Taxotere side effects?

Hi just posted some information on my new thread entitled "Tomorrow is SPA DAY". you can access the link here:

www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=3487380&g=3487380#m3487380

There is some ancillary information about how I handle it. Hope it sheds a little light.

Hello To Those Interested In Pursuing CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENTS !

Over the course of time, several of us have posted anecdotes about our experiences with TAXOTERE chemotherapy infusions.

I encourage you to do a "search" function for those past postings, as they are quite informative. Use the search bar located in the top right hand corner of your screen and you can search for other threads involving the topics of chemotherapy or more specifically, TAXOTERE.

TAXOTERE was first approved for the F.D.A. for use in the treatment of prostate cancer in the year 2004. Researchers spent YEARS finding chemotherapy compounds that could attack prostate cancer cells. At that time, TAXOTERE was typically used for advanced prostate cancer, after all other treatments had failed. It was once considered a "Hail Mary" pass in the last quarter of the football game, so to speak --- but certainly a tremendous STEP FORWARD in treatment options !

Things have CHANGED since then, my friends --- new breakthrough medications, used in combination with TAXOTERE, have created an entirely new landscape in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer and TAXOTERE has shifted to an upfront treatment option, rather than a "last shot" treatment option. It has now moved its way to the "front of the line" --- which means that now some fellows get started on a chemotherapy regimen almost immediately upon diagnosis --- often in combination with other medications or treatments.

In more recent times, based on the results of clinical studies such as the STAMPEDE trial and the CHAARTED trial, the use of TAXOTERE has been used MUCH more frequently as an upfront treatment for specific cases of advanced prostate cancer. It's important to note that TAXOTERE is also used as a chemotherapy treatment option for other types of cancer besides prostate cancer, as well.

As a weapon of attack, TAXOTERE has cytotoxic properties that attack rapidly growing cancer cells. Some of the cytotoxic, cancer-killing compounds used in TAXOTERE are derived from California yew trees. Who would have thought that yew trees would become a source for a potent form of defense against various forms of cancer, including prostate cancer ?!! Thank you, research scientists !

Meanwhile --- it's important to know each person's experience with chemotherapy, typically TAXOTERE, can vary widely. Some oncologists are now adding additional components to their chemotherapy blends, such as CARBOPLATIN and other compounds, to address the individual needs of the patient. These are commonly nicknamed CHEMOTHERAPY COCKTAILS, as the science of blending patient-specific chemotherapy mixtures continues to evolve in recent years.

During my chemotherapy treatments with TAXOTERE, I felt fortunate, in that I went to work each day and kept up a full schedule during my treatments, for the most part.

Several of us have banded together on this thread, with a common goal of sharing some of our experiences with chemotherapy in a "one brother to another brother" style ... honest and straightforward. We felt that learning about chemotherapy from other comrades who have been "soldiers from down in the trenches of battle" would provide a factual and honest account of our collective experiences, from a wide range of BATTLE BROTHERS, trusted and true ... from right here on our forum.

With that intent in mind, here are some things that I have learned, from my own first-hand experiences while undergoing a series of chemotherapy infusions, that might give you some insight if you are considering TAXOTERE chemotherapy treatments, now or in the future:

1. HAIR LOSS: Truth be told, fellows ... we'll get right down to it ... it's usually every fellow's first question about chemo treatments ... yes, I did lose all of my hair from the top of my head --- perhaps two weeks after my first chemo treatment, which is a common occurrence. However, some of my friends kept some of their hair, while ironically, other friends of mine kept ALL of their hair. So, as you can see ... hair loss can vary widely. Hair loss is quite typical for the MAJORITY of chemotherapy patients, so just be prepared in advance, my friends !

2. BUZZ CUT STRATEGY: When my hair started falling out, it was very SUDDEN. Almost every person who loses their hair reports this sudden phenomenon. My hair suddenly began falling out in clumps one morning in the shower, without any warning ! CLUMPS of hair in the shower drain ! As I continued to shampoo and then dry my hair with a towel ... even more fell out ! I went to work, not quite sure what would unfold next for me ... it soon became clear that even more hair was falling out throughout the work day, even at the slightest touch. MESSY ! What's a fellow to do, right ? Here's a simple strategy that works ... that evening after work, I quickly drove to a nearby barber shop and got a "buzz cut" to help ME make the transition. In the days thereafter, even the "buzz cut" started falling out completely. So ... about a week later, I finally got out my electric razor and used the electric clipper and completely buzzed off the rest ... and I was bald. To be honest, this was a bit hard to deal with at first, as you can lose some social confidence when you lose your hair so suddenly. At the first sign of hair loss, though, getting the buzz cut FIRST helped ME make the transition to total hair loss. If it begins to happen, go for a buzz cut that day. That strategy helped me immensely !

3. SOCIAL CONFIDENCE RESTORED: To help me deal with my hair loss, I just went and bought some casual hats and also a few dress hats --- I used the casual hats for everyday events and I used the dress hats for formal occasions. Having a VARIETY of hats helped me regain that little edge of confidence for social situations at various times. I also bought some winter hats to help me get through the cold winter season. Here in the Midwest region, the winter season is long and cold, so I was suddenly sporting some new stocking hats when winter rolled around. Hair loss --- if it happens, you deal with it, you throw vanity out the window, and you MOVE ON with your life. People DO understand --- they realize you are going through treatments --- they have compassion. When you put it in perspective --- I had always admired the bravery of others who experienced hair loss when THEY were going through medical treatments --- so, I suddenly realized that any traces of personal vanity needed to be put on the back burner --- and I just forged ahead with my treatments. This is a topic that needs to be addressed ... because fellows DO ask, "Does this mean I'm really going to lose my hair?" The truth ... maybe ... yeah, probably ... and you get over it ... with that being said, it's time to move on, fellows !

