Hi @shs14. Like you I had heard about the Taxol / neuropathy link and thought I'd research it and try anything as my sister ended up with it in her feet after bc treatment. I didn't need A/C only Taxol and Herceptin , at Peter Mac Melbourne. I looked for gloves online but they were sold out so I just made do with the the ice from Peter Mac's ice machines in their kitchens on the chemo ward. The staff were very helpful and some slightly amused but they let me try it. I have no neuropathy and didn't experience any nail loss only a tiny bit of tingling in one little finger. My nails were weakened but 2 years later are as strong as ever.
I bought a new round cake container from the Reject shop to fit my size 7 feet (tied up in plastic bags) and rested it on a small lunch esky (my legs wouldn't have reached the container otherwise !) where I housed some ice packs in case the machines broke down. It did happen on my very last session and my helper went down to the next floor with a nurse and got some ice from there for me as I was determined to finish it off with the ice!
For my hands I used the hospital's sterile gloves and a wide mixing bowl from home.
I had someone to help at each session and started the ice plunge as soon as the line went in.
It was cold and tough for about the first 15 minutes and then it eased off.
I was as committed as the cold cap ladies are and determined to give it a go. My helper would chat to me and get me a warm drink once I'd finished .
I just wish I took some photos but that was the last thing on my mind at the time.
The only other thing to note is the vein access.
I had a good vein in the crease of my elbow which was used frequently and held up well, but some chemo nurses prefer the ones in the hand or the wrist . I would just explain what I was up to and they'd try further up.
Good luck with your next lot of treatment. It all seems like a bad dream now for me , I can't believe I got through it , and you will too . All the best, J x
