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Weekly Taxol group

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Comments

  • PatinMN
    PatinMN Member Posts: 784
    edited February 2013

    Skigirl, I think reactions to weekly Taxol vary A LOT among us, with (I think) more noticeable side effects hitting those just coming off AC.  For me (I had no prior chemo), my WBC stayed in the normal range throughout Taxol.  My hemoglobin and RBC went below normal immediately, but not to the point where I needed a transfusion.  I was able to work throughout treatment on my normal schedule, except for periods of time when I couldn't stray too far from the bathroom...Tongue Out  Constipation and...the results of resolving the constipation were my most noticeable side effects. 

  • jayjayc
    jayjayc Member Posts: 31
    edited February 2013

    Hi skigirl,

    First of all I started with just the weekly taxol/herceptin (i.e. skipped the ACT) so my information may not help.... In terms of schedules, I go to the spa Tuesday afternoon, and feel okay Tuesday night, and I'm good on Wednesday (riding the steriod high).... start getting tired on Thursday and even more tired on Friday..... then start feeling better Saturday through Monday....... and then we start all over again........ all of my blood counts have stayed in the normal range (although they've dropped), and the fatigue does get slightly worse as I go........ but I've also heard that the weekly taxol is so much easier for you guys (the ones who started with the stronger stuff)...

  • Mermaidia
    Mermaidia Member Posts: 12
    edited February 2013

    As others have said, the nurse told me the restless leg thing was from the IV benedryl so next week they're going to give me Allegra because that's not supposed to cause RLS.  May ask at your onc if you can have that instead.

  • Mermaidia
    Mermaidia Member Posts: 12
    edited February 2013

    Skigirl - my onc said I would only get neulasta during AC.  So far my worst days are 4 and 5 - experiencing body aches and fatigue.  

  • politicomama
    politicomama Member Posts: 52
    edited February 2013

    Skigirl, I don't think Nuelasta can be given with weekly Taxol.  I remember reading on the packaging that 14 days had to pass between the shot and the next chemo.  I do hear of some needing/getting neupogen though.  Even with doing AC first my counts have stayed steady.  They are low, but still way above the threshold for not getting chemo. 

    I am in between weeks six and seven and I am pooped out.  I haven't even got dressed yet today, it's noon.  I teach from home so I am thankful to have that luxery.  Someone somewhere said they don't know how those of us who work and have kids do it :)  Well, my house looks like a bomb went off, and my laundry and dishes are never done anymore!  I won't lie I would love to take a couple days off to go to bed, but spring break is coming up so I will just have to hold out. 

    Wishing everyone a sunny, side effect free day!

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 942
    edited February 2013

    Politico-~I'm probably the guilty party that said that about kids & jobs.



    I'm feeling better today, I think. If I can just get a couple chore done ill be happy.



    Oh! I'm pretty sure my hair is just beginning to grow. I'm 19 days post final AC.



    Starting weekly taxol on Friday.



    Blessings

    Paula

  • ywheels22
    ywheels22 Member Posts: 74
    edited February 2013

    Politico & Soteria: could've been me too. I am in awe of all of you who seem to move along well on this AC/Nuelasta crap. It has kicked my butt!!!!!

    My MO told me I had to have the Nuelasta shot during AC, no choice. I have two more AC to go. For taxol (dose dense, every other week x4) I do not have to have it, though I might get it after #2 or #3, just to be safe. My counts, so far, have been normal, not even low, so I guess it works but I hate it!

    Good luck all.

  • pands
    pands Member Posts: 28
    edited February 2013

    had my first of herceptin/taxol on 2 seperate days last wed/thursday...no side effects from herceptin but se from the taxol friday..tingling hands...talked to nurse about that and she said to keep eye on that and then bone pain on sunday/monday...phoned chemo nurse and they said to take ibuprofen instead of tylenol..got up with no pain today just burning feet

    ...yeah..but she attributed my pain to forgetting to take dexamethasone for 2 days after my treatment....oops...will remember that...i am on the 3 week treatment x 4 only...but man...6 hours next one in 2 weeks..looking forward to the benadryl drip again....lol

  • jwlindakay
    jwlindakay Member Posts: 12
    edited February 2013

    i had Taxol/Herceptin #2 today.Wired from steroids, but not much else. cut the benadryl in half and had no restless legs. No nausea, just indigestion and alternating constipation and diarrhea. My mother in Houston is dying with stage 4 bone mets and I am trying to figure out how to go and keep my chemo schedule. Onc dr said I would lose hair abour week 3-5.bills starting to roll in, tooo.

  • PatinMN
    PatinMN Member Posts: 784
    edited February 2013

    Jwlindakay, I'm so sorry about your mom. :(. If necessary I'm sure you could skip a treatment and add it on to the end.