4. APPETITE: Before each chemotherapy treatment session begins, they give you anti-nausea infusions and steroids right before the TAXOTERE chemotherapy infusions. These components help you OVERCOME some of the side effects that once gave chemotherapy treatments a nasty reputation decades ago. Quite honestly, I did NOT have any digestive problems or nausea, whatsoever. I was very thankful for that ! Chemotherapy has improved in that regard in the past few years. Many of us have learned from personal experiences that it's best to eat properly while going through chemo treatments --- just do your best to stay away from greasy foods, fast foods, and junk foods, overall ... but don't deprive yourself of your favorite comfort foods along the way ! Personal confession ... after every chemotherapy infusion, I always went out to dinner that night at my favorite barbecue restaurant, just as a way to relax after "treatment day" was over ...

5. HEALTHY HYDRATION: An important lesson that I learned from my experiences and other CHEMO COMRADES here have concurred with this helpful tip over time --- drink plenty of water before each TAXOTERE infusion, but also keep drinking a healthy amount of water FOLLOWING each treatment after you get home. Your body needs WATER to deal with the toxins that are infused with each TAXOTERE treatment. Lesson learned - stay hydrated before AND after each chemo treatment. Water seems to be the best "elixir" for so many types of prostate cancer treatments and medications. Another helpful tip, from one fellow to another --- if you need to use the restroom DURING a chemo infusion, they can easily unplug the infusion machine and then you just plug it back in after you return from the restroom. No problem, no worries!

6. CHEMO ENERGY CRASH: A couple of days after each infusion, then you will typically experience what I call "CHEMO CRASH" --- 2 or 3 days after the treatment, usually. Ahhhh, yes ... the "crash" ... as we all call it, is somewhat of a delayed reaction, occurring a few days after a treatment, because of the initial steroids that they give you when you receive each treatment. A few days after each chemotherapy infusion, a feeling of malaise or lethargy is typical. You're going to feel like a car battery that needs a set of jumper cables on a cold winter's morning to get jump-started. I just found that resting on the couch or in a recliner seemed to help me the most. In a day or two, your body will begin to re-bound and your energy will be restored. The "CHEMO CRASH" feeling will begin to drift away. You can expect to feel this sensation after each treatment, but then it fades away and your energy returns.

7. ENERGY RESTORED: For fellows who are still active in their careers --- my oncologist timed my treatments so that my "chemo crash" would hit over the weekends, so that I could keep up my full work schedule. So, in my case, I had my treatments late on Wednesday afternoons and then the "chemo crash" would often hit Saturday evening or Sunday. By Monday and Tuesday, I could feel my energy coming back. Other fellows starting chemo often ask me, "How bad is the 'CHEMO CRASH' after each treatment?" Here is the description that seems to resonate the best with most fellows ... I tell them that it feels like a MILD hangover ... the mild hangover you might have felt in college the morning after a fraternity party, back in the day. Most fellows then say, "Thanks for that description ... feels like a mild hangover, you say ... been there, done that ... thanks for the honest answer, my friend." With that being said, I felt fortunate that I was able to keep working, with just a couple of days of feeling somewhat drained. My work kept me focused --- gave me goals to meet --- kept me grounded. Living your life during chemo --- many of us have found out that it truly CAN be done !

8. NETWORK OF SUPPORT: Chemo can be a ROUGH ROAD sometimes ... I have described it to my other BATTLE BROTHERS as walking down a gravel road in your bare feet on those rougher days when you feel the "Chemo Crash" coming on in the days after a treatment. Yep, gravel road with a few ruts here and there along the way ... admittedly, there can be some rough days, from time-to-time. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised that I WAS able to go to work and keep up with my usual social events and activities. For any fellow beginning chemo treatments ... here's some brotherly advice ... you need some support along the way to stay motivated and encouraged. Best advice, you ask ? Here it is, quite simply ... stay in TOUCH with family, friends, neighbors, work colleagues, church members, and so forth. You NEED people's encouragement and support to get through the weeks and months of chemotherapy. I worked very hard to keep my head in the game, stay involved with friends and relatives, and to keep attending social events. Trying to keep up normal routines also helped me cope with everything going on around me. Chemo can be a ROCKY ROAD at times --- physically, emotionally, spiritually --- you have to keep forging ahead each day --- so do everything you can to keep busy mentally and physically. At the same time, realize that there are times when you are going to need to rest and relax and take it easy on yourself. I sometimes had to tell myself that I couldn't be "SUPERMAN" in a red cape all the time, and that I simply needed to become best friends with my living room couch on some evenings, stay home, and just relax. I've heard of some fellows whose bosses allow them to take a short "power nap" or rest break during the work day, realizing that they are going through chemo treatments. Kudos to those bosses, for their compassion and understanding !

9. FORGING AHEAD: I was fortunate, because I had a couple of CHEMO COMRADES who went through the experience at the same time that I did. We formed a powerful bond of brotherhood and kept each other going --- checking in with each other --- we felt like fellow soldiers, going onto the battlefield together, supporting each other through those weeks and months. Nothing better than a loyal comrade during chemo treatments, fellows ! We still feel a sense of loyalty to each other from that experience. My advice, fellows ... do whatever it takes to find a loyal friend or relative or neighbor or old classmate or work colleague whom you can talk with and confide with during chemotherapy. If nothing else, this forum can serve that function for you ! There's certainly a band of CHEMO COMRADES for you, right here on this forum, ready to support you, encourage you, and advise you. The loyalty and compassion found here on this website is beyond compare ! After I finished chemo treatments, I now have other friends who have been diagnosed and I have volunteered to be their CHEMO COACH, because I know how important it is for fellows in our situation to have a buddy that knows and understands what this is like. Do whatever it takes to reach out and find some connections ! Support --- we ALL need that !

