Paclitaxel side effects

Hi @December2018 I only had the taxol chemo treatment followed up with herceptin. I had read about the possible neuropathy side effects and my sister was left with neuropathy after her BC treatment so I 'iced' my hands and feet during the taxol infusion.I had family and friends ready to help with the ice and containers and the nurses and docs at Peter Mac in Melbourne were fine with it. Just meant I couldn't read during the infusion but I always had someone with me to pass the time. I got through the 12 weeks with only a tingle in one little finger and no ongoing issues. I truly think it was worth it.Good luck with it all xoxxo

I got very rashy on Docetaxel and Cyclophosphamide. Face, neck, and chest. It was quite itchy on the chest. Sometimes I put a topical cream on it when it bugged me.

@December2018 The steroids gave me a rash across my cheeks and nose that burnt. I only realised it was the ‘roids when they increased them and my face felt so hot I could have cooked on them. The medicos said it couldn’t be the steroids but when they decreased them at my insistence, the rash eased right back.

Hi @kezmusc

Thanks for your story about Paclitaxel.

The going back to work is a big thing as I'm aiming for this coming Monday. Thankfully my boss is fantastic and if I last all day or only 2 hours it is all good.

As for the rash the last two doses of chemo have given me a funny rash on my face. It happens about 12/14 days after and lasts for about 3 days, very strange.
My first round of chemo was a combo of Doxorubin and Cyclophosphamide x 4, as my Oncologist said the nasty stuff. Thankfully that cycle is now finished....yahoo!!!!!

Fingers crossed my Paclitaxel story is similar to yours as the fatigue and unwellness from the last round was horrendous.

Hi @December2018,

Welcome to the forum lovely.

 I put on 4kgs through AC not from overeating as everything tasted disgusting.

I had almost no issues with Paclitaxel.  For me it was far easier than the AC.  I worked right through, drove myself there and back which I couldn't do on the AC. No nausea, no fatigue. I had minimal toe tingling for about two days after each treatment but no further issues.
What I did have was a high sensitivity to sunlight and a weird skin rash that kept coming and going.  I had to stay on prednisone the whole way through control that.  The skin rash appears to be not very common and I have dodgy skin to begin with.  
All the best with the rest of your treatment

. xoxoxo

If you're not already exercising @December2018 I would highly recommend trying to access a cancer specific group.  If you're unable to do that, try walking or swimming (with your onc's approval).  It will help you get through.

Aw thank you. But let's call it a draw eh?! We've had four massively awful years in a row. If we could just get through 2019 without a major crisis it would be a blessed relief. Fingers crossed. And for you too. K xox

Thanks will keep that in mind.
I just read your story and my shitty year is nothing in comparison.
I hope your year turns out a lot more shinier then it started for you and your family.

You should be able to do that, but if you're worried, see a dietician. Mine is excellent, and was all over the chemo issues.

You have had a shit year you poor love. I hope you find some comfort and companionship here. Big hug, K xox

Hi @kmakm
In answer to your question I would like to maintain my weight.
It seems that the stress of the Cancer diagnosis, pre treatment, made my weight drop dramatically, much to the concern of my support network.
In all honesty I didn't even notice it was happening until it was pointed out to me, to busy thinking about other things!!!
I have now stabilised and am happy were it is, so hopefully it will stay this way.