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 struggle with it especially for the first week after treatment. I have also developed a lung clot since my last treatment and at times wonder what else is going to happen. My oncologist has told me that Taxol isn't as hard on the body as what AC is. I was wondering how others have found Taxol and Herceptin and the side effects experienced. I am hoping that these 12 weeks go smoothly.

Hi Marjorie, it must be a good feeling that the first chemo is over for you. I have my fourth weekly dose ofTaxol tomorrow along with my second Herceptin. It hasn't been as bad as I expected. I did have a reaction to the first dose which has made every subsequent dose a lot longer as I have extra pre meds and the Taxol over two hours instead of one. The Herceptin also starts over 90 minutes the first dose and reduces to 60 minutes and then 30 minutes. I find that I am very tired for the first two days after treatment, chemo brain and blurry eyes. I haven't suffered from sickness as yet and my hair is now just starting to fall out. If this is the worst it will get then I think I will be able to bear the 12 weeks ok. Sorry to hear about the blood clot, I have also suffered from a clot but it was in my Jugular where the portacath line was inserted. I now have two Clexane needles a day into my stomach to thin my blood. I am very fortunate that I have a very understanding husband who administers the needles for me. I hope your next treatment goes smoothly for you and before we know it, it will be all over and we can get on with living. Hugs and kisses Bev

Hi Marjorie i have also finished 12 weeks of AC and I have had 7 of the planned 12, weekly paclitaxel treatments. The first 5 were ok but the sixth one laid me low for most of the week. My fingers started to go numb so tomorrow I switch to docetaxel for two treatments, three weeks apart to finish off my chemo. One day at a time is my motto and 'this too shall pass'. Good luck with your treatment. Before you know it, it will be over! X

Hi Bev, Thanks for replying.....it helps to be able to hear about some of the side effects. I think it gives us an idea of what we might be dealing with. I have to admit I am a bit nervous about the new treatment and will be happy when this first one is done and dusted. Sorry to hear about your blood clot as well....they're certainly not much fun. I also have to have clexane twice a day and my poor tummy has had enough. Glad that your hubby is able to help out. My hubby tried to give me the needle but got too upset because he felt like he was hurting me. Glad to hear that your managing your treatment ok and here's hoping it stays that way for you. Take care....sending hugs your way Marjorie

Thanks Prudencerose for replying and letting me know of your experience. Sorry to hear about your fingers...hopefully switching to the docetaxel will work out well and you get through the remaining few weeks without any problems. Love your motto....this is what I also think. I never thought I'd get through the AC but it's over YAY and I know that the next 12 weeks will one day be done as well. Take care....sending hugs your way Marjorie

Hi Marjorie Best wishes for the rest of your treatment. I had a very easy run on A/C - no nausea, fatigue or anything else so when I say Taxol was worse, bear that in mind! Taxol is hard on soft tissue - so blurry eyes, bloody nose. It may also affect your finger and toenails - some people lose nails, more get discolouration and splitting. My fingernails were only slightly affected - some ridges and barely perceptible brownish colour, but my toenails went black, brown, grey and chalk white and split. Two remained completely normal throughout - go figure! I also lost a lot of my tastebuds. All of these recovered as soon as the treatment stopped. I had lost my hair before, but it started growing back while I was still on Taxol which was an unexpected delight. The one to watch is peripheral neuropathy - it starts with pins and needles in the fingers, can affect all your extremities (hands and feet) and can linger long after you finish treatment. Seek advice from your oncologist if this starts - reduced dosage, vitamin B or other treatment may help. I am heading for my 4 year post diagnosis mark, am well, and I hope you have a good run for the rest of your treatment.

Taxol, Herceptin | BCNA Online Network

13 Replies

Marjorie
Member
9 years ago
Hi Bev,

Thanks for replying.....it helps to be able to hear about some of the side effects. I think it gives us an idea of what we might be dealing with. I have to admit I am a bit nervous about the new treatment and will be happy when this first one is done and dusted.

Sorry to hear about your blood clot as well....they're certainly not much fun. I also have to have clexane twice a day and my poor tummy has had enough. Glad that your hubby is able to help out. My hubby tried to give me the needle but got too upset because he felt like he was hurting me.

Glad to hear that your managing your treatment ok and here's hoping it stays that way for you.

Take care....sending hugs your way

Marjorie
prudencerose
Member
9 years ago
Hi Marjorie

i have also finished 12 weeks of AC and I have had 7 of the planned 12, weekly paclitaxel treatments. The first 5 were ok but the sixth one laid me low for most of the week. My fingers started to go numb so tomorrow I switch to docetaxel for two treatments, three weeks apart to finish off my chemo. One day at a time is my motto and 'this too shall pass'.

Good luck with your treatment. Before you know it, it will be over! X
Bevkk
Member
9 years ago
Hi Marjorie,

it must be a good feeling that the first chemo is over for you.

I have my fourth weekly dose ofTaxol tomorrow along with my second Herceptin. It hasn't been as bad as I expected. I did have a reaction to the first dose which has made every subsequent dose a lot longer as I have extra pre meds and the Taxol over two hours instead of one. The Herceptin also starts over 90 minutes the first dose and reduces to 60 minutes and then 30 minutes.

I find that I am very tired for the first two days after treatment, chemo brain and blurry eyes. I haven't suffered from sickness as yet and my hair is now just starting to fall out. If this is the worst it will get then I think I will be able to bear the 12 weeks ok.

Sorry to hear about the blood clot, I have also suffered from a clot but it was in my Jugular where the portacath line was inserted. I now have two Clexane needles a day into my stomach to thin my blood. I am very fortunate that I have a very understanding husband who administers the needles for me.

I hope your next treatment goes smoothly for you and before we know it, it will be all over and we can get on with living.

Hugs and kisses

Bev

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Taxol, Herceptin

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