My TC journey: Taxotere (docetaxel) & Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide)

@missycat I totally understand how you feel. Yes it feels like Wheel of Fortune spin the wheel each infusion and see what side effects you get . They are different each time and seem to last longer. I finished my 3rd infusion 5/21 so just one left.

I wanted to reduce the strength of this 3rd infusion but my oncologist did not agree. I trust him and because of the grade 3 and Triple Negative we kept it the same. I will finish the last round on 6/11 and hope to finally be done with this God willing. Hang in there you can do it . Take care.

I am doing a TC chemo regimen which requires 4 rounds. I had Triple Negative cancer caught early no lymp node involvement and clean margins. The tumor was aggressive but small. Due to my family history and the tumor grade my Oncologist felt it would benefit me to do the chemo. I have finished round 2 on May 9. The sides and part of the top of my hands are red and tight feeling. I have kinda the same thing happening on my feet. They are sore and slightly have a falling asleep feeling not for long it goes away.

I need suggestion for how to manage this it is very tender and uncomfortable. This happened to the bottom of my heels after the first round of Chemo but it got better and went away. This is not getting better. I am due for my 3rd infusion on 5/21. Since I have no lymph node involvement and clean margins and had a bilateral mastectomy I am wondering if all of this damage is really worth the extra benefit I would get from the remaining chemo. If it is this way after the 3rd infusion I don't know if I can do this. On a positive note my mouth ulcers were not that bad this time only to be replaced by this hand/foot stuff.

If I stop after this next round and then the cancer came back I would feel horrible that I quit. This just seems like it's getting harder and harder each time. I'm over this and just want to feel good again.
As mentioned before I know I am blessed and that this is only 4 rounds. It doesn't make it any easier though. My heart goes out to everyone who is going through this.

Omg, I could've written your post. Exact same diagnosis. My 3rd round is May 27th and I don't know if I can handle it. I've had a rash on arms and legs that is driving me crazy! My oncologist said every infusion will result in a different reaction. What if my next infusion makes the rash worse! I know that I have to finish my 4 rounds for the bigger picture, but dam!!! I too just want to feel normal.

I have had 3 full infusions of the TC regimen. I started experiencing a bad skin reaction on my hands/feet after the 1st infusion. My oncologist did not want to lower the strength and just prescribed more steroids every day. Each infusion the condition of my skin gets worse. My hands are red/stiff feeling and the skin is peeling. The same goes for my feet but to a lesser degree. It has been 2.5 weeks since the third infusion and it is not better. I am not willing to do the fourth infusion with the Taxotere due to these side effects. I am going to finish the 2nd drug of the 4th infusion.

Has anyone had this problem with their hands/feet? I have read that this continue to happen even weeks after stopping chemo. How long will it take for these symptoms to go away. I am using a thick moisture cream to prevent the skin cracking.

I am finishing 4 rounds of TC chemo later today. How long did it take for everyone's taste buds to recover and about how long before hair starts to grow back?

Some of you may have read my other posts about my skin reaction to the Taxotere. My 4th and final infusion is scheduled for later this morning. I have had such a bad reaction to the Taxotere which gets worse with every infusion that I am not sure I am going to finish it. My hands stay red and with skin peeling despite being on steroids before and after the last infusion. I ended up on a Medrol dose pack and it still did not help. Only now 3 weeks later has the redness and stiffness decreased a little. I can't take hot showers can only tolerate lukewarm water on my hands or it stings/burns.

My thoughts are that I am willing to take the Taxotere but at a reduced strength hoping for less of a reaction. I do not want permanent skin damage from this drug. I have gotten 3 full strength rounds. My tumor was small 1.2 cm with clear margins and lymph nodes, but tumor grade was a 3. CK-67 score was around 30-31 as far as I can remember and I had a bilateral mastectomy. I am also scared not to do the full strength will it matter that much?

Opinions anyone or advice?

How long do you need to take Taxotere after your last infusion?

My chemo treatment was TC however after chemo ended, I waited 1 yr before starting 2nd treatment with Tamoxifen. My body and mind was so weak, I chose to recover first, physically before starting the next treatment.
I worked closely with my Mayo team on what I could or could not tolerate. They are very supportive.

I am finishing 4 rounds of TC chemo later today. How long did it take for everyone's taste buds to recover and about how long before hair starts to grow back?