Taxol Neuropathy

I would listen to your oncologist.  We had 4 x AC then supposed to have 12 Taxols but stopped after 7 due to neuropathy in my hands and feet.  Mainly bad in my hands.  I didn't want permanent damage and my oncologist was very good, supportive.  When I asked her what is the research around 6 vs 8 vs 12 doses of Taxol, she said there isn't any, that the studies are only  based on 12 treatments, and that the research is often partly funded by the drug companies! So they have a vested interest in the 12 sessions. 
If I were you and you have noticeable neuropathy now, will would stop so the time you don't have permanent damage.  To help with the neuropathy, I can recommend acupuncture- you may need to do it a time least weekly for a couple of months and the other thing I took was lipoid acid (get it from health shop).  My neuropathy is completely gone! 

Hi ladies,
 there is some research happening overseas about using ice socks and mittens to prevent peripheral neuropathy when having a Taxol, and it seems people have been doing this overseas for a few years. I am on THP, and had the mittens the first round. The clinic wasn't able to find any specific socks from the manufacturer etc in Australia, but I was allowed to use mittens on my feet the second time. (with everyone commenting that I looked like Big Bird in my chair!). So far so good!!! I didn't find the cold to be a major problem, just like wearing the cold cap it was very cold for 15 min or so, and then went basically numb. I know how much of a problem peripheral neuropathy can be for hands and feet long term, so am keen to do anything to prevent it!!!!

http://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/cryotherapy-may-prevent-taxol-neuropathy
The research was published online on Oct. 12, 2017 by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Read “Effects of Cryotherapy on Objective and Subjective Symptoms of Paclitaxel-Induced Neuropathy: Prospective Self-Controlled Trial.”

On another note, reading these messages is sooo helpful. I had my first Neulasta injection last week, had severe bone pain not helped by the normal painkillers over the weekend and I hate using opiates (drowsy and nauseous enough) -- but found some discussion about using Claratyne which I tried and I feel much better today. Thanks for everyone's posts! 

hi there I had 4 AC and 4 taxol and I had the neuropathy pain in my hands only but its been pretty much gone now thank god I would listen to your oncol too. Margie x 

I had 10/12 finished about 5 weeks ago, the pain in my hands and feet getting worse! Only a few toes numb but pain is pretty bad, and all my bones hurt. I take panadole all day and sometimes during the night, 1 endone sometimes 2 and on lyrica for the pain. Oncologist doesn't seem too concerned, said it should go away soon.
Worst part is my family don't realize the pain i'm in.  
Benita

I had minimal neuropathy in my fingers and toes but a weird upper lip issue, always felt tight like it was really really dry. I’d had it a couple of weeks (and purchased lots of face cream for super dry skin) but as soon as I mentioned it to the oncologist she reduced my Taxol treatments for the subsequent 3 remaining sessions. I would trust what the doc says but perhaps even a reduced amount may benefit. Cheers, Jen.

Good luck with the rest of your treatments 

I have bad neuropathy in hands and feet.  It may be permanent.  This is a personal view I would have stopped chemo at 8/12 but onco and husband were convincing I should keep going.   Lesson I learned is to listen to my body and tell everyone else to go jump 

Trust your oncologist. If he feels the risks too high to continue then I'd listen to him. 

Never think you are copping out! I got very close to stopping around number 9. My feet were painful, badly nerve affected (it's possible to lose feeling and have pain at the same time I discovered) and I was fearful about not being able to walk. My oncologist was sympathetic but keen for me to continue so we took it week by week, checking nothing for worse. I would definitely not have finished all 12 if I hadn't discovered a lump under my right arm (unrelated and totally benign)! Nearly five years later I still have damaged feet, it doesn't always rectify completely. It doesn't affect me much, I was never a runner, but it's annoying at times. You have had two thirds of the recommended amount and to be honest most consider 80% of the recommended treatment will be therapeutic (or not). You still have other treatment regimes to go through so if your oncologist feels the impact is too great, I'd be inclined to listen. Best wishes whatever you decide.