Start my chemo session Thursday ,any advice?

Sometimes the fingernails really get damaged from chemo as well as losing hair. They make ice gloves that can prevent the damage to fingernails and ice hats that can help you keep your hair. Amazon sells some. Some places that do the chemo actually have a machine that will keep your head cool to prevent hair loss, It is expensive, however.

Side effects from chemo vary dramatically. Some people have very few some people have serious side effects. I’ve heard from people that didn’t have any serious ones until after the third treatment.

I noticed my teeth and gums hurt I also developed very low blood pressure and I fell once going to the bathroom. So stay hydrated the tips of my hands would tingle

@jeffmarc Thank You Jeff you seem to be a lot of help,appreciate it.

@asolidrock Thank You for the response.

You will be able to predict when you are fatigued and feeling unwell and when you will feel pretty decent and be able to do things. We found that there was a definite cycle and pattern and could plan to do things when my husband felt OK and to stay close to home when he didn't. He had six cycles of docetaxel infusions three weeks apart. For us, the day of the infusion and for a day or two after, he had energy because of the dexamethasone or other steroid they gave him with the infusion to minimize side effects. Then the rest of that first week he felt exhausted. The second week he gradually regained some energy and felt more like himself. The third week he felt good, until the end of the week when he was due for the next infusion.

***It was also important to get Neulasta after every infusion to prevent his white cell count from crashing and causing the development of febrile neutropenia. He wasn't given Neulasta after the first infusion and we wound up in the ER because he developed febrile neutropenia--he spiked a fever and was in danger of developing an infection due to his low white cell count.

@lag Thank You for the info, appreciate it very much.

Finished 6 cycles of docetaxel July thru Jan 2025. All was fine until November when my balance went bad. Daily tennis is now over. Suzi Ice Pads were very uncmfortable and apparently didn't work in keeping chemo from damaging legs and hands. 10 rounds of acupuncture didn't help neuropathy either. Walking with cane now and back on chemo, this time Jevtana which started 1/10/26. Very good PSA and bone marrow response so I am encourged that this treatment can carry me until the next best thing comes along. Doctor AI recommends compression socks and 2 pairs of surgical gloves to hinder chemo damage. Check it out. Good luck.

@alperk Thank You for the response much appreciated. Sorry to hear you had a bad time with the docetaxel. I’ll have to check that out I have some neuropathy in feet now but seems to be getting better. Have some compression socks and will check out the surgical gloves when I go get my port put in Tuesday.

Best wishes on your treatment and...

Don't forget the free cookies! 😁

@mjp0512 Thank You