Starting docetaxel chemotherapy

Having started this thread, a quick update after 4th cycle of docetaxel. 

First cycle, I was really nervous. Now I know what it is like, I'm keen to get in to the chemo suite in the morning, get it done, collect my meds and get on with my day, home by 1pm and work in the afternoon. PICC line makes it a breeze and no problems with infusions cycles 2-4. 

I have chemo on a Wednesday morning, I now know I expect to have energy in the afternoon, all day thursday and then fatigue starts Friday and then full kicks in for 3 days from Saturday thru Monday. Start having more energy on Tuesday but it takes me 2 more days to be fully active again. 

I get some slight diarrhoea the evening of chemo, but then no more; never had any constipation. 
No other side effects of note. 

I'm on darolutamide plus a 6 monthly testosterone blocker. So hot flushes are an issue, about every hour, day and night time. If they wake me at night, then my sleep is shot and combined with the chemo, the fatigue is worse. 
Main side effect is fatigue. 

My blood work has always been good: white blood cells and neutraphils within normal range, so this has never been an issue for me. 

Question: as I start to approach the end of the 6 cycle regime, what are other people's experience of "what happens next". I have bone mestasteses so I am expecting to have a further scan (MRI /CT /PET) to compare a before and after chemo treatment; I've been quoted 2 weeks after the last chemo treatment for a scan, what are other people's experience? Is there a typical PSA blood test regime / interval, post treatment  to monitor for changes? How soon after treatment ends do people then see their consultant? 

Great thread. I start my Chemo next Monday so I’ll be looking at all the tips on here from you all. 

Cheers

Phil

Thank you so much for this post Jay. My husband who is 78yrs is going to start Docetaxyl  next week.  We are trying to be positive & confident even though we are v scared Your advice is v helpful .

Warm wishes

Sue

Can I just say thanks for this conversation. I start my chemo next Tuesday. Six sessions planned. Must admit I’m scared, but the comments have been a great help and given me some idea of what to expect, and what might help. 
I’m probably most troubled by the risk of infections, and so far I’ve been told I won’t be given anything to increase white blood cells until they see if it’s needed. I have been told to avoid mixing in crowds, and avoid contact/hugs etc, so I’ve just started that in advance to be certain. 
Many thanks, Norman 

My dad did 6 rounds last year. Cannulas wrecked his veins by round 2, so he switched to a PICC line, way easier and less painful. A port’s even lower maintenance long term but does need a quick surgery.

On the filgrastim, same deal here: “we’ll give it if you crash.” His neutrophils tanked after round 3, and they jumped in with Neupogen. Just watch for any fevers and push for it if you’re feeling rough.

Side note: we learned to document everything (dates, site issues, side effects). I saw on Oberheiden P.C. (they handle medical device injury claims) that catheter and infusion pump screw-ups can lead to real legal headaches. Not common, but being cautious saved us grief: https://federal-lawyer.com/bard-power-port/settlement-amounts/

Edited by member 18 May 2025 at 06:57  | Reason: Not specified

I posted on 19 March saying I was soon to start my chemotherapy and was scared. I’ve had my third cycle of Docetaxyl and I just take Dexamethasone 12, 3 & 1 hour before. So far all has gone better than I imagined. 

I’ve found tiredness kicks in days 3 - 5 mostly; had painful indigestion but gaviscon sorted that out; constipation, but taking senna immediately has helped. And I’ve always found the Assessment Unit helpline to be very understanding, even though I felt I was ringing them a lot during the first cycle when everything was new. During this third cycle I’ve had redness on my hands, and a little nausea, but the anti-sickness tablets have controlled that.

 I was really concerned about catching infections so decided to only mix indoors with immediate family who I’m 100% sure of. I see friends out in the fresh air, and so far I’ve stayed clear of anything. The good weather has really helped. Trying to keep up walking most days to keep active, and managing housework and gardening fine. Fortunately retired so I’ve not had to worry about work.

My results have been encouraging. All my blood results have ended up higher than when I started, and my PSA is down to 1.1 from 21.7. 

So early days, but keeping positive. Halfway through, with radiotherapy once I finish chemotherapy. 

Hope all keeps going well for everyone.

Norman