Docetaxel and Hair Loss: What Users Say

• Reb...
• November 21, 2017

Docetaxel for Solid Tumors "Doing 6 rounds three weeks apart. Also getting Perjeta and Herceptin. Have hair loss, heartburn, facial rash, weight gain, bowel issues occasionally. Overall, the first week after treatment is tough. Terrible taste in my mouth from this drug, and that is difficult to tolerate as most foods taste awful. Only one more treatment to go, I can't wait to be done with this. I do get tingling in my fingertips, like they are asleep. Doesn't last too long."

• 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."

• Cce...
• September 13, 2016

Docetaxel for Solid Tumors "I had a hysterectomy in December of 2015 and was diagnosed at a stage 1a with leiomyosarcoma (rare form of uterine cancer). I was also given Gemzar at the same time as Taxotere. Four cycles altogether (every 3 weeks). My side effects were hair loss (yes - eyelashes and brows), some nausea, skin peeling of hands and feet, severe edema and shortness of breath, fevers, bone pain, and muscle aches. It has now been 4 months since that drug was given to me. I had to follow those two drugs with 4 cycles of Adriamycin (which was like taking a baby aspirin compared to Taxotere). I completed my chemo on July 28th, I have had 1 CAT scan come back clear, so I get checked every 3 months for 2 years. I was scared at first, but now that I made it through, I am thankful I chose treatment."

• MAM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2016

Docetaxel for Breast Cancer "I had some horrible side effects. All my hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows fell out. I have super thin hair now, no eyelashes, and hardly any eyebrows. I had 4 treatments with this drug. At that time, I experienced severe pain that I had to go to the ER for, all of my fingernails and toenails fell out. I also had what seemed to be chemical burns on my hands and feet. My skin peeled off to reveal red, sore skin. I also had an infection at my cuticle site on all of my fingers. Though I have been in remission for 4 years, the side effects were awful. This was my second round of chemo. I had a first treatment with a different drug, 3 surgeries, and then this chemo followed with radiation."

• 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."

• 261...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 11, 2023

For Solid Tumors "I just completed a 9th chemo treatment. I am so exhausted! I lost my hair immediately, got mouth sores, rash, nail discoloration, no feeling in my fingertips, weakness, dry eyes, shortness of breath, and I am irritated. I am scheduled for round 10, but I am done!!! Going to look at other options."