Paclitaxel

I had 4 rounds of ac dose dense every fortnight and i think it was easier than the 1 round of paclitaxel that i have had. I much prefer the tiredness and minor nausea over this bone pain. I can't sleep, can't walk, constant pain that i get minimal relief from

@Rachel01 I too had terrible aches and really bad oedema...trunk,  legs and my lymph node side. I had weekly taxol. My oncologist believed it was the steroids not the taxol. And the fatigue really got me down. I ended up wearing a compression singlet to help, just shapewear, which helped. It was 2 to 3 weeks before I felt the fluid was gone. Now its just the gradual weight redustribution from the stetoids (yes moon face too) ...and focusing on loosing some for me as I gained heaps. I am glad to read this... as my oncologist and chemo team thought I was quite different.  I regularly took panadol osteo to help with pain and only just stopped this..5 weeks on. Make sure you discuss puffy feet with your onc...as the AC can effect heart function. I am on herceptin also so was being monitored and function has temp reduced. Hope things improve soon. Kath x

@Rachel01 my pleasure. If you need any help with finding information let me know, otherwise the wonderful members will absolutely be there to support you. 

thank you Ann-Marie.  I have been reading posts for a while but decided to join as everyone seems so friendly and supportive

@Rachel01 I just wanted to jump in and welcome you to the online network. 

Hi all, I'm new to the forum.  I had 4 x 3 weekly cycles of AC and then 2 x 3 weekly cycles of docetaxel. I lost all my hair after 1st round of AC even though I used a cold cap.  Docetaxel was so bad my oncologist changed me over to paclitaxel. First round I had terrible bone pain that lasted a few days and 2nd round I had such severe fatigue that I could barely get out of bed for a few days. I gradually lost my eyelashes and eyebrows on docetaxel and paclitaxel even though they'd already thinned out on AC.  Its been just over a week that I finished 4 weekly cycles of paclitaxel. After cycle 2, I developed itchiness on my arms, mostly around wrists and elbows, and lower legs that drove me insane.  The itchiness has only just started to subside in the last couple of days.  I took antihistamines and applied dermeze all over arms and lower legs.  I experienced fatigue on days 3-4 which improved on days 5 onwards but I never really seemed to get over tiredness as compared to the AC where in the last week of the cycle I would be feeling ok.  The tiredness does seem to be cumulative.  I also gradually developed fluid retention with paclitaxel.  It is still quite bad.  Has anyone else experienced this?  I'm wondering how long this will take to go?  My face is puffed up and lower legs and feet.  About a month ago I noticed my hand and wrist (on side of surgery) were slightly swollen.  Oncologist said it is lymphedema.  I am now wearing a compression bandage and have had a couple of lymphatic drainage massages but swelling is getting worse.  I've had osteo arthritis in my knees for a number of years which seemed to improve on AC but has gradually got worse on paclitaxel.  Its so bad that it is painful to walk.  I've been told that this is transient.  Has anyone else experienced this?

I actually had professional makeup eyebrows tatooed which has been a blessing. It is expensive but so makes my life easier. Being older I just found I couldn't draw on my top lid but use a pencil on my lower lid which helps disguise the lack of eyelashes.