The fourth chemo session meant that the drug regime was changing, I initially had 3 sessions of the FEC combination. This now stopped and I was to have Docetaxel instead (Clinical research indicates this is the most effective treatment protocol).
Click on this link for information on how FEC-D works
I attended my chemo session with my sister for company. We were seen initially by the Oncologist who checked my blood test results (taken the previous day at my GP surgery). She was happy with my bloods so chemo would go ahead. She asked if I had taken my steroids (dexamethasone) the previous day and before attending today. I confirmed I had, this is very important as they would not commence the new chemo regime if I had missed the steroids due to the high risk of allergic reactions to the Docetaxel.
She advised me of the potential side effects of Docetaxel…..very different to the previous combination. These include joint pains ranging from flu like symptoms to feeling like you have been hit by a bus, numbness and sensation loss in hands and feet, significant fatigue, finger and toe nail deterioration and possible loss. Sounds fab doesn’t it!
I was asked to return in an hour whilst the chemo drugs were made up in Pharmacy. Claire and I used our time wisely and went to the canteen for breakfast, coffee and people watching.
The chemo unit were incredibly busy when we came back and they asked us to wait another half hour. When we returned at 12pm we allocated a chair and the process began.
The nurse found a suitable vein (after several attempts, due to my bad veins) and a cannulae was inserted, an injection of anti-sickness medication and steroid was introduced through the cannulae. An IV bag was attached, this contained the Docetaxel , it was then covered with a silver/grey bag to prevent the light from affecting the contents as the drug is light sensitive.
The IV was slowly run through in about one hour. During this time the nursing staff were regularly checking the cannulae for any negative reaction at the vein and checking how I was feeling in case of any allergic reaction.
Once complete and the cannulae removed I was allowed to go home.
Claire drove me home. I felt good, no sickness and I was able to have my tea that evening and watch some TV. A first for a chemo day!! A real treat.
And then the pains started....
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