  • Georgetta
    Georgetta Member Posts: 25
    edited February 2013

    Can I join you ladies?  This Thursday will be my 6th weekly taxol round.  I did the adriamycin and Cytoxan in November/December 2012 and started Taxol at the end of January.  I have 6 more rounds, then surgery and radiation.  My fingernails are starting to look funny and I have neuropathy in my hand and foot.  Any advice on what you're doing to combat this? 

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 942
    edited February 2013

    Georgetta~I start taxol this Friday. My oncology nurse/practioner told me too take vitamin B6 100 mg 2X daily and take L-Glutamine powder 10 grams 3X daily. The L-Glutamine is to be taken only on day of treatment.



    For nails she told me to clip short and use a nail strengthener like Sally Hansons Hard As Nails or Nutra-nail, use gloves for doing work in water (dishes), use hand lotion, and don't use an acetone polish remover.



    The ladies who've already started may have better advice than me as they are well down this path.



    Blessings

    Paula

  • Georgetta
    Georgetta Member Posts: 25
    edited February 2013

    Thanks Paula.  I will ask my oncologist specifically about those recommendations for supplements on Thursday when I go to my next round.  While I knew that Taxol could cause some problems, I really thought since I was halfway through it wasn't going to be an issue.  Bummer!

    Good luck on Friday.  I found that for me Taxol is alot easier to tolerate.  Will you be on a weekly dose?  I don't have near the nausea that I had before, mostly just fatigue.

    Thanks again,

    Georgetta

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 942
    edited February 2013

    Georgetta~I will be on 12 weekly taxol. I NEVER had nausea with AC, but had dizziness, chills, chemo fog, dead skunk tastebuds, and incredible fatigue.



    Is the fatigue as bad as with AC?



    Blessings

    Paula

  • Georgetta
    Georgetta Member Posts: 25
    edited February 2013

    Paula, I also had chills, chemo fog, tastebuds that don't work and fatigue.  I still have those, but the fatigue is not as bad.  After the first 2 rounds of Taxol, I spent 2 days sleeping.  I was pretty shocked as I hadn't had that before.  That has gotten better.  I'm working full days Monday-Wednesday, half a day on Thursday because I have chemo at noon, and half a day on Friday because in the afternoon I'm just tired.

    My tastebuds are something that is still surprising.  I've dropped 26 lbs because I don't like the taste of anything.  I wanted to lose that weight last year. Who knew it could be this easy? :)

    I have my next round tomorrow.  My husband and I just keep saying "We can do anything for 6 more weeks" (or 5, or 4) etc.  You can do it too.  Prayers for you on Friday.

  • Cindi74
    Cindi74 Member Posts: 69
    edited February 2013

    Taxol is not as tough as A/C.  had chemo on Wed.  Steroid high on Thursday and Fri morning.  Get some stuff done.  Walk half mile.  Three oclock Fri. tingling and joint aches in shoulders. hips.  Pressure on chest,  Need to sit down if I walk 50 feet.  Same on weekend.  Worst day Tuesday before chemo on Wed.  No nausea ever.  Some mild constipation controlled with prunes.  Achy fatigue worst SE.  By the 10th, steroid high about gone.  Never had a day when I felt like doing anything.

    I'm 75, no kids at home retired, so we didn't push ourselves.  Today was a week past the 12th and last chemo.  I have had disequilibrium, which I understand can be caused by the disturbance of hairs in inter ear.  No hair on body-- eyebrow,. eyelashes.  One funny long pubic hair holding on??  Today I walked around a Walgreens with a Walker and began to feel better.

    I'm 75. retired. and we just try to get to all the medical appointments on time.  A year ago. we spent an hour and a half three days a week at the gym.   I would do 10 min on treadmill, 10 oin bike, 10 on ellptical--all at good speed..  Then I would do 15 weight lifting machines.  Low blood pressure.  Perfect blood work.  Felt great.  Have been assured in three weeks will feel much better--and then rads.  Feel like I have aged 10 years in 8 months.  Hang in there.  We can do this.  Not fun. bur doable.

  • Skigirl72
    Skigirl72 Member Posts: 180
    edited February 2013

    cindi74- You just might be my hero...

  • Georgetta
    Georgetta Member Posts: 25
    edited February 2013

    Cindi74, you're awesome!

  • Cindi74
    Cindi74 Member Posts: 69
    edited February 2013

    No, I had 75 healthy years. 

    It's you young women with kids, jobs, and no medicare that need the support.  I admire you all so much.

    Hugs

  • Waitingforthenextstep
    Waitingforthenextstep Member Posts: 124
    edited February 2013

    Cindi74,

    I finished my last #12 taxol one week ago, just like you.  I am still so fatigued, and my legs have this heavy, achy feeling.  Has your MO given any advice other than taking tylenol or ibuprofin what can be done to treat these  symptoms? 

