[Louise O'Brien]

Angela - I will be having my second round of taxotere next Wednesday. While I did have some side effects, I know what to do now and I'll be more proactive this time around. You may have none - the oncologist told me taxotere is supposed to be easier to tolerate than taxol - especially when it comes to neuropathy. (They also put iced mitts on our hands and feet during the infusion - a technique initiated by Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, one of the leading cancer centers in Canada.)

I did have muscle and joint pain but I let it go too long. The oncology nurse prescribed Tylenol 3 with codeine which made a huge difference in just one day. Make sure you get a prescription for that. I've usually found that side effects kick in one or two days after my last dose of dexemethasone. I won't wait this time to take Tylenol 3.

I'm assuming you're prescribed three days of dexemethasone - starting the day before? If not, you should be. I've been prescribed 4 - 4 mg tablets per day.

And yes, there was constipation but I've learned something now after four chemo rounds. I don't wait to take Senekot any more - I take it by the fourth day after chemo and it too makes a huge difference.

I wish you well.