10. STAYING ACTIVE: Well, what about EXERCISE and physical activity ? I found that keeping physically active, as much as possible, also helped me. You don't have to become an Olympic athlete, fellows --- just a walk around the neighborhood for 20 minutes or so can do a LOT to keep you going during the chemo treatments. I also visited the gym now and then. During the winter months, when snow and ice made walking outdoors treacherous, I walked in an indoor location instead. Do whatever YOU like to do --- walk the dog through the park, mow the yard, shoot some hoops, go fishing, run on the treadmill, pedal the exercise bike, work in your garden, lift a few weights, walk for a bit on the nature trail, stop by the gym for a bit --- whatever appeals to you. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and choose good foods to eat and remember to stay hydrated. After one of my treatments, I slacked off on the water consumption and didn't bounce back as well from that treatment, so I learned my lesson on the importance of staying hydrated after each treatment. Eat a healthy balance of foods, stay as active as you can, rest when you need to, and stay hydrated in a healthy way !

11. CAUTIONARY NOTE: My doctor warned me that a fever of 100 degrees or more is VERY dangerous for chemotherapy patients. Your immune system becomes compromised during your treatments, including your white blood cells --- so there is an increased risk of fevers or infections, of course. So, if you experience any sort of fever of 100 degrees or more, get to an emergency room as soon as possible. There's your cautionary lesson for today --- we have some fellows here who HAVE experienced a spike in fever and they went to the clinic IMMEDIATELY, as they should. A few helpful tips to share ... keep your hands washed before eating --- stay away from cold and flu germs, as much as possible. I teach in an elementary school, with hundreds of young students --- so, I used antibacterial soap throughout the day and used antibacterial cloths to disinfect the student desk tops each evening after school. Keep your kitchen and bathroom disinfected at home, as well, just as a precaution --- in the interest of avoiding colds, flu, strep throat, and fever. A fellow "chemo comrade" of mine gave me a new thermometer as a "gift of caring" when I started my first chemotherapy treatment. Sometimes, the clinic will also give you a courtesy thermometer to keep with you at home and work. DO take action if you feel a spike of fever, fellows --- it is NOT something to ignore.

12. ICE CHIPS STRATEGY: To preserve my taste buds, my oncologist always insisted that I chew on ice chips DURING the actual chemo infusions and my sense of taste remained completely intact during all my months of chemo treatments. PLEASE ask for some ice chips before your infusion starts, fellows. It can't hurt, and it sure might HELP ! True story --- I had a friend who FORGOT TO ASK for ice chips and he regretfully lost his sense of taste --- spicy Mexican food suddenly tasted "bland" to him, so he knew he had lost some of his sense of taste and he wished later that he had remembered the strategy of chewing on ice chips during the chemo infusions. During your months of chemo, take GENTLE care of your mouth, as patients are prone to mouth sores. Brush and floss GENTLY, and avoid harsh brands of mouthwash, which can irritate your mouth because of the alcohol content. For the first couple of nights after an infusion, I took an extra shower, because you can almost feel the chemo "sweating out of your pores" at night for the first couple of nights. If I woke up in the night, I drank some more water. As the weeks of chemo treatments went on, I noticed that my face looked a little "puffy" due to the steroids that they give you before each chemo infusion to help your body tolerate the chemo. This is sometimes nicknamed "moon face" --- not a big deal, fellows, but something to mention. I will also say that my cheeks got a lot smoother --- I shaved every morning, because that's my habit, but your whiskers might really thin out, too, while you are doing chemo treatments. This is normal. Some of my friends who have recently gone through chemo were actually thankful that they could SKIP shaving, at times !

13. NEUROPATHY PREVENTION: Also --- my oncologist used this strategy and I have heard that more and more oncologists are now following this idea --- I was a bit incredulous at first, but now it is becoming more mainstream in its implementation among many doctors who oversee chemotherapy treatments. Other fellows here have now followed the same protocol. Here's how it worked in my case ... during infusions, they had me take off my shoes and I kept my socks ON --- then they put ice bags at my feet and told me to keep my feet on the ice bags during the infusions to prevent neuropathy --- they also placed ice bags on a pillow on my lap and told me to rest my fingers on ice bags to prevent neuropathy in my fingertips, which I did. I did this for EVERY chemo infusion session and had NO problems with neuropathy at all. My oncologist swore by this "ice bag method" method and so did my chemo nurses. So --- be PROACTIVE in advance and ASK for ice chips to chew on during the infusion process, to prevent loss of taste buds --- but also ASK your doctor about possibly using ice packs for your hands and feet to help PREVENT neuropathy damage in your fingertips and toes. Other fellows here have since affirmed that their doctors implemented this same method and reported positive results. PLEASE ask your doctor about this strategy, fellows ! Can't hurt and certainly MIGHT HELP !

