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AlisonMew's avatar
AlisonMew
Member
12 years ago

Switch from Docetaxel to Paclitaxel

Dear All,

I am just crawling out of the abyss nearly 3 weeks after my first round of Docetaxel (following 3 rounds of FEC). The side effects were just awful - I seem to have had every single one!

My oncologist will not allow me to go through the next 2 planned Docetaxel treatments (not that i was too keen anyway) due to the abnormally high level of the nasty side effects.

Therefore, we are going to start weekly Paclitaxel (Taxol) infusions on Tuesday, for 6 weeks.

Does anyone have any experience with this switch and if so, how did they find the relative side effects?

I know we are all unique and everyone metabolises these drugs differently, but I am very nervous as I have never felt so terrible/miserable and plain ILL in my life as I had after the D!!

I am not sure I could cope if the P was as bad.

Thanks....

 

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  • AlisonMew's avatar
    AlisonMew
    Member
    12 years ago

    HI Sandi,

    How are you going after your treatment on Friday? I hope you are coping well and that the worst of the side effects have passed you by! Thinking of you and sending good vibes!

    On a positive note, I have managed the Paclitaxel without too much problem - just feel terrible when I try to do too much!!

    Message is - pace yourself and deal with any side effects quickly. Take the anti-nausea drugs before you start to feel the nausea - it is better controlled that way.

    Best,

    Alison

     

     

  • Sandi_Lockwood's avatar
    Sandi_Lockwood
    Member
    12 years ago

    Thanks Angela and Alison, I start on the anti nausea and steroid tablets tomorrow and chemo on Friday. I just have to trust my oncologist I guess and hope for the best.

  • AngelaSF's avatar
    AngelaSF
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi sandi I am on weekly taxol and have been quite well and only now suffering mostly fatigue . No other major side effects. Have 7 done and 5 to go. I know everyone is different but am certainly finding this much much easier than the previous AC I had which necessitated hospital admissions. Weekly treatment is a drag though as you just feel like your old self when it's back to hospital but on the up side the dose is lower for weekly treatment!! Good luck Angela
  • AlisonMew's avatar
    AlisonMew
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi Sandi,

    It is certainly nasty stuff, but my oncologist said that my response to it was unusually severe, so please try not to worry. He says that most people cope really well and the neuropathy only cuts in after you have had 3 or 4 doses. I have some neuropathy,  but it is just sore heels and a bit of numbness in my toes. You probably will not get the reactions. As far as the allergic reaction goes, I had to pre-dose with steroids (DMSO) prior to the infusion and they gave me IV DMSO on the day as well, so that was a side effect I didn't get!!

    All the best for next Friday. I'll be thinking of you!

    Alison