Forum Discussion

Clairebear7's avatar
4 years ago

Dose dense paclitaxel

Hi everyone
I’m about to have my last of 4 dose dense AC (fortnightly) treatments soon, and it’s got me thinking about the next step which is dose dense Paclitaxel. 

Ive seen on the forum a lot of people have had weekly paclitaxel after AC but hoping to hear from anyone who has had dose dense (fortnightly) paclitaxel after AC, and how you found it in comparison to the AC. 
Thanks 😊 
Claire. 
  • Don’t forget the oncology staff will be monitoring you closely whenever you start a new chemo,regime for any reaction. I’m sure you’ll find Taxcel easier than the AC chemo .
  • Thank you everyone for your replies. I’m really not sure why it’s dose dense, I just assumed that was the usual, but after reading through the forum it seems most people have weekly treatments. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I’ll ask my onc about it next time I see her. 
    I’m a little nervous about it after reading about allergic reactions. 
    Had my final AC on Thursday (woohoo!) so just riding that wave now until the next step. One step at a time. 
    Thank you for all your support 😊
    Claire. 
  • I looked it,up and Dose dense chemo - amount of chemo/drug  not increased, but duration between treatments is reduced . Research / science has shown benefits .on reflection suspect most of us have had dose dense chemo and not realised . I was on weekly taxcel myself . 
  • Hi @Clairebear7, 

    I did weekly taxol. I got a bit of tingling in my toes and fingers after 7 or 8 doses. My taxol was dropped to 90% and I ended up only having 9 treatments instead of 10. 

    In some ways it was easier than AC and in some ways harder.

    Do you know why they want to dose dense? I have not heard of that. 

    Best wishes to you.


  • Hi - I actually found the taxcel part of,chemo “easier” in most ways from AC 

    Whilst still tired, it wasn’t as nasty as what I felt with AC - I could get some walks in without too much trouble whereas with AC I’d have to ride the roller coaster ( ok for 2-3 days whilst steroids in system, then you’d fall flat for a few days before coming good about 5 days before next treatment ).

    It did play havoc with my nails (some toenails,fell,off, fingernails still,very brittle so I’m now taking a over counter nail tablet with biotin). It may be worth painting nails with dark nail,polish and if you’re lucky that may work for you ( I didnt think to do,that ).some say its stopping air interacting with nails it prevents some,of the effects of the chemo on your nails .

    My main issue with taxcel was peripheral neuropathy . Watch out for tingling and numbness Of Toes,and fingers.  discuss with nurses and doctor - I ended up having dosage dropped to 75% for 2 doses and then 50% for last dose . A year later I still have numb toes and have to be careful with walking and shoes I wear .

    if you find insomnia a,issue when on these treatments ask your doctor about careful use of over the counter restavit -it’s a antihistamine; 1/4 tab or 1/2 every few nights help you get a decent sleep . Don’t take a full tablet. 
    I had been given a med  activan but it turned out I should,have only taken it on those days I was on steroids as it was a benzo med, not to be taken daily .

    You may be lucky and escape some of the side effects ! Good,luck