Paclitaxel

Hi @ddon, the attitude of the oncology nurses makes a huge difference doesn't it.  The male nurse I had was so willing to help me. He even congratulated me on giving the ice treatment a try.  Luckily even with covid my husband is still allowed to come with me but we never know til we get there if the rules have changed.  It would be good to have some studies done and if shown to work not expensive to set up.

@ddon, I completely agree with you. But even though studies have not been done on a lot of these things, it’s still worth a try if enough ladies on this site have said it’s worked for them. A close friend of mine had bc a few years ago, and she did the ice therapy. Kept most of her hair and didn’t get PN. I used Mepitel for radiation, even though my onco wasn’t a big fan of it in the beginning, and managed to keep most of my skin in great shape with no burns. I converted my onco, she was absolutely amazed at how well my skin looked. So no, it can’t be a coincidence. That’s why this site is so good. So much useful and helpful first hand experience. We just need to be assertive and not worry about the sceptical stares, and the truth will come out eventually 👌🏻👊🏻❤️

I found I was almost scoffed at by some oncology nurses when I carried in my cold bag full of ice packs each week. And it was VERY uncomfortable, and difficult to set up by myself each week with no support person due to COVID. I just felt like I had to do whatever i could to save my hands and feet and make sure I could get through every treatment. So, I don’t know if it worked or if I was just a lucky one to escape PN but I got a few minor tingles in the tips of a couple of fingers and that’s it. Finished 30th April and haven’t noticed anything else since. I wish there could be some serious studies done on it so it could be recognised if it works and be offered in all chemo wards. It’s a simple solution to a difficult problem if it actually is shown to work.

I'm so sorry that you are having trouble with peripheral neuropathy already.
Side effects seem extremely variable.
I was lucky and finished all 12.
I don't have any suggestions re treatment, other than discussing it thoroughly with your Oncologist and Breast Nurse.
My Oncologist was very ready to stop the Taxol early if PN was significant.
I wish there was more accurate information available re these cold therapies. Ie hands, feet and scalp.
We only seem to have anecdotal stories.
Unfortunately, I don't think that there are enough research dollars. It would be great to know if these cold therapies actually work, or what rate of success could be expected. These cold therapies do take a bit of effort, and are not comfortable.

@Locksley - Good on you for giving the treatment a go!!!!!!!!!!  The willingness to go forth and learn is powerful - not only for you but the medical team as well.  I wish you well Gorgeous!  Big Hugs Lois xxx

Hi Locksley - good to see your face and looking forward to seeing how you go with the ice treatment - I have ordered socks ( thankfully I only have 4 rounds ) xx Good luck - it’s great the advice you can get on this site 💕

Hi Locksley
you 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

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

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