Hi Sally, I had the same regime as you, AC then Taxol. I had the impression from most people that the AC was the worst then taxol was easier. AC was horrible, but for me taxol was a steady decline, each week worse than the one before. Achy, fatigue, neuropathy, nails blackening and lifting, dry skin, nose bleeds, rashes, decline in teeth and gums. My side effects increased each time and the last dose was cancelled. I was so relieved, but am sorry to report that for me the side effects continued to get worse for about another 2 months.
I returned to work (thinking id feel immediately better on finishing chemo) and was wearing a head scarf for about 4 weeks, then went with my very short hair. I found returnng to work very difficult for a few reasons, I really just wanted to curl up in a ball and hide.
My hair did start to return with taxol though which was nice. But the eyebrows grew straight out at first and the lashes were slow. I completed taxol end of Jan 2013, my lashes are almost back to the long length they were, the brows have been great for months now and my nails are all back, but still with ridges. I find cuticle oil very good for nails.
I managed pain like you, with pain killer meds and continued activity because I believed if I kept walking and eating right i would eventually come good. And I have. But it took about 3 months to feel really well again.
Keep reporting your side effects to your team, but remember it WILL pass and you WILL feel better. Time does heal in this instance.
Hugs your way, I hope you get pain under control, XXXLouie