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