POST PACLITAXOL SIDE EFFECTS

Thanks for the info ladies I really appreciate it. I'll follow up your advice with the oncologist and gp my BC was triple negative so no hormone blockers for me. Just had my other boob off today so time to get on with my cancer free life. Hugs to you both. Margie

Congratulations on finishing the grueling part of treatment.  It is quite normal to experience neuropathy in your hands and feet from the taxol chemo drugs. The aches and pains your describe can be from hormone blockers if you are on any and they are a side effect from these medications but like you said occurs mainly in the early mornings.  I find that exercising has reduced my aches and pains.  I try to incorporate at least 3 brisk walks into my week which includes doing steps (weight bearing) exercise.  I find if I stick to my exercise regime my aches are minimal.  I do squats while brushing my teeth in the mornings and before bed.  Just small ways of incorporating bone exercise to your day.  For the hot flushes I have been put on Efexor (an anti depressant) which is known to reduce symptoms, and in my case, it did!  I was very sleep deprived and felt like I was going to go insane when menoupause symptoms kicked in and I had flushes every hour of the day.  It does get better over time with the flushes.  Unless you are on hormone blockers the effects of the menoupause should become less severe. Hang in there, you have come so far x

@onemargie

Hello!!! Just read your post and wanted to say, oh boy!!! Ok, so Im 11 months on from Chemo I had 4 Fec 3 weeks apart and 8 weekly taxol. I have slight neuropathy in my feet, but still have exactly as you describe, the aches and pains and stiffness, Im like an old lady and have been assessed by an exercise physiologist to try and help. Apparently it can take years to settle, the other thing is too Im on Arimidex which also causes aches and pains!! AND Hot Flushes??? Im 48 and Chemo through me into menopause, what a lovely extra surprise hmmm?? so Im gathering thats whats happened?

Now just to back this up a little I was diagnosed 2011 highgrade DCIS, lumpectomy, radiation and tamoxifen for 4 yrs left breast. 2015 I had a recurrence in the same spot, same breast, IDC 3cm aggressive 3rd stage, another major lumpectomy, lymph nodes clear and removed and chemo this time and now on Arimidex. Due to recurrence I am now scheduled for a Mastectomy...however...I had to have Genetic Counseling because of recurrence and thankfully is negative, so Geneticists and Surgeon agree on a single mastectomy, thata double isnt necessary. Ive never had trouble with the other and its been a massive decision after doing this for 5yrs, so early next year will do a single..God forbid it came in the good side!!!?? I honestly dont feel so. My Mum also had it left breast at 40 had a mastectomy and survived 26yrs! So, I would just have a mastectomy and no treatment. But I am Cancer Free and focused on doing the mastectomy and putting this mess behind me now..Big hugs! Melinda xo

Also forgot to mention the hot flushes OMFG what a pain in the arse they are at any age and I'm 44!!