Anyone else left with Taxotere side effects?

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Texas357
Texas357 Member Posts: 1,552
edited June 2018 in Life After Breast Cancer

It's been about 9 years since my Taxotere treatment. It was extremely hard on me. I had a very long list of severe side effects during treatment.

Nine years later, several of my fingernails are still lifting off. My tear ducts are permanently scarred shut. And I've got a bald spot on my scalp. Taxotere gave me an extremely dry mouth which damaged my tooth enamel. Now, I'm dealing with expensive dental work. I've had six root canals in the last 2 years!

I went to a specialist about my tear ducts but the only fix is to insert glass tubes in place of natural tear ducts. After 13 cancer- and reconstruction-related surgeries, going in for another surgery isn't going to happen. So I carry a handkerchief everywhere I go because my eyes won't stop watering. People think I'm always crying. I can't wear makeup because it washes off so quickly.

Sometimes all of this bugs me; sometimes I am able to just let it go and focus on gratitude.

Anyone else have lasting Taxotere side effects?






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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited May 2018

    I'm 3 years out and still have lifted spots on several nails. It's hard to sort out the hair issue; in my case, it's probably thinning from Tamoxifen, not Taxotere. My eyes are drier, but nothing like what you're experiencing. I'm sorry you're having these continuing side effects!

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  • 70charger
    70charger Member Posts: 963
    edited May 2018

    4 years out, , hand tremors & speech problems confirmed by neurologist as permanent side effect of taxotere. It sucks. Hugs

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  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 1,552
    edited May 2018

    I keep hoping someone will post that their Taxotere side effects eventually went away!

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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited May 2018

    Texas, by any chance are you taking exemestane? I had a real eye dryness problem with that drug.


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  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 1,552
    edited June 2018

    Meow13, I'm not currently taking any prescription medications. My eyes have been tested by two opthalmogists who routinely work with cancer patients. Both confirmed that the Taxotere scarred my tear ducts completely shut. My eyes are constantly watering. If I don't wipe them every few minutes, my face quickly becomes very wet with tears.

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