Weekly Taxol group
Comments
-
Margun--I know from others' posts that *in general*, Taxol is easier that A/C. Taxol is sometimes referred to as "chemo lite". I worked throughout Taxol, except for taking a few hours off on treatment days, although I did not go through A/C first. I never felt terrible--more like my body was really heavy and I didn't want to get up to do anything. That was typically on days 3-4 following tx and then it'd get better.
0 -
Angie.... so glad you're feeling better ((hugs))
0 -
Nanette, thinking of you and giving you a big hug!
0 -
Margun, I believe both contributed to pneumonitis. Have read that about 15-20% of radiotherapy patients may develop radiation pneumonitis after treatment. Usually will be 1-6 months post treatment. And then for some patients who also undergo chemotherapy, especially with a taxane regimen, either Taxol or taxotere, they are high risk for pneumonitis.
Guess that was me. I developed cough nearly the next day after infusion. And it got progressively worse with each week. And by week 3, was very obvious something was going on with lungs.
Keep an eye out for heavy chest cough. It will become nagging at first. And then breathing becomes difficult. Thus the heavy chest cough to try to clear the lungs to breathe. Usually, a low grade fever and flu like symptoms will accompany the cough; mimicking an infection. Xrays may not be enough to differentiate. CT scans can show more specific details to help clarify what is happening within lungs
0 -
Margun- even though my first Taxol was rough ( again I think it was more due to high steroids than taxol) I have been at work, doing most of my regular schedule. I missed one extra day this time. So I am hoping round two will be fine since none of the extra steroids will be needed. Most people have said it was easier. The best advice my therapist gave me (when I was just starting with a diagnosis) was to just be in the moment and try not to worry too far ahead. I have been really trying to do that and take one step at a time. Focus on your body, the AC and what your doctors can do to help with the SE you’re having with that rather than fret about what is to come. We all react differently to these drugs!
0 -
A/C was horrible - if it was listed as a side effect, I had it. Passing out, nausea up to 12 times a day, extreme fatigue, and diarrhea. It took me a full 10 days to recover from a treatment. I have 4 taxol left our of 12. I have had less SE"s. No nausea, digestive issues have really not been a problem. I do have skin toxicity, horrible neuropathy in my feet (I can't feel them except for burning,) some in my fingers. After my MO reduced the dosage, the fatigue is not bad but it hasn't helped the neuropathy or skin issues.
Annie
0 -
I’ve finally gotten neuropathy. I feel it on the bottom of one foot and in a few fingers. I had treatment 10 last week. I’ve been icing during treatment but I can’t keep them on the entire time. I’m too cold with the cold cap on my head too. I was hoping I wouldn’t get the neuropathy but that wasn’t the case. Now I just hope it isn’t permanent.
0 -
Angie -FYI - Taxol is a cardio toxic drug and can do damage. While on Taxol I experienced atrial fibrillation which required cardioversions and medication which I am still on. Severe shortness of breath was my major symptom. I still have it but to a lesser degree. Have one of your docs listen to your heart rate before you go to a pulmonologist if you haven't already done so.
Good luck,
Gussy
0 -
Gussy, thanks. Have also been wondering about that. Will definitely ask doctor to check up on it. Feels like the heart has been working a lot harder these past 6 weeks.
0 -
Gussy & Angie While on taxol I ended up with Mitral Valve Prolapse...meaning I will eventually end up with a heart murmer from it. MVP is the improper closure of the valve between the heart's upper and lower left chambers. Since this showed up on my 3 month echo and wasn't there before taxol I can only conclude that it did me in 8( seems cancer and it's spreading wasn't enough... taxol damaged my heart!
0 -
Nanette, yikes! Taxol is so much more damaging than I was aware. Last week when they were trying to decide whether to go on with treatment or cancel, they checked heart rate on a monitor. The nurse immediately noticed an irregular heartbeat. I thought it may have been due to difficulty with breathing. Will definitely ask them to check further with heart now.
Getting ready to go in today for round 7. Had a week off from Taxol, and it really helped. Wondering how this round will affect everything again
0 -
I have an arrhythmia post AC. I can't wait to see how taxol improves that. My cardiologist will see me in May
0 -
I have had two echocardiograms. One before the first chemo, the other one after finishing Taxol. I'll have probably several others. Herceptin has the worst reputation for heart damage, because HER2+ cells are naturally in the heart, as they can work quickly to repair damage.
0 -
yeah I heard as long as I'm on Herceptin I will have an Echo every 3 months 8(
0 -
PennyK...I would suggest you tell your oncologist about the neuropathy. It is a cumulative drug and it will get worse as time goes by. I didn't mention it to my onco...oh, how I wish I would have. They may very well reduce your dosage for the next two infusions. Keep me posted.
