I was supposed to have my 9th paclitaxel this morning but was cancelled because I have had significant increase in numbness in my hands and some pain in my thumb over the past week,(even after onc reduced last weeks dose by 10%) My feet seem fine at the moment.My regular onc was on leave so the one on duty made that decision and said that they will see how I am next week and decide what is next. I am quite disappointed as I was getting towards the end of the chemo and want to get it over and done with. On the other hand I didn’t want to say everything was ok as I had read on a few threads here of the lasting damage PN can do.Has anyone had a similar experience?

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.

@Thanks Shellshocked2018_ said: 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. Wishing you all the bestSending virtual hugs xx Thanks @Shellshocked2018_ , I feel much the same,like nothing has changed from last week to now, the numbness is still as bad and I have also been getting some additional shooting pains in my hands and some pain in my feet. I have had to take panadol every night to get some sleep as my feet and lower legs were achy.So glad I didn’t have last weeks Paclixel. Waiting to hear what the onc thinks on Monday. Definitely don’t want that lifelong damage. Thanks for your reply and wishes.Sending you the same. xx

Good luck @Caibo for your surgery, I will be praying for the best outcome for you. Also I hope your PN gets better, you have a lot of things to deal with all at once, go easy on yourself ;)

Thank you all for your support. The onc left it up to me today to make a call .As the neuropathy had gotten worse over the last couple of days and having heard from all of you that this often happens, helped me feel like I made a more informed decision. They seemed happy with the decision as well.So that’s me done with chemo! Yay! Now I have a few weeks to recover before having surgery which is great.Hoping and praying that the neuropathy gets better soon. So appreciate this group and all of you.Big hugs xx

Congratulations Caibo, chemotherapy done and dusted YAH! Onwards and upwards from here........All the best for your upcoming surgery.Stay positive, keep active, listen to your body and rest when needed.Big hugs xx

Paclitaxel Delayed | BCNA Online Network

23 Replies

Caibo
Member
5 years ago
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
Member
5 years ago
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.
Afraser
Member
5 years ago
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.

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Paclitaxel Delayed

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