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 942
    edited February 2013

    I'm so tired of being so tired! I start 12 weekly taxol this Friday. I thought it would be easier, but I see so many of you talking about he same fatigue I had with AC.



    I'm ashamed for anyone to come to my house. I'm so tired, my DH doesn't do much of anything around the house, and on top of that we have a 15 year old Boston Terrier with dementia. He can't remember whether to pee & poop inside or outside. He goes in the house moments after being let in.



    I was hoping to get that burst of energy (well as much as a 62 year old fat lady can get) so I could get my house in order. CRAP!!!



    Blessings

    Paula

  • Georgetta
    Georgetta Member Posts: 25
    edited February 2013

    Soteria205, Paula - my fatigue is not as bad as the AC.  Just remember we can do anything for 12 weeks!  I'm lucky with the housekeeping, etc because the only thing I do is laundry and cooking.  My husband is taking care of everything else. 

    I remember when I had little babies, my mom would say take a nap when the kids do - the house won't fall down.  Try not to sweat the small stuff.  Right now, I try to stay focussed on the fact that "it's all about me", at least that's what my sister said.

    I'm lucky that I'm able to still work, occassionally go to the gym and I've lost 28 lbs.  I sure couldn't lose that before cancer.  Got to look at the positives. lol 

    I noticed that we live in the same state.  I'm getting treated at the Dayton Cancer Center.  How about you?  Good luck tomorrow. Take care of yourself.

    Hugs back at you,  

    Georgetta

  • timbek2
    timbek2 Member Posts: 64
    edited February 2013

    Paula. I think you will feel less fatigue then ac. It's not as debilitating. Cindi you've done great! I am 4 weeks pfc. My energy is returning and my legs feel less like jelly. I've been trying to do the treadmill here n there. I think it helps. Enjoying feeling like me until rads start Monday! It has been nice while it lasted. :). Take care all!!

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 942
    edited February 2013

    Georgetta~Im getting treated at the Stephanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center I Columbus, Ohio. It's a part of the James Cancer Center of OSU.



    I'm sure being a fellow Ohioan that you've heard of Stephanie. She was a breast cancer hero especially in Ohio. I read the book written by her husband Chris. Stephanie was the first woman to get Herceptin while being pregnant.



    Timbek2~It's great to hear that the fatigue isn't as bad as with AC. I'm so glad to have that Devil in my rearview mirror.



    Blessings

    Paula

  • Snax
    Snax Member Posts: 15
    edited February 2013

    Hi Ladies, I have a question for those of you who are well along or who have actually finished weekly Taxol - after having done a previous chemo and lost all your hair. I'll be having tx #6 of 12 tomorrow (after 9 weeks of dose dense FEC). After Taxol #4, my hair started to "fuzz" back in a bit, mostly on the very top of my head. My question is, since Taxol is cumulative and I'm only barely halfway through, can I expect it to continue growing or fall out again as the Taxol builds up? 

    Otherwise, I'm pleased to say that I'm feeling better as the weeks go by. Mouth and throat are still dry as the Sahara in August and many foods taste awful, but the vicious mouth and throat sores have lightened up. I'm so afraid they'll come back as the treatment progresses. 

    Thanks for any input!

  • adagio
    adagio Member Posts: 713
    edited February 2013

    I get taxol every two weeks and also get a neulasta shot - amazing the differences in protocol even though many of us on the same treatments. 

    I had my last taxol on Feb 16th (Neulasta on 17th) and am scheduled to have my next one March 1st. This makes it less than 2 weeks in between neulasta and chemo - I will have to talk to my MO about this and see what she says especially since on the info sheet in the neulasta shot, it says not to have chemo until 14 days after the shot. 

    So many things to think about and everyone's doctors tell them different things. Oh well ...

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 942
    edited February 2013

    Im getting ready for first infusion of taxol in the morning. I'm looking forward to it being easier than AC, but I'm still nervous. Not knowing how I will respond is the hard part.



    I started on B6 a couple days ago. I'm most nervous about the nails & RLS.



    Paula

  • Skigirl72
    Skigirl72 Member Posts: 180
    edited February 2013

    Good Luck to you tomorrow Paula. I will be thinking about you and I will say a prayer for a good day... ((hugs))

  • Georgetta
    Georgetta Member Posts: 25
    edited February 2013

    Snax, like you I'm halfway through my Taxol.  My hair has started to grow and when I told my Doctor, he said don't be surprised if it falls out again.  I'm really bummed about that.  My eyebrows and eyelashes are still fine.  We will probably have to wait and see.  Good Luck.

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 942
    edited February 2013

    I hate hearing that about the hair possibly falling out again. I'm hoping to have at least a 1 inch covering all over by summer. I mean who wants to wear a hat in the summer? It would just be too warm. I think even the wigs would be too warm.



    Skigirl~Thanks for your thoughts & prayers.



    Blessings

    Paula

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