Weekly Taxol group
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So many SE's, so many tips to stop them! I'm on the other side, now. Lumpectomy, chemo, and last day of radiation yesterday. I'm one of those people who did okay with Taxol. MO cut benadryl as much as possible which stopped restless legs, I had blurry eyes and wasnt comfortable driving at night, had aches and pains in joints which went away with ibuprofen and hot baths, and had that achy sore foot thing. I'm a barefoot girl, so stopped that and got a good pair of inside sneakers. Had some neuropathy in hands and toes. My fatigue was due to low hemoglobin counts due to chemo so I had to have iron infusions along with chemo throughout my weekly Taxol. Rest and naps helped. I guess my point is that everything stunk, but everything was manageable, and better than AC.
I had 2 weeks off before radiation therapy, and thats when the taxol side effects really hit me! I had read about this, my MO had talked about chemo not being done with my body, but I was foolishly surprised. Really bad joint pain and restless legs at night - like I had been long distance running. (Not me!) Two toenails fell off, and my fingernails and other toenails were sore, and cracked and peeled. The neuropathy got bad - especially in the kitchen and garden! Now I'm 7 weeks post chemo and the symptoms are better. My MO gave me a prescription for the joint and leg pain, and it allowed me to sleep nights. I saw a Podiatrist who helped me with the nails. I started accupuncture for the neuropathy, which is a lot better, but still there. I also have deep massage every other week and rejoined a gentle yoga group.
This is doable! Be kind to yourself and rest. Linda
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Glad to hear you are doing better 6doggies. I was so afraid of overdoing it and making my feet hurt, that I completely stopped doing any exercises that used my feet for a few days - but it is hard to burn of the edginess I get from cancer without using my legs. My oncologist's nurse recommended B6, glutamine, and said that I could keep exercising - but I am taking all the warnings to heart and am keeping things easier. I think part of my problem was working out on an elliptical in bare feet (which chafes much more than with shoes) plus running. The creams made a huge difference for me - I started with Bag Balm (slathered multiple times a day and kept covered under socks) and then switched to Udderly Smooth (a much lighter cream but one with glycerine) - and that combination (less abrasion on my feet and lots of creams) seems to be keeping things at bay for now. I have only had my second infusion - 10 more to go, but the longer I can keep the symptoms at bay the better. I also decided it was finally time for my short hair cut. I am not prepared to shave my head until it gets so thin that I have no choice, but the idea of pulling out hanks of long hair really freaked me out. Hopefully, the short hair cut will work even as I start to thin and if not, my stylist said I can come in anytime to get it shaved.0
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My last Taxol was 3/16. I am feeling pretty great! I still have neuropathy in my hands and feet but it's no longer continuous. When I'm busy during the day I hardly notice it. Bone and joint pain sneaks up on me but a good stretch and a long walk helps. I'm still taking Glutamine and Claritin. I started radiation this week. Some redness already but doing well. Hang in there friends.
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I'm sorry, that is one of the worse things about this entire journey, our hair falling out. I had my boyfriend cut my long hair after my 2nd dose of AC, I didn't want to wake up with it on my pillow but I have to admit it did make my anxious when I was in the shower and while washing my hair, my hands were covered with it. I never did shave my head, I do look like a baby bird that just hatched with the little fuzz I have! LOL I had my 3rd dose of Taxol yesterday and the doctor looked at my feet and told me that he was sure it was from the mixture of my last dose of AC that was still in my system and the first dose of Taxol, he said that I should keep putting cream on them as much as possible and it shouldn't happen again, he also gave me the go ahead to exercise as normal. I was also told that I could have my port removed because, for some reason, it isn't working correctly and they will just use my veins, so I'm looking forward to get that done ASAP!!0 -
Hello:
I know I'm replying to a question posed more than 2.5 years ago...but here's my 12 weeks weekly concurrent treatment plan Mon 4/27/2015 on a weekly basis for new members who are interested. I could stop at 9 weeks if I want to. It's similar to the FinHER 9 weeks (my preference, but my MO wants to go with paclitaxel aka Taxol instead of Docetaxel), so we compromise on this treatment plan instead. I'm. Stage IIB, Grade 3, ER/{R, HER2+, 2.5 cm IDC + DCIS combine type, clear margins, negative nodes, lumpectomy with reconstruction on right breast. Thank God I have two great SOs and MO. They are patient, kind, very professional and listens to my concerns and willing to work with me to address these concerns. I tried to paste it as an excel chart, but it came up in this format instead. Sorry about that
Treatment
Week >>WK 1 WK 2 WK 3 WK 4 WK 5 WK 6 WK 7 WK 8 WK 9 WK 10 WK 11 WK 12