Hope
0 -
Angie - if you have an irregular heart rate AND shortness of breath, the chances are pretty good that you have atrial fib either all the time or intermittently. The greatest danger of A fib is stroke because the heart is not synchronized and clots can form. If you do have A fib you should be on an anti-coagulant for sure plus meds that will keep your heart rate at a normal sinus rhythm. Please get this checked out asap. You should probably be seeing a cardiologist first, not a pulmonologist.
0 -
Be sure to monitor the arrhythmia during taxol rounds. It might make it worse. I've never heard of taxol making those types of things better. But, you never know so better to keep a handle on it.
0 -
Gussy- thank you for your kindness. Sorry, I have being ironic because I'm so mad and restless about this all process. Of course taxol can't improve anything. But I have just 3 to go and I going to complet it anyway. My cardiologist says the arrhythmia is not much bad but I know it wasn't there before Citoxan and Doxorrubicina. Will see how is it after Taxol. Kisses
0 -
I am drinking a lot more fluid, as think dehydration had something to do with feeling so rough last week.......had second infusion yesterday. I find get very nauseous on one of the pre med drips, but its a cocktail so don´t know what might be affecting me, so I have a dry biscuit for thet. Then when Taxol is going in I feel very tired and sleepy and even fell asleep in the chair yesterday........I am then tired afterwards until I get home and can have a drink and find I have to make myself walk around for aobut half an hour and the tiredness passes.
Hope the next few days will be better than last week´s......
Have a lot of rib pain on one side so there is clearly something going on there, it started before Taxol number 2 so don´t think its the treatment... had to take two lots of extra rescue meds yesterday.......
Wishing you all the best day possible xx
0 -
Thanks, Gussy. Just made appointment with family doctor to do general check up and get cardiologist referral for further evaluation. Have been feeling bit of pain around heart since Taxol. Always good to make sure erything is okay.
I’ve always been very physically active, and took my health for granted. Now that everything’s happening, certainly makes me aware how hard our bodies fight for us without us knowing. Time to take better care of myself, body, mind, and spirit.
Hugs to everyone
0 -
Angie in Amst
I'm doing weekly taxol and ti weekly target therapy. No SE except occ. diahrrea. I could work
but am retired. Still very active at home. You can do this!!0 -
thanks footloose! We definitely can do this! 5 more rounds to go!
0 -
0 -
my oncologist told me to try vitamin B6, two tablets a day for the neuropathy. She said it can’t hury to try as is eems towork for some. She did state there was some medication she could write a prescription for a drug, but it made one sleepy.
I hope the B6 does something.
0 -
Did #4/12 taxol today. It was my one good day since the last one and of course i had to spend it getting chemo. Fatigue very bad and have gone on disability for the remainder (56 days). Depression/anxiety also bad, maybe 1-2 weeks till we can see some result there with Lexapro. Good news is zero nausea and the back pain did not come back. You ladies have me worried about neuropathy which i had been grateful for not getting but i guess it comes later.
My white blood cells are predictably dropping. When do they say they're too low to get chemo? What's the cutoff?
I just want this over. I don't want delays.
In short, taxol not easier than AC. Though i really hated the AC nausea. So maybe a bit easier.
0 -
hi Erin sorry you need to be here. Glad some things are going well for you 8) as for when are your counts too low to stop? You'll get a break to rebuild your counts back up sorry. Yes Taxol is rough and I'm sorry you spent your 1 good Fay having treatment. You're on your 4 week? Things should start leveling out soon... energy won't get better but you should start seeing a cycle where you can start to plan more good days. I had 2 days after treatment as bad sleepy days... then energy back some and the runs too but by day 4-5 I started feeling more normal...try to go outside and sit in some light sun, not bright sun, for about 20 minutes... sunshine does wonders for your depression and your overall well being. I hope your meds kick in soon that'll help too. Sending you ((hugs))
0 -
erin--I've posted often that I really pushed protein during Taxol. Had red meat 5-6 times a week, plus an egg every day, plus a protein shake every day. My blood levels stayed really good throughout--in fact my MO said I was the only patient she'd seen who was actually making blood through chemo, and I never felt all that bad. (I also figured out I feel better after Herceptin if I eat meat for two nights before.)
0 -
ingerp I agree I ate 2 eggs daily plus lots of cottage cheese and yogurts during the week
0 -
Ladies, I plan to Race for the Cure! on Mothers Day. Hope my energy is much better then. If you wish to participate or donate. Here is my team page. Thank you!
http://info-komen.org/site/TR?fr_id=7456&pg=personal&px=24880079
0 -
WOW Hope!! Good for you 😊
0
