Gem/Doce (gemcitabine + docetaxel): What side effects did you have?

Posted by lacks @lacks, Jul 8 8:59am

I recently had my ninth monthly Gem/Doce treatment. I’ve noticed that as these monthly treatments progress, the side effects seem to get worse.
Has anyone experienced neurological type side effects such as memory issues, slight tremors, etc.
Also, exhaustion, increased bruising, or a feeling of tongue being swollen.
I’m going to contact my physician about this, but I just curious what other side effects people have experienced.

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donchaz2u | @donchaz2u | Jul 12 6:39am

I just had my 10th maintenance gem/dox. I have polyneuropathy along with the bladder cancer so my neurologist told me that anytime the chemo infusion ending in x is given it will affect my neuropathy. Initially, the effect was more numbness above my knee. I have had greater amounts of fatigue and memory loss also, but I equate that more to age (78). What happened last treatment however was really strange. I had my infusion of gemcitabine. After 15 minutes or so, my feet felt like they were on fire, then as that subsided my legs got ice cold. This lasted for several minutes. It was hard for me to stand and walk and when I did the feet and legs stayed cold. When I went in for my dox I told the nurse who said she never heard of such a reaction but would note it. Like I said, I also have polyneuropathy.

honey750 | @honey750 | Jul 13 10:35am

@lacks
Hi, I don't get those side effects. I do however get UTI symptoms, but no infection. I have had 15 treatments. The last 3 were the ones with the UTI. Still have the symptoms 2 months after the chemo. I also have really bad muscle spasms in the legs, during the night. I never thought it could be from the chemo, since I always have them, just not as bad. I hope you can find relief, and answers. Blessings

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | 6 days ago

@lacks, it's not uncommon for side effects to increase over the course of treatment, especially fatigue and sometimes brain fog or cognitive issues. Did you have a chancce to discuss your side effects of tremors, memory issues and fatigue with your oncologist? How many more treatments do you have?

lacks | @lacks | 6 days ago

Thank you for asking. I did discuss everything with my physician. She told me if I thought I was having an allergic reaction to the chemo that we should stop. I am going to try one more treatment and should the same side effects occur. We will be finished at this moment I have three more treatments to go.

deb2024 | @deb2024 | 5 days ago

I had 15 treatments of gem/doc. The side effects increased over time. Very similar effects that you described. Some people don’t experience these side effects and only have minor issues. Everyone reacts to drugs differently. It has taken awhile for my body to recover and I’m grateful for that, continuing with treatment when you’re experiencing severe side effects is very difficult to make. I wish you the best!