Herceptin4mg/kg 2mg/kg 2mg/kg 2mg/kg 2mg/kg 2mg/kg 2mg/kg 2mg/kg 2mg/kg 2mg/kg 2mg/kg 2mg/kg 26mg/kg Session
(Infusion Mins.)90 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30
Ranitidine50mg 50mg 50mg 50mg 50mg 50mg 50mg 50mg 50mg 50mg 50mg 50mg Pre-medication 2 prevent allergies to Taxal Diphenhydramine
25 mg 25 mg 25 mg 25 mg 25 mg 25 mg 25 mg 25 mg 25 mg 25 mg 25 mg 25 mg Dexamethasone
(Steriod)20mg 20mg 20mg 10zzzmg 10mg 10mg 10mg 10mg 10mg 10mg 10mg 10mg Session
(Infusion Mins.)30+30 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 POST 60
Paclitaxel (Taxol)8.. le. tHere's to wish everyonee how it. Goes 0mg/m2 80mg/m2 80mg/m2 80mg/m2 80mg/m2 80mg/m2 80mg/m2 80mg/m2 80mg/m2 80mg/m2 80mg/m2 80mg/m2 960mg/m2 Session
(Infusion Mins.)60 90 90 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 1st chemo report: 04/27/2015:
Allowed to drink green bean soup (or any fluid) and eat crackers (or any healthy snacks) in between above infusions. was told this may help lessen side effects. Iced both hands and feet 30mins before and 30 mins after paclitaxel to reduce chances of nueropathy. Inconvenient but decided to do it using frozen blue ice which i kept in a cooler. Soaked both hands and feet in self brought plastic basins for hands and feet. Wore double layered disposable food gloves on hands, and vegetable plastic bags on each foot. Made soaking more bearable over the 2 hours paclitaxel session (30 + 60+ 30). When blue ice started melting, rang for nurse to help change abd replace old ones. It was not bad at all. Planning on doing it again as long as i wont get post chemo numbness (neutropathy) on fingers and legs. Drank 3/4 litres more green bean soup immediately after. When i got home, had a bowl of oats with dried cranberries/raisins/honey. Drank 1/2 litres of water, folloeed by 2 slices of multigrain cranberries/ walnut bread. Drank another 1/2 of water. Brush teeth, gargled with biotene (to prevent comouth sores, need do 4x daily),, then went to bed. Slept like a baby. Though i did get up several times to go to the restroom. Post chemo 1st day morning, had oat meals again. Same routine, but took immune boosting supplements twice a day, and OPG3..Will go for walks along river.later...ALSO WANTED TO WISH EVERYONE WELL ALONG THIS PART OF YOUR JOURNEY...
TOLD MYSELF WHEN THIS IS OVER I WANT TO START A DRAGON BOAT ROWING TEAM IN MY AREA FOR CANCER PATIENTS AS THERES COMPETITION HERE WHERE I LIVE EVERY JUNE...@!@ So something to look forward to...please take care ...0 -
I haven't started, but I think its good they let you heal before continuing...please consider soaking your hands and feet in cold water during chemo infusion (you must bring your own pail which you can buy cheaply at 99 cents stores, and frozen blue ice. Carry them in an ice cooler.) My MO said when water not cold, press the button to call the nurse and have them change the blue ice for me..He said this will reduce neuropathy on my hands/legs. Suppose to chill them half hour before paclitaxel and continue a half hour when infusion ends. Though inconvenient, I plan to do it. It's only once a week after all. You could buy hypothermia gloves for hands and hypothermia slippers for feet. They are very expensive at $100/pairs, and you'll need 2 pairs each at least.
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brandi999, washing your mouth 5X a day with Biotene mouth wash will improve the feeling in your gums and teeth. You can order from Walmart online and have it delivered to your home.Take care.0 -
Tripper4ya When I read about the horrid effects of AC, I told my MO that I'm not having that. He agreed AC is too toxic for the body. So I'm only gonna go for te 12 weeks weekly concurrent Herceptin + pre-taxol medications (ranitidine/diphenhydramine/dexamethasone to prepare my body for any allergic reactions to taxol) + taxol
You should do what your body is telling you. If your body cannot accept it, then don't. You are the only person who can protect your body! At first, 12 months chemo was recommended to me. I refused because I don't see any need based on the clinical trials results I have read of those patients in a similar category with me. So protecting your body from unnecessary over chemo sometimes are necessary. Of course you need to read up on cases similar to yours at the National Library of Medicine website. There you'll the latest and oldest treatment results that can help you make sense, and also give you some ideas of the drug suitable for you that you can discuss with your MO. That's all I'm saying.
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I am 3 months post Taxol and still have severe neuropathy in my feet. Does this ever go away? Love, Jean
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I start on Taxol on May 6. I've already read through lots of good information. Thank you!!
I'm hoping I can weather through the Taxol better than what I had the first 4 rounds of chemo. Being so sick all the time is really hard while trying to work full time!!
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I'm now 5 weeks post Taxol. Very minimal neuropathy now, really only notice it at night. Hair is growing, lashes and brows are starting to come in. Halfway done with radiation, 14 treatments to go. Have been given the ok to have my port out. Still not sleeping great, but anything is better than the completely sleepless nights. Energy level is ok. All blood counts are back within normal range. Feelings like im bouncing lack pretty well now.
