Switch from Docetaxel to Paclitaxel

Hi Alison

I am due to have my second docetaxel on Friday, my oncologist wants me to continue with this regeme as he said "you only have 2 to go", I am prepared to have this next one to see how this goes, but if I am as sick as the last one, I guess I will have to discuss with him another alternative. Needless to say, I am over it already.

Regards

Sandi

Hi sandi,

You poor, poor thing!! What a horrible experience!! Can you at least ask your oncologist about switching to the weekly Paclitaxel (Taxol)?? The studies show it has the same effficacy as the 3-weekly Docetaxel and I am certainly tolerating it better. Mind you, on my second dose, I had a mild allergic type reaction so they pumped me full of antihistamines as well as Phenergan to counter its effects! The histamine-induced agitation and twitchiness along with the phenergan making me feel drunk was weird and most uncomfortable but it passed. I have 3 more of the weekly treatments to go (6 in total) so I am half way there. My oncologist was really good about not putting me through the Docetaxel again. He said he wouldn't even if I had wanted to!! Perhaps ask your oncologist about whether the6 x weekly Taxol treatments would be suitable for you??

Keep in touch whichever way you go... Thinking of you!

Best,

Alison

Hi Alison

I had the treatment that Friday and had a reaction to the Docetaxel, they gave me some antihystamines to counteract, went home and have never felt so ill. I simply could not lay still, I felt really agitated and sick to my stomach.

I was admitted into Calvary hospital on Monday night as I had severe mouth ulcers and simply could not get out of bed. My temperature got up to 38.1, at home, however, by the time they admitted me it had dropped down to 37.6. They kept me in for the whole week on antibiotics and treatments for my mouth and esophygus which was alive with huge ulcers.

Horrible to say the least and my oncologist wants me to try again on the 14th of this month, he wants me to stick with the Docetaxel as he says I only have 2 to go. I really dont want to go through with this, but everyone is telling me to perservere.

If I am as sick again this time I will reconsider having the final one, then.

Are they trying to kill us????

X

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

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.

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