Forum Discussion
Side effects of taxol
Hi, I'm currently about to do my 10th weekly taxol treatment (only 3 treatments left) have had numbness /tingling in fingers from 2nd treatment but each treatment the tingling has gotten slightly worse to the point now that it's getting difficult now to open certain things, my left big toe nail has yellowed and virtually fallen off, looks like my right big toe nail is starting to yellow as well, have had nausea off and on from treatment although its nothing like the AC treatment! eyelashes have gone, eyebrows have virtually disappeared, have very dryish nose which bleeds when I blow,eyesight has deteriorated, achy muscles in my legs, just don't know if I should solider on to complete treatment, as I don't want permanent damage done to my fingers, anyone else experience similar side effects like this?
25 Replies
- Oh Bevkk, thank you so much for your email, it really has lifted my spirits reading your story, such similar side effects, it is such a tough journey and yes not long to go now although this weeks taxol was cancelled due to my low white cell count, got to perceive with it to get better. Good luck and again many thanks :)
- Hi Pinkkittykat,
i completed my last taxol of 12 two weeks ago. I also had all the side effects you mention. My fingers and toes got slowly worse from number nine treatment and after number 12 still got worse for the week after. The complete soles of my feet were numb. The last few days there has been an improvement. I have been pleasantly surprised how quickly things have started to improve. My nose isn't bleeding every time I blow it, my tastebuds are slowly getting back to normal and the fatigue is far less. I still have pain in my fingernails and need help with little things like getting credit/debit cards out of my wallet. I also lost a couple of toenails but hopefully no more.
you are on the countdown. The relief when you walk out that door after the last treatment is indescribable. I still have three weekly Herceptin until July but at least I know the side effects will not cntnue. Have a celebration when you are finished, however small. - I know you are down and depressed, not fair that this has happened, as you know we will have good days and bad days! I was suppose to have gone overseas this October for our 30th wedding anniversary instead I'm doing chemo
- Hi pinkkittykay, just watching my temp & diarrhea. Been very depress was suppose to be attending my nephew's wedding overseas but then I got BC just before I was to book the trip. Whole family are there now to celebrate his wedding. Been teary eyed & crying since this morning. Hope ir white blood cells go up soon.
- Hey Kimmi17, oh what a bummer, you've picked up a bug, if your temp is 38 get to emergency dept, nausea and fatigue is part of it, also see how your bloods are for next time, I had to skip this weeks taxol as white cell count low, although I'm not feeling crook, our body can only handle so much!
- Had taxol yesterday had nausea & now fatigue & feverish...
- Hi, I havent heard of that, not in Melbourne anyway, there is scalp cooling available, but isnt overly successful in treating Breast Cancer. I have friends who did it and still lost over 50% of their hair. As for ice gloves, dont think thats available everywhere. I didnt suffer with neuropathy in my fingers, a little in my toes but has really improved. This wasnt something that worried me really compared to other side effects. Finding whatever works individually is key.
- Hi. New to the group. Stage 3 Invasive Ductal. Had a mastectomy 5 weeks ago and I'll be starting chemo' in coming weeks. I've been given advice about wearing ice gloves and booties during the drug administration period, which helped another woman and saved her from the effects of the neuropathy (fingers and toes). It apparently constricts blood vessels, thus lessens the circulation to extremities and reduces damage. I'll be incorporating them during my treatment.
- Let me know how you go, cheers Sophie
- Pinkkittykat thanks, I'm having my second dose of Taxol tomorrow , first dose was with Herceptin . It will be interesting to see how I feel following Taxol only.
