any tips for surviving weekly pacitaxol

@spillsy I didnt have AC I had FEC which was the red devil, once every 3 weeks for 4 week was horrendous, 2nd, 3rd and 4th transfusion I was in hospital for 3 days each and then home to recover. I was incredibly ill. I then had 8 Taxol after that and it is different, being a weekly transfusion. I'd find that night I'd get restless legs so odd and unnerving. Felt the worse on about day 2 or 3 I think then picked up about day 6-7 to get hit again. By week 5 I was in constant pain there were no days of let up. It was different in many ways but cumulative so I had no hope after FEC and was off work for 3 months, I ended up with neuropathy in my toes which after 2.5yrs still is there. It's doable, but I was unable to work and all my exercise went out the window through treatment, I lost all muscle mass and had to learn to walk again. Once finished treatment it was a long recovery, so did an Enhance program at the Epworth and then worked with an Exercise Physiologist for over a year, was great! What I learnt was nothing else mattered in the end but me...I never put anything or anyone above me anymore after traveling this road twice. Hard lesson, but work is work...I am finally this year back full time after 2yrs. It is very hard but Im doing it and so proud of me. Put you first all the way, that is the key no matter what anyone tells you, that you should be doing. xx Melinda

When I  was having AC I had to go into hospital as an inpatient because it made me so sick. I spent the day after over the toilet bowl.
So, for me, Paclitaxel was much better. There was no nausea but it made me very fatigued and my nose bled. I had 15 lots of Paclitaxel. I was going to have 3 more lots but my finger and toe nails were affected. They still look strange. At first I  looked like someone who had been a very heavy smoker (which I  have never been). 
Every time I  had  Paclitaxel  I managed to go to work for at least 2 hours. I was extremely disappointed when the nurses delayed my finishing time.
Now, I  am on Capecitabine. The side effects of this poison have caused me to develop hand/foot syndrome which bugs me because I  have to slow down at aquarobics. But, my son has set me a challenge to make it like a yoga practice and slow myself down. The glass is always half full!

Keep an eye on tingling in your hands and feet which could be peripheral neuropathy. Let the doctors know, especially if it’s both sides. This has been the worst side effect of Taxol for me - nearly 4 years and still on painkillers for it. 

I hit the wall about week 8 on Taxol @Josephine66 and I didn't have AC so I think you're doing magnificently!! I went on to have 3 weekly Herceptin, lost my job and am still so fatigued . You're not lazy, you're having gunk pumped through your body to help make you well again, but it's messing with all the other stuff :( Try to keep going if you can , you're more than halfway through, so start counting down and the weeks will really fly by. Try to rest up but also try little bouts of walking if you can,especially on the day of chemo as the steroids give you some ooomph! Good luck with it all and remember 'this too will pass' xox

I'm so envious of those who can work @Josephine66 I know that I haven't had it bad like some but the fatigue has been dreadful.  The rest of the side effects I've managed with medication but you can't medicate for that bone-deep tiredness.

Just done No. 7 on Paclitaxol with another 5 to go. Prior to this 3 weekly AC x 4 hits. Im super jealous of most of you as ive not had a good run. Chemo started first week in January for me and to be honest this past week ive really felt like for the first time in my life I've felt broken. Before BC i was a tough cookie working shift work, on my feet all day and busy. Now i cant even sweep the floor. Oncologist said unfortunately im among the few that chemo just knocks about a little too much. Seriously considering cutting treatment short after No.8 as its really doing my head in. Sorry im not posting to be negative, but i know over past couple of months ive strugged with others telling me they know someone doing same treatment and their fine and then look at me like im just lazy. Dont forget chemo effects everyone differently and be kind to yourself no matter how you feel x

Good on ya @Spillsy I've just done No 3.

Hi all, 
just had number 9 taxol, can’t believe I only have three left. I have been doing pretty well up until week 8, working and exercising but am now starting to get pretty tired, and can’t really taste my food, as have a very dry mouth, wondering how long after finishing taxol chemo people got to feel ‘ normal’ . 

@Spillsy l had my first Taxol last week and had an allergic reaction, nurses got it under control and finished the dose over a longer time. Have found bone aches and shooting pains to be the worst side effect so far (l suffered with my AC) Treatment Tues and back to work Thurs (work mon, thurs, fri) hoping l can continue this routine but time will tell.
Take care and l hope taxol is kind to you

Thanks for all your tips and experiences, such a variety, so just have to wait and see, what happens! Really making the most of my good week, eating yummy food, walking and getting to work and see people before the next and final AC.......