Taxol - Reducing dose or stopping early due to neuropathy

Thanks Margie

Hit there Nike I had stage 2a grade 3 triple negative 0/8 nodes involved in may last year. I had 4 AC two weeks apart and then  4 taxol 2 weeks apart (dose dense treatment). I finished chemo in October last year and still have some residual neuropathy in my hands but it only bothers me at night when they stiffen up but it has started to improve a bit now. Doesn't bother me at all through the day. If it's only mild and you can still manage it then you can try and keep going with it and just monitor it week by week and see how you go. Your oncologist knows what's best so take their advice. Margie :)

Thank you HIT

I was having issues and they had a very detailed set of questions to go through,set up by oncologist , each week to ensure no further change or it would have been stopped. I was able to finish, have some mild neuropathy in toes only really an issue when cold now...12 months on. 

All any of us can do is give it our best shot. Our best shot, not someone else's best shot! It's remarkable how much determination we can muster when it counts. Best wishes to you both.

I've just finished 6 of 6 and last dose was reduced 25 percent due to some neuropathy I was experiencing. Dr said that I also now have low haemoglobin level so could also near to having blood. Hence the reduction. Every situation is different for everyone. 

Thanks so much Afraser - I'm reassured that a reduced dose can still be a therapeutic dose. My pain has pretty much gone in the past 24 hours, and the numbness has decreased during the day. I'm optimistic about managing a few more infusions!

I deeply sympathise. I came close to pulling out of my last 2 or 3 Taxol treatments, also after A/C, because I was seriously worried about losing my mobility. I didn't and I was OK but it's a very real issue. Reduced doses may be an option but I can only pass on the advice of my oncology nurses. 85% may still deliver a therapeutic dose. Big question is therefore if you can manage  another 2 or 3 treatments. Only you can decide if the side effects are too great for the possible benefit. I agreed to continue week by week, monitoring how I went. It's hard but unless someone can categorically say that the dosage to date is a total waste of time, you have still gone a long way to winning the war!! Very best wishes.