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

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.

kezmusc said: Hi @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 Thank you as I am really concerned after how sick I have been and still not recovered from AC Hugs 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 xxAny other questions don’t hesitate to ask.Sending hugs x

@ChezaH Lets just say I was quite social the whole way through. We had heaps of events already planned for that time before stupid cancer stuck it's nose in and I don't do "dry parties". Actually I'm flat out doing a dry week, chemo or not lol :wink:

kezmusc said: @ChezaH Lets just say I was quite social the whole way through. We had heaps of events already planned for that time before stupid cancer stuck it's nose in and I don't do "dry parties". Actually I'm flat out doing a dry week, chemo or not lol :wink: Thanks Kezmusc yes I love my wine and love sitting with my husband and having a wine in the afternoon. Hope you are feeling ok sending hugs x

Paclitaxel | BCNA Online Network

Locksley
Member
5 years ago
Hi @ChezaH hope all is OK. I've just had my first session yesterday. Let me know. Sending hugs xx
ChezaH
Member
5 years ago

Afraser said:

Hi @ChezaH
Best to check. Oedema is possible, as is an allergy but both are more likely to be evident much earlier on. Is it the arm used for treatment? Your breast care nurse or oncology nurse may be able to assist. Best wishes.

Hi Afraser no its not the treatment arm, it the surgery arm. Not really bad its there. I will keep a close eye on it Thanks Cheryl
Afraser
Member
5 years ago
Hi @ChezaH
Best to check. Oedema is possible, as is an allergy but both are more likely to be evident much earlier on. Is it the arm used for treatment? Your breast care nurse or oncology nurse may be able to assist. Best wishes.
ChezaH
Member
5 years ago
Hi all Just had my 11th treatment Wednesday and noticed that my hand fingers and arm on the side of my surgery are swollen this morning, any suggestions 😮
Nefertari
Member
5 years ago
Glad that everything is going well, you are on the home stretch, so look after yourself :)
ddon
Member
5 years ago
Thats so good - hope you continue to feel better.
ChezaH
Member
5 years ago
Hi all, Well I have had 2 treatments and it is so different to AC Only a few side effects, but feeling so much better in myself, it was good to have the 3 weeks to recover from AC, and my mind is in a better place now. sending hugs xx
ChezaH
Member
5 years ago

kezmusc said:

@ChezaH

Lets just say I was quite social the whole way through. We had heaps of events already planned for that time before stupid cancer stuck it's nose in and I don't do "dry parties". Actually I'm flat out doing a dry week, chemo or not lol :wink:

Thanks Kezmusc yes I love my wine and love sitting with my husband and having a wine in the afternoon. Hope you are feeling ok sending hugs x
kezmusc
Member
5 years ago
@ChezaH

Lets just say I was quite social the whole way through. We had heaps of events already planned for that time before stupid cancer stuck it's nose in and I don't do "dry parties". Actually I'm flat out doing a dry week, chemo or not lol :wink:
ChezaH
Member
5 years ago

kezmusc said:

Hi @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

Hi Kezmusc, I love my wine and wondering if you drank while on chemo ?? hugs cheza xx