Taxol, Herceptin
3 weeks ago I had my last AC treatment and tomorrow I start the next phase which is weekly Taxol for 12 weeks as well as Herceptin every 3 weeks. I did the happy dance once I finished AC as I did str...
Forum Discussion
I read a comnent on this site I believed is perfect....it is not better...just different.
So on AC I was sick or flat for 10 days then not too bad, able to do some light exercise and get out a bit. I wasn't able to work though. When I started taxol I had a reaction the 1st time...easily managed and needed a very high premed for the next 3 doses. For around 4 to 5 rounds I only had 2 bad days in the week...day 3 and 4. I experienced quite a lot of joint and muscle pain. I also get trunkal oedema which causes puffiness in my chest and causes my cording to get really tight. Wearing a tight singlet helps but occasionally I even then get facial swelling and leg swelling...the fluid dispersed. Massage helped. The oncologist believes it is the steroids causing the fluid issues .
I am now up to dose 10. The last 3 doses have meant increasing fatigue and pain in joints, back pain and transient nerve pain. I've fallen over a few times due to balance and spacial orientation issues. I now get severe gastritis resulting in gut pain, wind and bloating. Taste buds are right out. I initially had weight gain but it is now starting to reverse slowly. The weekly committment and blood tests are grueling. My skin is very sensitive also. My toenails get sore and one is lifting. All nails are brittle and flake. I have not been able to work due to both physical affects and mental exhaustion.
The bonus. ...my hair is growing back everywhere and quickly whilst still under treatment. I haven't had any mouth issues or neutropenia problems. I can do some exercise 2 days a week and trying to do a bit more to help with fatigue.
I have 2 more doses left....and despite it all...it is totally doable. Goodluck. Kath x