14. HOT FLASHES & NIGHT SWEATS: Commonly, fellows who are starting chemo treatments are ALSO still taking ADT hormone shots to help control their P.S.A. levels. If you are taking ADT hormone shots and then begin chemo treatments, this COMBINATION of treatments is called "chemo-hormonal therapy" by doctors. Many men who are taking ADT hormone shots experience hot flashes throughout the day and/or nights sweats during the night. Some simple strategies for coping with these sudden and unexpected fluctuations in temperature that I have discovered over time include using room fans or ceiling fans to keep yourself cool and comfortable ... keeping glasses of ice water nearby throughout the day and on your nightstand by your bed ... wearing a lightweight cotton athletic shirt, with a button-down Oxford-style shirt over that, so that you can roll up the sleeves and adjust the buttons as necessary ... use cool cotton sheets and pillowcases for your bed, and you can double-sack your pillows to protect the pillows if you experience night sweats ... and some fellows use ice "gel packs" to apply to their forehead when a hot flash occurs. These are just some simple suggestions that I have gleaned over time if hot flashes or night sweats occur.

15. CHEMO BRAIN PHENOMENON: During the months of chemo treatments, I did feel that it was a bit harder to concentrate for longer periods of time. I functioned well at work throughout the day, but suddenly didn't feel that I could focus as well on a long chapter book or a long movie at night. Some chemotherapy patients describe it as "brain fog" or "chemo brain" and I think there is something to that. So, I contented myself with reading the newspaper, watching the news, and shorter television shows. Many fellows going through chemo feel that it's just harder to concentrate, to some extent. A common phenomenon experienced by many fellows who have undergone chemo treatments ! So --- if you find your attention span drifting a bit or find yourself forgetting a few things, now and then ... you can blame it all on what we have nicknamed CHEMO BRAIN ...

Again, while going through a series of chemotherapy treatments ... do EVERYTHING you can to stay interested in your family, friends, your usual activities, hobbies, and the world around you. Chemo is a CHAPTER in your life story --- don't let it become the TITLE of your BOOK OF LIFE. Keep living life as you go through the treatments, to the fullest extent possible !

I hope my list has given you some "real life" insight into my experiences with chemotherapy. These are the things that I learned from my experiences while going through TAXOTERE chemotherapy infusion treatments. These are some things that the standard chemo brochure from the doctor's office won't necessarily mention !

In all honesty, I felt I navigated through the entire series of chemotherapy treatments with side effects that were relatively MILD and very TOLERABLE ! I hope the things I have shared give you true-life insight and some things to consider. Each fellow has their own personal experience with chemo treatments. As I see all the responses being added to this thread, I feel that this thread is becoming very informative, with experiences gathered from a wide range of fellows who are now members of THE CHEMO CLUB.

Sent with my best,
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY ~ CYCLONE FAN

Cyclone... excellent post! Aside from the ice chips and the ice bags, that is exactly what my husband experienced.

Gary has had quite a few chemo treatments and experience was very similar to cyclones, with one big difference. Rarely, but often enough a patient, as with Gary, will have a vascular reaction to taxanes immediately. It is scarey and tx needs to be immediately halted for that session. However, there are newly discovered ways to administer the drugs that halt reaction, which I can share if anyone has need. Just make sure there is medical folks nearby when first tx is administered to keep an eye out for reaction.

Hi Cyclone and Ed-bar:

I am a G9 at 76 who, after 4 years of treatment (see summary below), had to go to Taxotere to reduce my rapidly increasing PSA. I have had 5 infusions so far and have had much the same reaction as Cyclone. The lethargy hits the 3rd day and lasts for 2-4 days. The 5th infusion seemed to be the worst and I worry that it might become increasingly worse with each succeeding infusion (but, maybe, as you point out, I did not consume enough water - an excellent suggestion).

The infusions have been very effective, reducing PSA from 48 to 1.11 so far.

I do have a couple of additional points to offer.

1. Neulasta - I take this shot 24 hours after the infusion to boost my white cell count. It is expensive at $4000 but my insurance covers.

2. Infection - my onc's great concern. His advice is to stay away from crowds 6 to 13 days after the infusion, and to wash hands often (I try to avoid handshakes). Unfortunately, a lump has been detected in my colon which requires major surgery to remove. The plan is to skip one infusion to allow for this surgery, but the risk of infection in the hospital is not to my liking.

3. Exercise - I do a full 90 minute workout twice a week, except on the 2-4 days after the infusion when I have no energy. I find that I have lost strength on the weights and cardio and floor exercises due to chemo. I also have lost 10 pounds from my normal at 170 pounds.

4. I also have a "Port a Cath" through which I take the infusion.

5. My onc has not advised on the ice chips or mouth problems - neuropathy is listed as a side effect but I have had no indication of it.

My question to you is how many infusions are you all taking? My onc wants me to continue permanently every 3 weeks, save for a break now and then. He advises it is better than doing it intermittently (e.g. with a "holiday" until the PSA rises again).

Thanks for posting such an excellent detailed review of the effects of Taxotere infusions. I realize it is very individual, but we seem to have many common points.

Houseboy

Hello !

Yes --- I also had the "full dose" TAXOTERE infusion every 3 weeks. So, I was on a 21 day regimen cycle.

I do know some patients receive a smaller dose, on a once a week cycle.

As many have experienced over time, the TAXOTERE chemotherapy infusions compromised my immune system, unfortunately ... so I received the expensive shot called NEULASTA 24 hours after each chemo infusion. This didn't impact my daily activities at all, which was fortunate. It just meant that my oncologist kept a closer watch on my lab work levels throughout my series of chemo infusions.

