Forum Discussion

Beckyw's avatar
Beckyw
Member
9 years ago

Taxol Side effects?

hey ladies, 

i'm starting taxol in 2 weeks time, and ive been hearing some horror stories about it. 
Please share your experiences on it, im planning on working during this treatment. 

Thanx in advance :)
side-effects
  • ccasper's avatar
    ccasper
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi Becky. I just finished taxol and carbo together. Felt fine most of the time. My nails have been one of the bigger things. I have one I think I may lose but I am outside a lot going for walks. Just make sure you wear your nail polish. I had no neuropathy but did take vitamin B6 throughout which my oncologist was happy with. My hair started growing back too. My eyebrows thinned and so did my eyelashes but never lost them completely. Good luck!!
  • iserbrown's avatar
    iserbrown
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi Beckyw - just come on to wish you well.  We all react differently, I can remember my mother-in-law didn't cope with Taxol but having said that by the look of your photo she was much older than you are and for her it was about keeping her liver bile ducts open as well as, had to have stents put in regularly, lots of other health issues related to cancer!

    All the ladies on here are giving great advice, particularly about the soft tissue side of it all!  You said you got through AC with mild effects so here's hoping it will be the same for Taxol.

    Take care and ask lots of questions of the Oncology nursing staff so you are aware - knowledge helps with understanding of where you are at and understanding your reactions. You know what they say, ASK stands for Always Seek Knowledge  xx
  • melclarity's avatar
    melclarity
    Member
    9 years ago
    Becky, I think if you were ok on AC, I really think you'll be more than fine on Taxol, Chemo either agrees from the get go or it doesnt. I remember my Oncology nurse saying to me at the beginning of FEC how I was after my first infusion will dictate the treatment. It really did worst luck, Im just so super drug sensitive so I learnt through it all, that Chemo just didn't agree. So I think you'll find you manage it really well. :) Melinda xo
  • Beckyw's avatar
    Beckyw
    Member
    9 years ago
    I had 4 hits of AC to start with. And my side effects were mild compared to some. Hopefully then i will be ok on taxol. Its terrible that something thats meant to help us makes us so unwell 
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago
    Whilst better than my other chemo I wasn't great on taxol but was also on herceptin. My main issues was fluid retention...but this was more likely the steroids they think as I needed a higher dose because of allergies. I didn't  have nausea on it and wasn't bed bound like AC. I just had aches and pain day 3..so if working and can have on a Thursday...it might be all over by the Monday if it effects you. I know of 2 women who worked throughout it. I could not, but we are all different.
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi Beckyw

    I continue working throughout chemo (A/C then Taxol and Herceptin). I had no aches or pains, no nausea , no fatigue. I did get a  bloody nose from time to time  - Taxol is hard on soft tissue, so watch eyes, mouth and nose but the symptoms were a bit annoying not terrible! They also got better when treatment stopped.I also lost a lot of taste buds (the positive side of that is I also lost a bit of weight!). Major issue was neuropathy so watch your fingers and toes, and seek advice about how to minimize any problems as soon as they may start (and they don't for lots of people). Tingling in the fingertips and toes, like pins and needles, is usually the first indication. Neuropathy also takes longer to get better so worth watching. Every treatment is one nearer the end! Good luck.

  • melclarity's avatar
    melclarity
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hey Becky! Is Taxol your only chemo youre doing?? I had 4 FEC which was tough 3 weekly, unfortunately as I didnt cope with this I had to stop work...when it finished I went straight into 8 weeks of Taxol so whilst different and easier, I was already setup from FEC. The main thing for me was nerve, muscle and bone pain which hit at day 3 and accumulated so as it went on I had no relief going into the next one. I did get very mild neuropathy in my fingers and feet at the end. Everyone is different, and Im allergic to narcotics so my pain management was really difficult through all of it. Its absolutely doable, and I think if I hadnt have had FEC I would most likely have managed working a few days through Taxol. You'll be more than fine! Hugs Melinda xo 
  • Glemmis's avatar
    Glemmis
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi Beckyw, I have completed 4 AC & coming up to my 7th Taxol out of 12. I have worked 3 days a week all the way through with only 2 days off during the AC. Taxol is much easier so far. The main issues have been a bit of bone pain/muscle ache but I haven't had to take anything for it & this week has been very mild. A bit of reflux for a day & metallic taste. I exercise 4 times a week & have acupuncture weekly,  Some of the ladies I started chemo with at the hospital who have finished got a bit of neuropathy towards the end but managed to complete it. So there are easier stories amongst the horror! I am sure you will be able to work, look after yourself & good luck