Has Anyone Given Up on Chemo?

Didn't have the rash experience bur I did seriously contemplate not having my last two or three Taxol treatments because of the damage to my feet. I hadn't quite factored not being able to walk into having chemo and was deeply worried I was getting very close. It didn't help that the conventional wisdom is that peripheral neuropathy may continue to get worse for an unspecified time after you stop Taxol. My oncologist was sympathetic but wanted me to continue - his most convincing comment was that I should be able to feel I had done everything possible to avoid a recurrence. We negotiated the 10th and 11th doses one by one, but then I got a lump under my arm. Nothing sharpens the mind better than the thought that you may not have even got clear of treatment before something happens. Rapid action and a biopsy confirmed it was completely benign and unrelated schwannoma (new to me too). But I took my last dose, no more arguments. My feet didn't get worse. Recovery has been slow, I am learning to live with the new normal of my feet and I will never wear heels again (for which my spine is grateful) but no pain, I can stand on my toes again, and a downward dog is becoming slightly more possible. All you can possibly do is make what seems to be the best decision at the time. I might have regretted it. This is uncharted territory for us all. Best wishes.

Melclarity, my oncologist at first did not think it's the chemo drugs since it was already day 8, he was asking me about the food and supplements I was taking. I was only having Vit D and my probiotics.  But he was also saying usually it's the Taxocete that's the harsh one when I saw him for the rash. Two days later, I wrote to him showing him the rash photos and what my friend (who worked in allergy clinic before) concluded. Then I guess he probably accepted it was the Taxocete.

So true, even though I had cancer I did not feel sick but chemo really makes me feel sicker.

Zoffiel, the Claratyne and Phenergan which I took that night and following days did not stop the rashes from getting worse. So that was when my friend concluded it was not food or environmental allergens causing my trouble. I have never ever get any skin issues all my life and it must be this chemo treatment causing it. Chemo was wrecked my system so much even as I type now, my left eye underskin is twitching! And my I can't even seem to coordinate typing too! I know I will get better and I am so thankful that so far I am still good.

With chemo 1 and 2, I did not have issues. I am concerned I will run into further trouble with chemo 4. I have just written to my onco to ask what he can suggest if I were to finish the last one.

The rash is quite common with the taxol based drugs. Or good friend and faithful chemo companion, Claratyne, is often prescribed to help with that. I had it the first round, pre claratyne, but only had minimal skin reactions for the last three.

What did your Oncologist say about that rash? Ive not seen that happen before, and certainly something to think about. So hard, I was perfectly healthy before Chemo and it pretty much destroyed me physically, although different I did 4 FEC 8 Taxol. It really comes down to you personally and it is just the one. As you say you are feeling healthy and happy with how you are eating and thats whats important how you feel. I do everything in moderation, though dont really drink much anymore, Chemo killed that lol, but I dont deny myself anything :) this horrid thing certainly doesnt discriminate uuugh!!! the fittest, healthiest or not, so frustrating! xo

Thanks hun! I found that I am eating so well and my recent radical change in my diet (organic and raw diet with carbo/meat cuts) and lifestyle have really made me feel so well and here and I am going through chemo and wrecking my body all over again. I told my oncologist that I am happy to continue with Herceptin for the rest of the year but probably no more chemo.

The standard may be four (that's what I had) but if you body cannot cope and you know it then 3 may be enough for you. Lots of vitamin C and D3 and juice up anything red, blue or black in fruit and vegs and it will help you.