My oncologist made the decision about my need for NEULASTA shots, as he watched my blood lab levels following my first chemotherapy infusion. I still went to work every day and seemed to maintain my energy, for which I was thankful. At first, I resented the fact that I was in need of NEULASTA shots to restore my immune system, but looking back, I realize it helped me MAINTAIN my health during chemo treatments. Most patients don't need NEULASTA shots after chemo treatments, but I did. I must say --- the NEULASTA shots worked wonders in my case, in terms of restoring my immune system. Your doctor will monitor your blood levels and will let you know if you are in need.

My chemo treatments were done quite simply --- the chemo nurse inserted one tiny infusion needle in the top of my hand --- the entire infusion process was done through that one needle insertion each time. Only one needle injection, fellows --- that's it !

In retrospect, I guess I envisioned thousands of needles being inserted into me, like some scene out of a medieval torture chamber from an old Gothic horror movie starring Vincent Price ! The infusion process was simply that ... one needle inserted into the top of my hand. I wish someone had told me that ... I would have slept a lot better the night before my first treatment.

Other doctors prefer that an infusion PORT be inserted for a period of months in the patient's upper chest. These ports allow lab draws and infusions to be done through the port. In my case, my oncologist stated that he preferred that we simply do the infusion in the top of my hand each time, which worked out quite well. I've known other fellows who had a port inserted into the top of their chest for infusions. Check with your doctor about which infusion method will be used in your particular case.

It's a great idea to take along a friend or a relative who will keep you company during the infusion process --- you can bring along music or magazines --- some clinics have televisions set up to watch during chemotherapy treatments, if that suits you --- some clinics have individual infusion rooms for patients --- whereas other clinics have larger infusion rooms that accommodate several patients at one time --- allowing patients to socialize, compare stories, and visit with one another. I've been in both settings --- but it was nice to always have a friend or relative with me, just for moral support.

Lots of clinics offer snacks and drinks while you are going through your chemotherapy infusion --- I always packed a few of my favorite snacks and a bottle of juice or water to take along with me. Sometimes the infusion process can take a few hours --- my doctor reserved the "last appointment of the day" for me for my treatment days --- so that my time missed at work was very minimal.

The doctors, nurses, and staff are EXTREMELY caring in oncology departments, in my experience. They are very attentive to patients during the chemotherapy process, and will check on you frequently. Truthfully, your level of confidence will SOAR after your first treatment --- because each treatment follows the same pattern after that. Every friend I have known in this battle has been nervous before their first treatment, but then relieved from that point forward, once they went through the first treatment.

Yes --- due diligence is needed for hand washing and sanitation during your course of treatments. I work in a very public job, as an elementary school teacher with hundreds of students in my school, and my oncologist was concerned about 'the germ factor' with so many young students where I teach. Fortunately, I didn't get a cold or flu during my treatments.

My oncologist insisted I receive a flu shot, however. He now asks that I receive the flu shot each year, without fail. No negotiating on that one, he said ! After my chemo treatments were over, it was also decided that I would also receive the preventative vaccine that helps prevent the shingles. These are some things to discuss with your doctor.

My oncologist thought it would be best if I wore a protective cloth face mask each day while I was in public to avoid germs. I teach elementary students all day, so I did refuse that option, which he understood. Friends and colleagues who had colds and flu knew to keep their distance. We live in a public society, so you just have to do the best you can to stay healthy. But I do recommend FREQUENT hand-washing ! Antibacterial cloths can be used to sanitize your kitchen and bathroom and work surfaces. In my case, I sanitized the student desks in my classroom each evening after school.

Some of you mentioned allergic reactions to the chemo. It's important to know these allergic reactions are RARE, but I had a sudden reaction during my SECOND treatment, but not the first treatment. The doctor said it was because the first time, my body didn't recognize the chemo, but for the second treatment, my body DID recognize the chemo compounds and I had an allergic reaction to it. It was a bit of an emergency --- I turned beet red, became a bit short of breath, felt a burning sensation from the infusion, and the doctors and nurses came running to my side. They stopped the chemo infusion and immediately pumped me full of BENEDRYL, and the allergic reaction subsided. After a period of time, the chemotherapy infusion continued, this time without a hitch. From then on, I always had to be pre-treated with liquid BENEDRYL before each chemo infusion. Again, an allergic reaction is very rare, but it should be mentioned.

From experiences and a bit of additional research, friends of mine have asked how to flush the toxic qualities of a chemo infusion out of the body after a treatment. First of all, everyone agrees that it's VITALLY important to drink water in the days BEFORE a treatment and in the days AFTER a treatment.

While water is the magic "elixir" that helps the body flush the toxins out of your system after a treatment, other fellows drink water with fresh lemon or fresh lime wedges. Other fellows also drink herbal tea, without caffeine, as caffeine dehydrates the system and the kidneys. You can also drink natural fruit juices --- from the store or get out your kitchen blender --- all of these ideas being ways to stay naturally HYDRATED.

If you wake up in the night and experience the feeling that the chemo is "sweating out of your pores" --- don't be alarmed --- this can also happen, almost like someone who has been out at the pubs for a night drinking whiskey and they find that the whiskey is "sweating out of their pores" afterwards --- if you experience this with chemo, take an extra shower or two throughout the day as a way to refresh yourself. Keep extra ice water next to your bedside --- and some fellows have stated that they kept frozen gel ice packs by their bedside, as a bit of relief for "hot flashes and night sweats" --- HEATWAVES, I guess you could say !

Even though you might be feeling lethargic a few days after each chemo treatment, do everything you can to exercise a bit. The exercise also keeps the circulation going, which helps remove the chemo toxins from the body. Exercise and some healthy activity and sweating also help the process.

Along these same lines, a focus on healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber can help the digestive system do its part in removing the chemo toxins.

