Hi ladies, just seeking some advice if I may. I am due for my sixth dose of paclitaxel tomorrow and a couple days ago became aware for the first time of some tingling in my feet and fingers. Fingers have essentially improved and feet just feel spongy. My oncologist would ideally like me to have 12 but has mentioned stopping at 8 if I got numbness. Just a bit nervous at how bad it could get, Would love to hear from anyone who has experienced and how you managed, many thanks.

Hi @wooda. I've just had my 7th cycle of pacitaxel today. I haven't had any numbness in my feet but noticed some in my left thumb and first finger after the sixth. The nurses at Chemo seem to be happy that I could still feel hot and cold. No talk of stopping treatment yet. Hope this helps. Good luck with the rest of your treatment

I got reduced sensation and balance issues but was able to complete and all oretty much improved / gone.

I had the deep and meaningful with my oncologist at dose 10. My fingers weren't too bad but my feet were completely numb in places, extremely painful in other places and I was really worried about being able to walk if it got much worse. He wanted me to complete the course of 12, but wasn't too worried about the last one. Matter was resolved by finding a lump under my right arm (totally benign schwannoma) but that did rather focus my thinking differently! I finished the course, started taking vitamin B, my feet didn't get worse but have taken a long time to recover. The painful part recovered best, still have numb bits after 3 years but doesn't affect anything. Anything anyone suggests that will minimise the impact is worth doing (such as vitamin B). Still think it was worth doing the full treatment!! Good luck.

Paclitaxel and neuropathy | BCNA Online Network

20 Replies

melclarity
Member
9 years ago
Wooda it does sound like your Oncologist is right on it. Id say youll be ok and great idea with some meds for some rest. I used Ativan and was enough to settle me. X
wooda
Member
9 years ago
Saw my oncologist will persist to 9 doses and reduce a little if needed. I feel reassured after all your advice and talking with my onc. He has prescribed me something to help me sleep which I will take only once or twice a week. Thanks once again for all your advice, it's very appreciated.
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
Absolutely, yes I tried a few things worst luck but nothing stopped it, but it absolutely will stop once you finish treatment! :) hang in there!! xo
Glemmis
Member
9 years ago
Yes me too the night of Taxol. I think I will try a sleeping tablet tonight. It is a weird feeling!
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
Aaaah yes restless legs syndrome, I too had that I think either the day of Taxol or the next night. Very annoying! but it does stop. x
wooda
Member
9 years ago
I am seeing my oncologist today so will discuss and let you all know. I am also having trouble sleeping, my legs won't stay still, oh the joy!!!
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
Wooda, I had 8 Taxol straight after 4 FEC, my hands were pretty good, slight tingling, my feet however I still have numbness in some toes and chronic pain if I walk more than 30 mins and Im 13 months post chemo, it has however slightly improved and I wouldnt say causing alot of problems at all. :) Hugs Melinda xo
LITHGOW1950
Member
9 years ago
I experienced both big toes going a numb. My oncologist dropped the dose by a tiny bit and said I could cut one of the last treatment out ( which I didn't do) So I finished Paclitaxel Feb 2016. The feeling has slowly returned over the months. Winter was worse and I used a hot water bottle to help. But it's definitely improving. Just wish I had more energy! Always great in the morning but still need an arvo rest. Take care.
Anne-Marie
wooda
Member
9 years ago
Thanks will do
ccasper
Member
9 years ago
Look into melatonin. I had it through taxol and had zero neuropathy. I also spoke to pharmacy in the cancer day unit and my oncologist and it does not clash with the chemo. Good luck x