I’m have trouble with my feet and hands after the forth treatment of Paclitaxel. My oncologist is talking about stopping it altogether. I still have 8 more treatments to go and was wondering if anyone has any idea what treatment they would give as an alternative. I was diagnosed with triple negative. Any thoughts would be really appreciated.

Hi @WeenI had my first Paclitaxel treatment yesterday. I asked my oncologist about ice therapy and he said he is getting a lot of questions about it and hasn't had a patient do it. I told him I was going to try and he said he will be interested to know how I go with it for the 12 sessions I am meant to have. I was given some socks and I had ice packs in the top and the bottom of the socks and I double gloved my hands in ice jugs for the whole time and so far so good. I have attached a photo to show you. The nurse was lovely and got me the jugs of ice. Sending hugs xxx

Hi Locksleyyou look very well set up. I did ask my Oncologist about the ice treatment she said they are experimenting with the treatment at the moment. Unfortunately after only 4 treatments they decided to stop my treatment. I had trouble with my feet and hands. I finished three weeks ago and still have the skin on my feet peeling and nerve damage in my shins and feet. I still had 8 treatments to go. I have a follow up review with my Doctor on Tuesday and then on to Radiotherapy for 5 or 6 weeks. Hope all goes well for you. Take care

Hi Locksley,I can answer this one. I've just finished my first 5 sessions.You will see the frame that they use on your planning session for R/TYou are on your back, but elevated slightly. Your arms are both above your head, well supported in a frame with padding.Your arms are not straight but gently curved.From the time you start to lay down, it would be 15 min. All of that time you need to stay still.The first 5 min the staff are with you getting you into your precise position.A few milimetres up, down and sideways etc.If you are able to put your arms above your head with fingers touching, perhaps while on a recliner chair.You would be ok.If that is really uncomfortable or difficult for you, perhaps a physiotherapist could assist with some stretches.Definitely discuss this with your Radiation Oncologist at your planning session. This seems to be 3-4 weeks prior to starting.That is when I got my 3 tiny tattoos, and was put into the frame for planning.I had a couple of consults with Radiotherapy a month or 2 prior. These were only phone consults, due to COVID.But you could also mention your concerns then too.Good luck.

Hi @PV123, Please do a general search on this site for peripheral neuropathy. Several women have described, with pix, their DIY solutions instead of buying via the US. Although I did ice therapy from the beginning, I understand that it can still be effective even if start after chemo has started. xx

Good stuff @Locksley, good on you for trying. It will hopefully give you the results you want. Power on 👊🏻🍀❤️

Paclitaxel | BCNA Online Network

44 Replies

Ween
Member
5 years ago
Hi PV123
Thank you for responding to my text. The link was really interesting. I have gone online to see about purchasing the gel socks. Unfortunately Amazon Aust are out of stock. They are only available through purchasing them from USA which I imagine will take forever in the present COVID problem. I will ask my Oncologist tomorrow also if she has any advice. Please take care. Hope all is well with you.
PV123
Member
5 years ago
Hi @Ween
Sorry to hear that you are having a hard time with paclitaxel. Few of us have used ice treatment to deal with neuropathy. Maybe check with the oncologist if they can assist with setting this up. There are quite a few posts about this. I have copied one of the links below. Good luck with the rest of your treatment.
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/22200/ice-therapy-success-no-peripheral-neuropathy-all-nails-intact-no-mouth-sores
Ween
Member
5 years ago
Thanks so much for your response. I’m back at the Oncologist on Tuesday I will ask her lots of questions. I will ring my Beast Cancer Nurse on Monday as well. Just worried as my legs feel like lead. Hoping if I go on with Paclitaxel this will reverse eventually at the finish of treatment. Take care I hope all goes well for you.
Sweets
Member
5 years ago
Hi, sorry to hear about your peripheral neuropathy. Unfortunately this is a common side effect of the Paclitaxil, I experienced it during my treatment and the Dr considered stopping it. However in the end they gave me a lower dose of the Paclitaxil. I've completed my treatment but my hands in particular are really bad that I am on nerve tablets now. I would suggest speaking with your breast care nurse, they are usually a fountain of information and a great person to advocate on your behalf. Good luck with the rest of your treatment!

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