Hot showers or hot baths can also help open up the pores naturally, allowing the sweat glands to do their part in helping to remove the toxins that follow a chemo treatment, as well. It's all about balance and taking care of your health while undergoing a series of chemo treatments.

I DO want to emphasize that despite all the experiences being shared, I functioned VERY well during chemo treatments. It helped bring my PSA down to the lowest level I had EVER experienced. I think that's important for everyone to consider. It can be a rocky road at times, to be sure, but chemo added a different way to treat the disease.

If you need a visual image, think of chemo as loading a second SHOTGUN to aim at your disease, adding its additional powers to your current treatments and medications. Chemo treatments target, kill, and attack the cells that the ADT hormone shots can not fully attack --- those residual, pesky, resistant cancer cells.

Chemo is not a Sunday picnic in the park, but I honestly wanted to go to bed each night KNOWING that I was personally pursuing EVERY treatment option that exists today --- with the thought that newer treatments and medications are emerging on the horizon. I want to be there to see that day ... so, I jumped on the chance to pursue chemo treatments the minute they were offered to me as an option.

Because of this, I was in the first wave of fellows in this country who were treated with the newly approved "upfront chemo plan" that showed a benefit for adding TAXOTERE chemo treatments as a frontline form of attack for advanced prostate cancer. I hadn't even reached my 50th birthday at that time --- I wanted to do EVERYTHING I could to fight !

Ironically, I started my chemo treatments during the first week of a new school year --- I was just getting started with a new group of elementary students to teach and it was "Back To School" time --- I started my treatments on a blazing hot August afternoon ... and when I drove home from my last treatment four months later in November ... a few flakes of snow were drifting down, right before the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. The seasons had changed during the course of my treatments ... but each treatment, drip-by-drip with each infusion, over the course of time, knocked my PSA down to low decimal numbers that I never dreamed were possible in my case.

Undergoing chemo treatments is based on each patient's individual case, and each case MUST be carefully considered with your doctors ... but chemo treatments helped me and since then ... chemo treatments have helped friends of mine whom I've known for decades and who now share the same diagnosis. So, I have to consider myself an ADVOCATE for the potential powerful impact that chemo can have for cases like mine.

It's also important to remember that in recent years, they have worked on formulating the chemo compounds so that there ARE fewer side effects than there used to be years ago. Chemo has such a terrible reputation because of what it used to be like decades ago, and many of those misconceptions about chemo treatments still persist ... the tales of endless weeks of nausea and chronic malaise that used to be associated with chemo years ago.

Those side effects were NOT part of my experience at all ... and have not been experienced by my friends who have also pursued chemo treatments for their prostate cancer. The truth is, fellows, many of us here on this forum have tolerated chemo treatments VERY WELL and I think it's important to share that message.

Over time, doctors have worked in earnest on components to improve energy level ... they've added components to combat and even eliminate the nausea and digestive issues ... methods to reduce the frequency of neuropathy in fingers and toes ... additives to boost immune levels during the treatments ... and strategies to overcome allergic reactions, should they occur. Follow-up care and patient monitoring following each chemo infusion has ALSO improved over time, as well.

There are MANY of us now on this forum who have pursued the chemo treatments for metastatic disease, based on the important findings of the CHAARTED and also the STAMPEDE study. If you only see your urologist, I also want to emphasize the importance of adding an ONCOLOGIST to your medical team. My oncologist opened up many new doors and many new treatment ideas and possibilities, just when I needed them the most.

Anyone needing support during chemo treatments will find that support right here on this forum. None of the members here would ever leave a "Chemo Comrade" left behind on the battlefield during their treatments. That's the impact and power of this supportive website !

Keep facing forward in the battle, my friends,
CYCLONE FAN ~ Iowa State University

Thanks to all. This is extremely helpful so we know what to expect.

Beginning with my third session I started developing chemo nails. They are becomng dry and brittle and some have turned black and infected. The three tht were infected began to ooze so I squeezed most of it out and poured peroxide in between the nail and nail bed and the black dissapeared. I can only surmise that the black color indicates infection. I will be using bandaids around my fingernails to prevent them from getting caught and pulled off.

Before starting Chemo I asked about ice chips, the ice gloves and ice socks for my feet but my Onc said it had no effect so I did not follow tnis path. Now i kinda wish I did.

Hello To My Fellow "Battle Brothers" ~

This thread has been active over time, and used as a reference point for many of our new comrades who are beginning TAXOTERE chemotherapy treatments for the first time. Many of our members here have contributed to this thread over time, for which I am grateful ! It helps to hear from a wide range of fellows, each sharing their first-hand experiences to benefit others, present and future.

With recent studies indicating the value of chemo treatments for advanced cases, and studies including survival benefit for adding "upfront chemo treatments" upon diagnosis of advanced cases, we DO have more and more members here now actively pursuing chemo treatments. Adding early chemo treatments for advanced cases upon diagnosis represents a paradigm shift in the treatment sequence recommended by many doctors in recent years. So --- we've got more fellows here who have joined THE CHEMO CLUB in recent months.

It's been two years now since I started my chemo treatments, when I was still in my 40s --- full-blown prostate cancer that had already infiltrated both of my lungs when I was diagnosed. I honestly felt like I was fighting a Midwestern prairie fire that had already been fueled by kerosene when I walked onto this battlefield. How's that for a visual image? I knew I needed every weapon I could find ... and then the new "upfront chemo plan" emerged, right at that time. The choice seemed apparent to me ... GO BIG, or GO HOME !

