Forum Discussion

airlie's avatar
airlie
Member
10 years ago

PACLITAXEL

Hi. Just a question ladies who have been on Paclitaxel for 12 weeks!!

Can I have some comments on side effects please. I know we are all different, just need some reassurance. I will also be havin herceptin at the same time but three weekly and then continuing on for 12 mths. 

Thanks x Airlie

7 Replies

  • Airlie, I did work the entire 12 weeks of my Taxol. I took the day of treatment off, I work a 4 day week typically.

    I must say tiredness was not a major side effect for me, so I was quite grateful in this regard.

    its been 4 weeks since chemo ended and im feeling ok, some little things still hanging around, but nothing major.

    I start radiotherapy next week, so not sure whats ahead with that, will take it as it comes.

    I hope your side effects subside a bit and you get through the chemo as best as you can. Its not easy and every persons body copes with it so differently

    take care

    angie

     

  • Hi Angie. I finish round 4 of EC tomorrow. Am very anxious as round 3 knocked my socks off. Was in bed for 5 days. All the sude effects as well. 

    Did you work through chemo. I have taken 6 mths off but am thinking now maybe I should've had the year. My onco said to wipe out this year. 

    Even on good days I still get tired. Maybe I do too much on those days. 

    How are you feeling now your chemo has finished. I read on this site I think that it can take 9 mths for the body to get over chemo. 

    As long as it does what it is meant to a year isnt much

    Best wishes to you. Keep in touck.

    Regards airlie  ????

  • Airlie, I'm on the exact same plan as you , 12 weeks of taxol and herceptin every 3 weeks starting on day 1 of chemo and continuing for 1 year.

    i just finished my 12 weeks of taxol on Tuesday . It's been very tolerable and I have continued to work throughout. I also saved my hair using scalp cooling as this chemo plan works very well with cold caps and was highly recommended by my oncologist.

    i was going to post a detailed summary of my 12 weeks in the next few days and I will outline how I felt etc, but it was less daunting than I initially anticipated

    when do you start, wishing you all the best

    Angie 

     

  • Hi Mikayla, Thanks so much for sharing your story. Glad you had a pretty good run with your treatment. I do have a port which is so good. Take care.

    Airlie ?? 

  • Thanks Michelle , It is really good hear how other ladies coped with the treatment. Thank you for your input.

    Airlie ?? 

  • Hi Airlie,

     I too was on paclitaxel for 12 weeks. Other being tired for the first few weeks I had no real side effects to speak off. I also had a port inserted which is like magic... But do ask for the numbing patches. Good luck sure you will find it ok.. Mikaylaxx

  • Hi Airlie,

    I also had 12 weeks of Taxol (Paclitaxel) without any major side effects until the 12th week, when I became light-headed.  There were no problems at all.

    The pre-chemo drugs deal with any side effects before they appear - take them all as it is easier to prevent problems than to have to deal with them.

    It can be difficult to sleep when taking Dexamethsone, so I put meditation tapes handy, which really helped.  I also found that green tea with fresh ginger slices was really helpful for any nausea/stiffness and I started every day with this and an arrowroot biscuit.

    There can be some neuropathy in fingers and toes (numb/tingly) but exercise helps with this and it is not painful, just annoying while it lasts.  I found a glass of milk stopped it - maybe the magnesium?

    I recommend keeping a diary of your meds routine, and ticking off each one as you take it.  Do you have a port?  If so, be sure to ask for Emla patches to put on it 1/2 hour beforehand.

    The 12 weeks goes quickly and you will soon be in a routine.  All the very best - I hope it goes smoothly for you, too.  xx  Michelle