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hi ilovecoasters! Good to see you again.hows rads? Sounds great that you have energy at all. I hope my course of rads goes that way. I'm hoping to walk home after each treatment two miles. We'll see how it goes.
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My MO was great about my decision.. He said becuase im triple negative there is no concrete proof that my cure was in the 4th round of AC.... Taxol is going good i have had 4 rounds and doing good...i just want my damn hair to start growing
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Ladies - a question about weekly Taxol - do you take Decadron every day? Or just something like days 1-3? I hate that stuff and hope that it's not something you take daily through the duration of Taxol?
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God, I can't imagine taking Decadron daily. I hope not.
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No, I only get it right before the chemo itself and it's a low dose. The first two times they gave it to me IV but now it's just two little pills. I don't have any problems sleeping or anything. The only side effect I think is related to the decadron is acne.
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I used decadron the night before and day of treatment. The first treatment, I had to take a large dose just in case I had an allergic reaction. For all other treatments, it was just 2 pills at night and 2 in the A.M.
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Thanks ladies, WHEW! I was worried since it's weekly and my MO keeps me on it day 1-5 with the AC. I appreciate the answers!!
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I am no longer on Decadron for my Taxol.... They lowered my dose to 4 mg, then allowed me not to take it with my last round pending I didn't have an allergic reaction to the Taxol, so the rest of my treatments are Steroid free, thank goodness unless i have a reaction to the Taxol..... My family and the world are a much safer without me on Steroids...
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I hear ya Tripper. The steroids had me crazy. I would cry at the drop of a hat, oops wig! Glad chemo is done. I wish the neuropathy in my feet would go away. Love, Jean
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Hi,I'm glad I found this board. I will be starting neoadjuvant weekly Taxol for 12 weeks starting on Monday. This will be my first chemo. I'm very anxious to get started and shrink this horrible thing, but also a bit nervous. I don't have my port installed yet, so I will be getting my first dose through my arm. Has anyone else had Taxol without a port? Also, did you feel well enough to work? I work as a pre-k teacher, so its exhausting enough without chemo, but I've heard Taxol is easier than AC. Thanks!
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Hi crs003, I had my first 3 Taxols without a port and it was okay! It's much easier with the port, though - just one little stick and then I'm able to have both my arms free during chemo, too.
I am still working full time - I just take Wednesdays off for my treatment. Day 3 (Friday) is rough for me as the day goes on - very tired - but by Day 4 I am feeling a little better and then pretty normal after that.
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Hi crs003, I have a port in but it is coming out on Wednesday, it wasn't working properly, it did great through AC but for some reason it stopped working when the Taxol started. I get Taxol (#7 will be this Friday) through my veins, one stick and they draw my blood and then administer the Taxol, I still work 50+ hours a week (I work at a car dealership) and have since this entire journey has started, don't get me wrong, there are times when I am very tired and would love to stay home but going to work seems to help get me going. We are all different in how the chemo affects us but having a positive attitude and a lot of humor has helped me get to this point, just like it will you! Good Luck today, you will do just fine!!
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Hi Brandi; my WBC was 3.1 last Wednesday and isn't going up; the week before it was 2.9; plus I'm a little anemic I am having Taxol & Herceptin #5 this Thursday and I'm having the pain in my feet and really bad joint pain; fluid retention and hot flashes from Hell!! I hobble around allot and am just exhausted.
I'm not having any nail issues yet; I slather Tea Tree oil/VitaminE w/coconut salve/Aquaphor and Glycerin on my feet and hands every night and put socks on until I go to bed.
I have peach fuzz for hair;nothing major however more than when on the AC; if it starts to fall out again I will keep it shaved however Ben says he can tell it's slowly growing and filling in.
I'm fighting with some depression and the "I Miss My Life" mode; I know I need to shake it off but it's just surreal the difference between my life now and this time last year; cancer will not win this however i will never be the same.
I take Glutamine and B6 3 times a day; Oh and Biotin for hair and nail growth...take it ladies!! It helps; truly!
Love & hugs!
Lara
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Lara: I sound like a broken record but the only thing that helps me beat the depression and feel reasonably ok is exercise.I had a big case of I miss my life on Friday.
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So with taxol we need to keep getting the neusetela shots? I didn't realize it was hard on blood counts also?
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I was told no neulasta but if your counts are low they give you something else. I think it was Neupogin or something like that.
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Getting ready for Taxol/Herceptin #2 tomorrow. I'm a little nervous because I did get a rash/allergic reaction within minutes of starting the Taxol last week. It resolved quickly with Benadryl but MO says he wants to try it again and if I still have a reaction this week he will switch to Abraxane.
Mostly I'm dealing with a drippy nose - sometimes blood tinged, bone and joint aches, and feeling like this is never going to end.
I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel but right now it's just a tiny spot of light in the distance. Sigh...
Bekah
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I wish you the best tomorrow, Bekah!
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Good luck, Bekah! I had taxol #9 this morning. My white counts have held steady the whole time and I have not had any neutropen shots.
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