Paclitaxel Delayed

Wise to be cautious. My fingers started reacting after dose 5, but it was my feet that rapidly got numb and painful (yes, possible to be both!). Worth asking about ice treatment (I haven’t used it but others have found it helpful, although best results may require using it right from the beginning) or even Vitamin B which I found helped. Many people find that the effects disappear after treatment ends but some (including me) have long lasting or possibly permanent effects. So yes, be cautious especially when you are so far through the course of treatment. 12 doses may be the preferred course but many oncology nurses feel that ten doses may be an equally therapeutic treatment and even my cautious oncologist was happy to stop at eleven. I persevered due to another discovery (turned out to be unrelated and benign but a bit of a scare) - no regrets, my side effects are perfectly manageable but hands are handy!! Best wishes. 

My BC nurse told me most people only last to eight then have to give up due to the side effects. They are quite happy to stop early if necessary and would only do so if it is beneficial to you.

Thanks @Afraser. Was kinda worried about my feet getting it too which was another reason I had to mention it. Would be good to keep both hands and feet working well long term. Thanks for your reply x

@Blossom1961,that’s good to know. I would be happy to stop now if they decide to stop it. Just hoping they don’t  delay it from every week to every other week. Not sure that they do that with paclitaxel anyway...So here is hoping 🙏🙏🙏
Thanks🤗

Hi @Caibo I am about to have number 10 of taxol and my onc told me from the start that I wasn’t to panic if we had to stop at 9 because of side effects like numbing. He said it was important to speak up as it was important to avoid permanent damage. Your onc may be able to reduce your dose further. I have started to get tingly in my toes but it comes and goes and my hands are ok. I have been using ice from the start. It seems to be a balance for the doctors to us get through the treatment without leaving permanent issues. You have done the right thing letting them know as now they can make adjustments. The doctor said that a lot of the numbing should go once treatment stops and that is why it is so important we speak up so they can adjust/stop treatment. I know exactly how you feel about just wanting to get it finished and I am wishing you well. Take care. 😊

I had paclitaxel 12 doses, but doses 11 and 12 were reduced by 25% each. This was due to the numbness and tingling problem. I did freezing cold therapy but with boots and mitts not ice.

Adding to what has been mentioned above, it is possible that the nerve problems get worse after the treatment has finished and the oncologist must take this into account, as well as the level of symptoms the person currently has.

 Nerve damage is one of the common side-effects of this drug that can last for years if not for ever and contribute to a significant reduction in somebody’s every day activities. 

Thanks @Mazbeth for saying that,I was wondering all of yesterday whether I had done the right thing. I have decided to enjoy the week off and make the most of it. Feel like its also good for my body and hands esp. I will just have to be patient to see what they decide after I see the doc. Also  Yay you are almost done with yours and hope that the PN doesn’t get any worse for you. All the best to you too xx

@Tinks  I couldn’t face doing any cold therapy.I am so not good with cold things and freezing was not a thought I could bear. You are brave..Well done. 

I will also check with onc about the possibility of it getting worse after treatment stops so thanks for mentioning that. That is definitely something I would like to minimize. 

It has also been good to know that many people get to this point and its ok to stop here if necessary. Will let you guys know what happens. Trying to make the most of this week off and do some things I haven’t had the energy for. Thanks for your support and wishes.Hope you are well xx

Hi Caibo, you have done the right thing about telling your Oncologist about your numbness and tingling etc in your hands, it’s very important that you are truthful.
My last 2 Pactlitaxel were at a reduced dose, as the sensations weren’t going from my hands from one week to the next.
Another lady and I were having treatment at the same time ,she on a few occasions had Pactlitaxel once a fortnight due to side effects she was having. I seem to remember that she didn’t finish the last couple. Both the oncologist and the chemotherapy nurses said that it is common that not everyone finishes Pactlitaxel, so try not to worry about it.
The main thing is not to have lifelong damage. 

Hi @Caibo, The cold therapy does sound terrible, but is really quite bearable and only needs to be done during infusion and for 15 minutes before and after. I worried a lot beforehand how hard it would be but lasted all 16 sessions. Even once when a friend came in to see me I left my hands in ten minutes too long because I was distracted! Might be worth it just to see you through the last of the Pac. Good luck with it all anyway. x