Dr couldn't help, we messaged a nurse friend and he suggested breathing into a paper bag (or zip loc) until you can't stand it anymore, to the point of gasping for air! THAT worked! It happened several times after each infusion and my husband had his baggie with him even when he'd wake up at night to pee, the hiccups started again!
Of course there's a PILL you can take now for it, but he didn't want to take anything MORE! so the bag worked!
After round 2 or 3 he started losing his hair in chunks and shaved it off, he even had smoother legs than me after I shave! (not fair LOL)
Once the hair came back after several months (more around Christmas time) it was a lot more grey than before- I think he looks great!
He still tried to go to the gym every day during the chemo season but did take some days off also because we knew the gym is probably germ central!
We bought the chemo mittens and booties on amazon and used those, he only got tingly toes (neuropathy) near the end and it took a few months to go back to normal.
So all this to say I think docetaxel is a "beginner" chemo and not that harsh.
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4 Reactions@beaquilter
“ So all this to say I think docetaxel is a "beginner" chemo and not that harsh.”
Actually, Docetaxel is THE chemo for prostate cancer. The one that causes the most problems for people. Some people can’t handle it at all, Others need smaller doses and longer amounts of time between them.
Cabazitaxel Is another kind and it’s a little bit easier on people.
Carboplatin is used with the other chemo in cases that are not responding, but it is not much more harsh.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionTo @jerlaz
I underwent 6 cycles of Docetaxel and, of course, was concerned about everything. Understanding that different people handle chemo very differently, i can give you hope here.
I was fortunate to have none of the side effects except for hair loss...(that's just about guaranteed), extremely low white count on occasion even after neulasta, hospitalizing me once only with a temperature of 100.6. Quick recovery. More tired than usual, of course, but nothing to prevent me from my routines.
My hair did grow back fully, although it was white (!!), but I've dyed my hair for years...easy fix...
The end all is that I had very few side effects, nothing that changed my daily life dramatically but, as all disclaimers, your experiences may vary.
Go in with a positive mental attitude!! Good luck and God bless!!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@beaquilter thanks for sharing that info. My husband is facing starting docetaxel next week. May i ask what you used for mittens and feet that helped him. Any other tips would be appreciated. We are quite nervous about starting. My husband has a CDK12 genetic mutation so we know Docetaxel might not be as effective for him as it has been for others, but we try to remain hopeful and positive
@deccakid any tips on how to make as easy as possible
Hi and happy to help!
Nerves are normal...My advice is be positive, IGNORE all the "bad experiences" (!!) blogs. I don't know all the pathways nor mutations, but I was metastatic to the lower spine (SUV 7.9) and one lymph node in my belly (SUV 5.9).
I was "abnormal active free" with the next PET-PSMA scan, so it IS effective. I was able to maintain my normal life, raising a daughter and all those duties with just a short nap mid-day throughout the series.
As far as the neuropathy, I'd been taking ALA (1200mg 2x daily) and I have some slight effects still, but so very minor it's hardly noticeable. I still take it to this day, as I still proceed with ADT treatments...(One sees this now on TV ads, but my dosing is quite higher than what is normally purchased...talk to your Doctor about it!!)
Again, keep positive, meditate, pray...whatever you want to call it. Watch (monitor) your temperature, BP, Blood Sugar (as they may raise), red and white cell counts (as they may lower), etc...it's not difficult, but don't dwell on it! (It's a fine line).
You have to say "I got this", which you do!!!
God's love and support!!
@emteenest2
They were basic chemo gloves and mittens on amazon, like a turquoise color and then there's freezer packs you have to freeze at least 24hrs before or the night before and bring in a cooler, we only had a big honking cooler but rolled that around with a quilt too for hubby, then when he started the infusion I put those on him.
It may or may not work, but worth a shot.
Oh I'd say bring zip locs too just in case you need to get ice and dump his hands or feet in ice if the booties or mittens get too warm or whatever, nurses are very helpful with that and have ice nearby.
When my husband was first diagnosed a year ago and had a PSMA PET scan it was terrible, he lit up like a Christmas tree! it was everywhere!- lungs, spins, lymph nodes, pelvis, bones and of course prostate! The scan AFTER the chemo showed just a few spots, one on his lung and one on his pelvis or hips and maybe other places, but a HUGE difference!
Howdy all,
One last tip. Yes, this is serious business but don't let it consume you!
My last piece of advice (what works for me): Go out for a nice dinner, turn on some music and dance in the house, watch your favorite comedy movie, listen to motivational speakers.
Prostate cancer is life-changing for sure, but never let it get you down!!!
The famous Edgar Cayce always said "mind is ever the builder"...meaning: it always a matter of your chosen perspective.
Blessings to all!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionTo @emteenest2
Wow!...sorry that I just saw your post after I did mine...Yep, a nasty cruel disease it is...I'm glad you had success to a large degree!!!
For me, I'm now castration-resistant (unfortunately "textbook progression" for some). I've decided to pursue Pluvicto because my latest PET-PSMA showed further metastasis. The same fears come to me as to you, and I approach it the same way...
I hope we'll keep in touch through this medium, not to share horror stories, but to share successes!
May god be with you!!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction