Forum Discussion
ChezaH
6 years agoMember
Paclitaxel
Hi all, my next lot of treatments are Paclitaxel when I am well enough
to start, and would like to know from anybody that has gone through this
one or going through, helpful hints on side effects, recommendations on
how to handle myself through these treatments as I am rather concerned ,
as my body was only able to handle 3 rounds of ac. thanks for any
information that you can give Hugs xx
22 Replies
- TinksMemberMy onco advised that a glass of wine with dinner was OK for me on paclitaxel. It didn’t cause any side effects for me and I think it helped my not very good appetite a bit. Check out with your onco?
lots of love Tinks xx - ChezaHMemberShellshocked2018_ said:Hi Berchel14,
I finished my Paclitaxel last year in June.
Its nothing like AC, most of us struggle with AC you are not alone it’s evil.
Pactlitaxel builds up in your system over the weeks that you have it, as time goes on you will get more tired and lethargic, this is normal. Your oncologist will discuss with you regarding neuropathy, which can develop in your hands and feet. This side affect will be monitored closely as neuropathy can be with you for life, so be honest and open with your nurses and oncologist, don’t think that you can just tough it out. Some people don’t get the full 12 rounds so don’t be discouraged if this happens. My last 2 doses were reduced due to pins and needles in my feet and hands.There were ladies that didn’t finish due to issues who were having treatment at the same time as me.
Listen to your body and rest when needed, drink plenty of fluids and gentle exercise if possible.
During this treatment I was able to get out to the shops with hubby for shopping, I was extremely careful and wore a face mask and was diligent with hand sanitiser. This is something that wasn’t heard of during AC treatment.
After treatment finished I felt much better after just after a few weeks, recovery time was much better.You have done the hard yards, Paclitaxel is a walk in the park compared to AC and Radiotherapy was even easier.
Good Luck xx
Any other questions don’t hesitate to ask.
Sending hugs xShellshocked2018_ said:Hi Berchel14,
I finished my Paclitaxel last year in June.
Its nothing like AC, most of us struggle with AC you are not alone it’s evil.
Pactlitaxel builds up in your system over the weeks that you have it, as time goes on you will get more tired and lethargic, this is normal. Your oncologist will discuss with you regarding neuropathy, which can develop in your hands and feet. This side affect will be monitored closely as neuropathy can be with you for life, so be honest and open with your nurses and oncologist, don’t think that you can just tough it out. Some people don’t get the full 12 rounds so don’t be discouraged if this happens. My last 2 doses were reduced due to pins and needles in my feet and hands.There were ladies that didn’t finish due to issues who were having treatment at the same time as me.
Listen to your body and rest when needed, drink plenty of fluids and gentle exercise if possible.
During this treatment I was able to get out to the shops with hubby for shopping, I was extremely careful and wore a face mask and was diligent with hand sanitiser. This is something that wasn’t heard of during AC treatment.
After treatment finished I felt much better after just after a few weeks, recovery time was much better.You have done the hard yards, Paclitaxel is a walk in the park compared to AC and Radiotherapy was even easier.
Good Luck xx
Any other questions don’t hesitate to ask.
Sending hugs x
Hi not sure what your thoughts are on drinking alcohol I enjoy my glass of wine, thanks Cheza xx - Hi Berchel14,
I finished my Paclitaxel last year in June.
Its nothing like AC, most of us struggle with AC you are not alone it’s evil.
Pactlitaxel builds up in your system over the weeks that you have it, as time goes on you will get more tired and lethargic, this is normal. Your oncologist will discuss with you regarding neuropathy, which can develop in your hands and feet. This side affect will be monitored closely as neuropathy can be with you for life, so be honest and open with your nurses and oncologist, don’t think that you can just tough it out. Some people don’t get the full 12 rounds so don’t be discouraged if this happens. My last 2 doses were reduced due to pins and needles in my feet and hands.There were ladies that didn’t finish due to issues who were having treatment at the same time as me.
Listen to your body and rest when needed, drink plenty of fluids and gentle exercise if possible.
During this treatment I was able to get out to the shops with hubby for shopping, I was extremely careful and wore a face mask and was diligent with hand sanitiser. This is something that wasn’t heard of during AC treatment.
After treatment finished I felt much better after just after a few weeks, recovery time was much better.You have done the hard yards, Paclitaxel is a walk in the park compared to AC and Radiotherapy was even easier.
Good Luck xx
Any other questions don’t hesitate to ask.
Sending hugs x - kezmuscMemberHi @Berchel14,
AC is ghastly. Hopefully you find the Paclitaxel far easier. I had only minor issues with this one. A walk in the park compared to AC.
Best wishes. xoxoxo - ChezaHMemberAfraser said:You are more likely to find it much easier than not, so don’t get too alarmed. Most people find it relatively straightforward, even if they have had a bad time with A/C. And the most common problems, which are a nuisance rather than harmful, clear up really fast at the end. The experience of one chemotherapy doesn’t necessarily imply much for the next one. Deep breaths!
Thanks need lots of reassurance hugs x - ChezaHMemberddon said:I was really worried about the taxol because I just was at the end of myself after the AC, even though realistically my body handled it ok. I just felt dreadful. The oncologist and the chemo nurses assured me it would be easier but I didn’t really believe them. They were right - I used ice packs on my hands and feet and I came out the other end with minor changes in sensation in a few finger tips but nothing serious. My nose would bleed a little every time I blew it and my taste buds were pretty ordinary on days 3 and 4 of each cycle. Other than that, I found it really easy until the last 3 and then I found it had all built up and I just got really tired and my muscles started to ache.Compared with AC it was nothing to stress about at all, so while everyone is different, I think it’s reasonable to say it just isn’t as nasty as the AC and most likely you will tolerate it much better.
Thank you if its like that I will be happy hugs x - ddonMemberI was really worried about the taxol because I just was at the end of myself after the AC, even though realistically my body handled it ok. I just felt dreadful. The oncologist and the chemo nurses assured me it would be easier but I didn’t really believe them. They were right - I used ice packs on my hands and feet and I came out the other end with minor changes in sensation in a few finger tips but nothing serious. My nose would bleed a little every time I blew it and my taste buds were pretty ordinary on days 3 and 4 of each cycle. Other than that, I found it really easy until the last 3 and then I found it had all built up and I just got really tired and my muscles started to ache.Compared with AC it was nothing to stress about at all, so while everyone is different, I think it’s reasonable to say it just isn’t as nasty as the AC and most likely you will tolerate it much better.
- AfraserMemberYou are more likely to find it much easier than not, so don’t get too alarmed. Most people find it relatively straightforward, even if they have had a bad time with A/C. And the most common problems, which are a nuisance rather than harmful, clear up really fast at the end. The experience of one chemotherapy doesn’t necessarily imply much for the next one. Deep breaths!