Preparing for Taxol/Paclitaxel
I am starting my TH regime on the 22nd of August. 12 weeks of weekly Taxol/Paclitaxel. Looking for any tips or recommendations to make this part of my journey as least unpleasant as possible. Feeling ...
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How you will go is so unpredictable. I used and recommend the Cold cap. I've heard of cold treatment to the hands and feet, but were not offered or used. The Cold Cap alone adds 1 1/2 hrs to time spent at chemo suite. I thought it was worth it. I had Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide, before Paclitaxol. If you use the Cold Cap, you do need to be gentle with your hair. I normally blow dry and straighten my hair. This was not done while on Chemo. So I had a shorter curly hair style during Chemo. If you try it, you will probably know within 2-3 Chemo sessions. I was very lucky and had no nausea. My bloods stayed stable.
If you have poor veins, you may be offered an Infusion Port or PICC line.
These make Bloods and Chemo easier, and save your veins for life after initial treatment.
I had Mastectomy with Axillary Clearance. That meant that that arm should not be used for Chemo, Bloods, needles and BP's.
After Chemo I still have one good arm for future surgeries etc. (which I have had ie Breast Reconstruction, and 2 knee replacements)
I had odd taste changes, and food didn't taste as good. I did get some Peripheral Neuropathy to the soles of my feet, started just after all 12 sessions. You do need to be honest about any changes you notice, so that the Onc can make adjustments if needed.
I didn't do anything special with food. I could have done more exercise eg walking.
You should be given EviQ sheets of information about your Chemo. It is available on the internet too.
Sorry for rambling.
All the best with treatment.
If you have poor veins, you may be offered an Infusion Port or PICC line.
These make Bloods and Chemo easier, and save your veins for life after initial treatment.
I had Mastectomy with Axillary Clearance. That meant that that arm should not be used for Chemo, Bloods, needles and BP's.
After Chemo I still have one good arm for future surgeries etc. (which I have had ie Breast Reconstruction, and 2 knee replacements)
I had odd taste changes, and food didn't taste as good. I did get some Peripheral Neuropathy to the soles of my feet, started just after all 12 sessions. You do need to be honest about any changes you notice, so that the Onc can make adjustments if needed.
I didn't do anything special with food. I could have done more exercise eg walking.
You should be given EviQ sheets of information about your Chemo. It is available on the internet too.
Sorry for rambling.
All the best with treatment.