It's daunting, when you start your first chemo treatment and you honestly don't know what to expect --- that's the value of this entire thread. You gain confidence with every treatment, once you begin. This thread provides that invaluable, behind-the-scenes, "what it's REALLY like" insight into chemo treatments.

I thought it might be helpful to add onto this thread, describing what it's like AFTER a series of chemo treatments are finished. We've got several members here who are just now finishing up their treatments. What can you honestly expect once chemo treatments are finished up ? That's a new angle regarding chemo treatments that hasn't been explored.

I'll share some experiences, based on the experiences my fellow CHEMO COMRADES and I have had after we "finished up" our series of TAXOTERE chemotherapy infusions ...

1. BACK TO THE BARBER SHOP: First of all, if you had hair loss during chemo treatments ... your hair should eventually grow back. To be honest, it took several months for my hair to reach its original length and I had to be PATIENT for the re-growth to occur. After some months, I eventually needed a HAIRCUT once again --- let me tell you, I was HAPPY to pay for that first haircut and my barber was happy to see me once again. Some of my friends never lost any hair during their chemo treatments --- but most fellows experience full hair loss or partial hair loss --- and it takes some time for your hair to grow back. Patience is a virtue !

2. GOOD-BYE TO THE STOCKING HATS & BASEBALL CAPS: Some fellows report that eyelashes, eyebrows, nasal hair, chest hair, body hair, and whiskers fell out during chemo treatments --- again, re-growth occurs in due time. It's nice to have hair re-growth after weeks and months of hair loss, because you do start to look like your old self once again for social events ! If I have one bit of advice, looking back --- PLEASE, fellows, don't let a few months of hair loss turn you into a recluse --- I got a buzz cut first, then lost the hair on my head, but I didn't let it impact my world --- you just jump right back into living. Wear a hat, if it helps your confidence level --- whatever it takes to keep up with your social life --- family, friends, community, church, recreation --- all of it. People care --- and people DO understand !

3. GETTING YOUR "MOJO" & ENERGY RESTORED: After chemo treatments are completely finished, you suddenly realize that your ENERGY is completely restored. During chemo treatments, there is that cycle of energy flow going up and down after each infusion process --- so, it's nice when you don't have to go through the "chemo crash" that you typically experience after each treatment.

4. IMPROVED LAB LEVELS: Your blood levels and immune system begin to restore themselves --- your oncologist will keep tabs on your lab work at your check-ups after chemo --- and you should then expect to see your white blood cells and red blood cells and other blood work components restoring themselves to a better level, once chemo treatments are completed.

5. PHYSICAL FITNESS: Physically, you will feel the need to get yourself back into shape somewhat --- you feel more energized and robust, in most cases. With your energy level staying more intact, you begin pursuing physical activities more consistently, in most cases --- and you start building yourself back up after chemo treatments are finished. You suddenly start to hear comments like, "It's nice to see you looking like your old self once again. I can tell you are getting all your energy back." Yep --- soon enough, you get the swag back in your step, fellows !

6. LOOKING LIKE YOUR "OLD SELF" ONCE AGAIN: With chemo treatments, there are usually steroids that accompany the treatments, to help your body tolerate each treatment. Quite often, fellows report "moon face" from the steroids --- a phenomenon where your face and cheeks can become more rounded or puffy --- and so after the chemo treatments are finished, the "moon face" puffiness begins to disappear.

7. MENTAL FOCUS: Some fellows report memory loss or "brain fog" or "chemo brain" during their chemo treatments --- difficulty in concentrating, difficulty in remembering, difficulty in staying focused. I stayed very focused at work during my chemo treatments, but I realized at night that I had a harder time staying focused. It seems like there is a level of distraction that you have to combat during the weeks you are going through chemo treatments. That distraction begins to drift away, in my experience, anyway. Some weeks after chemo treatments ended, I suddenly found myself interested in chapter books and in-depth reading and movies once again. I've heard other fellows say this --- and they suddenly find themselves more focused and able to concentrate in the weeks after their last chemo infusion. I suddenly had the attention span it takes to follow an epic movie or a lengthy chapter book, once again.

8. "CHEMO VEINS" PHENOMENON: After all my chemo treatments were finished up, I found that blood draws were becoming increasingly difficult in the lab. The lab technicians seemed to have a more difficult time finding suitable veins in my arms for simple lab draws. The lab technicians told me they had seen this before in SOME post-chemo patients --- but certainly not all. The lab technicians that work with my simply nicknamed it "chemo veins" --- and other friends of mine have experienced this following their series of chemo treatments. After some frustrating trips to the lab ... with me going home looking like a punctured dartboard, we came up with an easier solution. In my case, the lab technicians now draw the blood from the TOP of one of my hands each time --- MUCH easier, in my case. Basically, the veins in my arms have gone into "hiding" ... so to speak. The technicians have me run warm water over my hands ... or they place a hand warmer on the tops of my hands for a few minutes to "draw up" the veins. If you start experiencing difficult lab draws, PLEASE ask your lab technician to try using the top of your hand instead ... as an alternative. I now REQUEST this each time I go into the lab, and other friends of mine have found this method works for them, as well.


9. WHISKERS REAPPEAR: Whisker growth during chemo treatments can definitely slow down or come to a standstill --- often, fellows going through chemo treatments for prostate cancer are ALSO on ADT hormone shots. My whiskers seemed to go into hibernation, so to speak, during those weeks and months that I was undergoing chemo treatments. Some weeks after chemo treatments end, then your whiskers begin to make an appearance again. Welcome back to your morning shave routine, fellows !

