Docetaxel and Fatigue: What Users Say

• Bru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2021

Docetaxel for Solid Tumors "I took Taxotere from August to December 2018, got a dose every 3 weeks, a total of 6 doses. I'd get a dose on Tuesday, felt OK until Friday, Friday through Monday I was bedridden, then would slowly start to recuperate and at the end of the 2nd week would feel almost normal. The effects were cumulative and by the 5th dose, I felt crappy the whole time. I lost all my body hair. Main side effects were fatigue, constipation, loss of strength. Not much nausea. It did cause a tension in me that dominated my life - I was difficult, bitchy, afraid, confrontational. I ended up taking a mood enhancer (Zoloft), which has allowed me to sleep and relax. At the end, I looked as though I had one foot in the grave. It was March 2019 before I felt like a member of the human race again. Taxotere made a huge difference in my condition. The cancer was substantially shrunk. It was difficult, and I'm glad it's over, but it worked - I just hope I don't have to do it again."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2020

For Breast Cancer "I had BC recurrence of the original tumor, grade 3 Triple Neg, 2016 (previous lumpectomy and RT 2014). This time, mastectomy and chemo. Treatment was 4 rounds of FEC followed by 4 rounds of Docetaxel, all 21 days apart. I reacted as expected, I guess, always so careful to prevent infection, but unfortunately had neutropenia, sepsis, pneumonia, and suffered hair and nail loss, bone pain, and severe fluid retention leading to breathlessness and fatigue. Two years on, after completing the entire course, I'm still fatigued and breathless with strenuous exercise, but have returned to work and enjoy being alive."

• Nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 29, 2022

Docetaxel for Solid Tumors "I am currently on the 5th of 6 carbo/taxotere chemo. It has progressively gotten worse. I have chemical burns on my hands, a constant sinus infection with bloody scars since the first infusion, leg pain, foot pain, hip pain, extreme exhaustion, watery eyes, vision issues, chemical burns on my eyelids and under my eyes, mouth sores, GI issues, twitching muscles all the time, pain in my surgery area, extreme fatigue, nail ridges, split and bleeding fingers, headache, and more. I've been in the hospital 3 times... once after the first 3 infusions with dehydration, pain, etc. I am on morphine, oxycodone, and gabapentin. Nothing works for the pain. It wasn't until the 5th infusion I got nausea. Hair is 80% gone at this point... getting ready to shed on day 10 after the 5th infusion, I'm sure. I hope this is all worth it for 1c ovarian cancer. If it eliminates my cancer cells, I may change my rating."

• Nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 29, 2022

Docetaxel for Solid Tumors "I am currently on the 5th of 6 carbo/taxotere chemo. It has progressively gotten worse. I have chemical burns on my hands, a constant sinus infection with bloody scars since the first infusion, leg pain, foot pain, hip pain, extreme exhaustion, watery eyes, vision issues, chemical burns on my eyelids and under my eyes, mouth sores, GI issues, twitching muscles all the time, pain in my surgery area, extreme fatigue, nail ridges, split and bleeding fingers, headache, and more. I've been in the hospital 3 times... once after the first 3 infusions with dehydration, pain, etc. I am on morphine, oxycodone, and gabapentin. Nothing works for the pain. It wasn't until the 5th infusion I got nausea. Hair is 80% gone at this point... getting ready to shed on day 10 after the 5th infusion, I'm sure. I hope this is all worth it for 1c ovarian cancer. If it eliminates my cancer cells, I may change my rating."

• mic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2024

For Breast Cancer "Had my first cycle of docetaxel. Didn't experience side effects until 4 or 5 days later, maybe when the steroids were stopped. Terrible muscle and joint pain everywhere. Got a lot of indigestion and my mouth covered in a white coating. Cannot taste much and hardly any appetite. My hair started coming out after 14 days, although I did try the cooling cap. The hair has been coming out each day, which, when I saw it coming out in handfuls, was still upsetting. Also a lot of tiredness and fatigue. Having 4 cycles of this drug. Horrid stuff. Will see how I manage after my 2nd cycle tomorrow."