Paclitaxol Fatigue

I've just been told that 9 treatments are my goal if the neuropathy develops - the other 3 are extra insurance.  Fatigue I can live with and the exercise programme will have finished by then so it'll be up to me to work something out, anyway.

Taxol knocked the stuffing out of me. In some ways AC was easier as at least you had one good week. I just exercised when I could...which I didn't the last 2 weeks of it. I just couldn't push through. Thankfulky Netflix saved my sanity. 

I did the Enhance Rehabilitation Program through the Epworth in Melbourne to start with but that was a good 7/8 months post chemo, there were fellow ladies there who had just finished chemo, but nobody in the midst of it. I loved it, as it wasn't just working with physios and an exercise program, it was a Social Worker, Psychologist and Dietician, which interestingly said to not get bogged down and pedantic with Diet as long as its a typically well balanced one that is all required as all studies are minority only. Was the beginning of my recovery from there I got an Exercise Physiologist and was fantastic. Everyone just needs to do what feels right for them, just remember your body is at such a low ebb of depletion through treatment and needs lots of healing time more than anything. Everything else will and does come not easily and whilst I feel at 2.5yrs post I will never be where I was I can function and live a great life :) going to start ramping up the exercise bike more now too slow and steady. x

I so look forward to Day 6 - I hope I don't lose it!  The exercise programme is part of an oncology rehabilitation that I was referred to by my oncologist and most of the women there are having chemo treatment.  Questions abut current state of health asked each visit and heart rates and bp monitored throughout.  There's about 1 physio to every 2 (or 3 if it's crowded) women and the programme is very structured.  According to my onc, given my physical condition, starting it at the beginning of taxol was ideal.  But I am taking care - my low Mondays, I'm only doing the minimum and I'm careful not to overdo things on the Wednesdays.

@sister I was like you, I came good about day 6 to only be knocked down, by the 5th week though I had no reprieve and it was back to back til the end, don't know why that was.

I didnt work with my Exercise Physiologist until I was well finished Chemo I was just too ill and she doesnt work with anyone in treatment generally as she said its time for me to heal awhile before we tackle it. I enjoyed working with her and it was a very long road to recovery as I had to learn to walk again. I have lost all muscle mass thanks to chemo so even at 2.5yrs post have a way to go to reclaim that and also to shed 8kg. I am however finally back working full time and requires alot of energy, so really happy how Im managing it all. The fatigue does get better, but be careful exercising as my EP said it can do the opposite and set you back if you go too hard and dont pace yourself.

@Sister im 6 weeks in on paclitaxol and feeling the same. Good to hear you can manage Rehab exercise, every bit helps. I was but now struggling to walk more than 15 mins. Muscle swelling & pain and bone pain together with hot flushes is making it harder to cope each week. I was beating myself up too thinking i just need to push through and ill feel better if i exercise more. Turns out not a good idea, big head spins and collapsed. Apparently i need to listen to my body!. Take care x 

@Sister fatigue sux doesn’t it - it must be tough only feeling good for one day before u get knocked down again. U can definitely feel what it does to your body - good luck for tomorrow xoxo