Hi,

I had my fourth chemo last Thursday and it was my first dose of docetaxel. I was very lucky with the FEC, the side effects weren't too bad. But this has absolutely floored. I was ok for first 3 days, definitely more tired but no nausea this time which was great.
 

But Sunday things took a big change, I woke up in complete sweats and with a high temp. I held off ringing the helpline because I was that weak but called them the next day. They couldn't confirm if this is normal or if I may have caught the virus, but told me just to keep taking the paracetamol as they want to keep any at risk out of hospital if possible. 
Temp has stayed down so I've been taking paracetamol and they had given me antibiotics to take at last treatment so I'm taking them and drinking plenty but still sweating a lot, little energy and can't sleep I'm that stressed. I self-isolated for 3 weeks before my chemo appointment, sanitised my hands constantly and came straight home after so I don't even know how I could have caught it. Did the docetaxel affect anyone else as badly? Or am I just being completely paranoid given the times that we're going through?

Most people say that the Doxetactol is the one that floors you. I have only had FEC so far, so haven't experienced it yet and hoping Oncologist won't prescribe it for me. Day 4 of my 3rd chemo and feeling a little nauseous and tired this evening. We are so unlucky with the Virus worry too, I have had a slight sore throat today and a croaky throat so scared too. It's hard to know if it the chemo or virus making us ill having been at the hospital. I would say just keep phoning the nurses if you're worried, but it sounds to me if they are saying just take parecetomol they are not too concerned and keep taking your temperature. What a journey, stay strong,

Silver x 

Hi Silver

Thank you for your reply and I'm sure you're right. s really just worry on top of worry right now for us, but we'll get through this. Hope your side effects lift soon and you start feeling better. Stay safe and stay strong!

MartinaG x

Hi, so I had my last docetaxol chemo 27th March. Other than being tired and a bit achy I haven’t felt too bad up until today (day 8) when I’ve had to take myself back to bed. My legs just feel so heavy and horrible bone pain caused by the injections to stimulate the bone marrow. 

Martina, I experience hot flushes and sweats followed by chills from about day 3. It dose calm down but you need to keep checking your temperature. I also seem to get sore throats that come and go and in fact I woke up last night and could barely swallow. It’s a bit better today but It’s always at the back of my mind... did I catch it while at the hospital?!?!  I’m meant to be having a lumpectomy on the 24th April.. I really want it fine so I can proceed with radiotherapy treatment but the risk of catching this virus seems to increase every day. Watching the news is just so depressing. 

Fish n chips x

Hi Fish n chips

The virus was the only thing going through my head and like you I had the sore throat too. Thankfully I started returning to normal by day 9/10. Definitely scary symptoms with the times that we are in.
I met with my oncologist last week and she has confirmed the rest of my chemo is cancelled, just too high risk with the virus. But the team seem fairly happy I've had a strong enough cocktail to successfully complete the mop up. I know it's for the best considering things at present but it is devastating and I just hope it doesn't compromise my recovery in the long run. But I know every Trust is different so fingers crossed your surgery will go ahead. Even better please God the virus will be gone by then #StayPositive!!

Please everyone take extra good care of yourselves and stay safe x