10. BACK IN THE SWING OF THINGS: Lastly, your social calendar opens up a little more --- you aren't tied to the "ball and chain" involved in the treatment cycle, with such frequent medical appointments that are required during the treatment process. During chemo, you are constantly counting days until your next appointment ... arranging your schedule around "treatment days" ... and putting your life on hold during those infusion appointments, staying on the strict schedule that comes with the chemo treatment regimen. You become more confident again --- and less worried about catching germs, colds, and flu --- which are to be avoided at all costs when going through chemo.

We all acknowledge that chemo treatments can be like running a marathon, with hurdles to jump over along the way ... you've got to have determination, patience, and endurance ... yet many of us have found that the treatments seem to clip along at a steady pace --- pretty soon, you are halfway done with your treatments --- and soon enough, the treatments are completed.

In the Midwest, farmers have an old expression that states that challenges in life can be a "hard row to hoe" --- like a Midwestern cornfield filled with WEEDS on a summer's day. Chemo can be a "hard row to hoe" at times --- but many of us here have experienced relatively mild side effects, and will attest to the fact that we led ACTIVE lives all during our chemo treatments.

It's important to define yourself as someone who is pursuing chemo TREATMENTS, in the interest of your health ... and not limit yourself by defining yourself as a chemo VICTIM. There's a difference there, fellows !

I appreciate the researchers who have worked so diligently over time to improve and lessen the side effects of chemo treatments. I know that researchers dream of a day when chemotherapy treatments will be replaced by something more easily tolerated than chemo treatments, but we all understand the important concept that chemo has the strong potential to attack cells that other current treatments can't fully attack, at this point in time.

So --- chemotherapy treatments have a valuable place as one of the weapons in the current arsenal of weapons against prostate cancer. It has helped thousands of prostate cancer patients since its FDA approval in 2004. I am just one of those patients.

We welcome others to add their first-hand experiences with chemo treatments onto this thread. I thought it might be helpful to add onto this thread --- sharing a bit about life AFTER chemo treatments are completed !

My thoughts, my experiences, my medical 'journey' ---
"CYCLONE TEAM FAN" ~ Iowa State University

My husband had his first taxotere treatment two weeks ago. He was put on daily Prednisone a week before treatment, and the day of treatment he was given a shot of Xgeva, and IV's of Zofran and Decadron. As with the radiation and ADT, he's had very few side effects. No noticeable crash days, minor taste issues - now gone, losing some hair, some strange small blotches on his arm that could have been from the sun; overall nothing remarkable. We hope this continues since we have 9 more cycles planned. Best of luck to our fellow chemo comrades.

I am posting my experience so far with Taxotere so that others who search can find answers in one place.

I completed round 3 of 6, 10 days ago. And to date I have to be one of the luckiest SOBs on the planet who has gone through the Taxotere treatment plan.

Just a little recap of the why for Lupron/Taxotere at this time. Had surgery, had SRT and it is still systemic. 2014 spent one year on Lupron and PSA dropped from 92.5 to 3.84. 2015 was a year long HT break. 2016 PSA came back with a vengeance so my Onco and I agreed to hit it a little harder with the Lupron/Taxotere plan. To date PSA has dropped from 143 to 47.65 at the time of the last treatment.

In preparation for the treatment, I had some visiting fellow cancer buddies buzz my head really close with clippers. Sure enough at about day 12-15 from 1st treatment, my hair started falling out. So the day before my second treatment, I had my head shaved with a straight razor at the barber shop. Since that day I have not lost any hair and it is slowly growing back. Go figure.

I am taking 5mg Prednisone daily from the first day of treatment. Before each infusion of Taxotere, I receive an infusion of Dexamethasone steroid.

Each treatment day I bring my own large physical therapy frozen ice packs and I keep my feet (top and bottom) and my hands covered in them. I keep my mouth full of crushed ice mixed with Powerade. I drink 6-8, 16oz bottles of water the day before treatment and for the next 4 days at a minimum. The Dexamethasone really cranks me up for about 3 days. I have excess energy to burn and plan all of my to-do's and whatever for those days. I can't really say that I have a chemo crash day, I think that I just settle back in to my normally reduced energy level from the lupron.

My side effect experience so far just pales in comparison to what many of you have gone/are going through. I have had no issues with intestinal distress, I have no neuropathy issues, no nausea, and I have still have great sense of taste.

For about a week following the 3rd treatment, I thought I was going to have some taste issues. My tongue felt like it was wrapped in gauze or something and my taste was softened to a degree. But that seems to have passed. I did start rinsing my mouth with a warm water, baking soda and salt solution about 3-4 times a day and I am also brushing my teeth after every meal.

I don't know if it is a SE from the Lupron, the Taxotere or the combination of the two, but I do seem to be a little more on edge lately. I definitely have to think before I speak otherwise I can come across like a horse's arse, grouchy old man. That is probably bothering me more than anything.

I also seem to have some pretty good mood swings, but what the hell. I am 68, I have been dealing with this crud since June 2009 and it just ain't ever going to fully go away. On the other hand I am constantly striving to choke the hell out of life for every day I am given and my overall attitude is on the extremely high end of positive. I don't know but that attitude may be what allows me to deal with this crud as I need to and the rest of time I am just having a ball with life.

FWIW,

Sonny

I am days 3 post docetaxel/carboplatin chemotherapy. So far no nausea, neuropathy, pain, fatigue or major side effects. The only thing I have noticed is a "chemical" feeling in my body and my mouth. I am hoping that dissipates with time. I know it is early and only the first round so we will see how the rest goes. In the meantime, I am living life and working out as usual. I will keep posting as we go.

Best to all.