weekly taxol/paxitaxel

[chrissapam]

Due to start this on Friday...despite several blood transfusions! Ca125 relatively low.

Anyone any experiences they wish to share about pros and cons of this? Especially info about side effects...thanks Chris xx

[Suzanne333]

Hi Chris.

I’m on three weekly taxol and carbo. This is my second time with these two chemos.

I get tired so you might do too. If you’re having itvweekly you’ll probably just get a couple of days feeling tired.

Good luck with it. Let us know how you get on xxxx

[chrissapam in reply to Suzanne333]

thanks Suzanne.....was hoping to have something else instead but that may be kept in reserve.....love Chris x

[January-2016-UK]

Hello Chris, Yesterday I had my third infusion. I have not yet had to take the anti-sickness tablets and the steroids seem to have much less of an effect, probably a lower dose is given as I only have a faintly reddish face today and no real hyperactivity. Slightly looser motions and more frequent but no way could be described as diarrhoea. No other digestive upsets.

However, I have noticed increased tingling in my fingertips and more frequent numbness in feet. I suffered Grade 2 peripheral neuropathy from my first Carbo/Taxol and eventually had a dose reduction of 20% of the Taxol so a bit worried about that as I am described as persistent Grade 1 neuropathy. Internet searches seem to imply both weekly taxol increases CIPN or reduces it, so I guess the jury is still out.

Hair starting to stick up a bit and I've lost a few more hairs than I would have normally. I know this because my hair is a silver colour and I wore a black jumper today; not the wisest of choices. Expecting my hair to be completely gone by dose 5. Wig ready and waiting and I'm so glad it's not Summer.

Red cells holding up really well, but white cells quite reduced although the chemo nurses think it's still very good. It's much quicker than the carbo / taxol (about one hour including flush) and the saline solution is much less, so not so many loo visits.

No tiredness other than the day after the infusion, mostly caused by a two-and-a-half hour journey each way and late starting which means hanging around a lot. I'm getting to know a number of people at my hospital now and chatting makes the time go faster. There seem to be a lot of people here at The Christie and I'm quite envious.

Not much else to say although it's still early days for me. Doubtless others who have finished or further down the line will reply soon.

All the best,

Helen

[chrissapam in reply to January-2016-UK]

thanks Helen, that's really helpful....am a bit worried about the neuropathy as haven't really recovered since original chemo. and had numb fingers before I started due to an old neck injury! Still we shall see, good to know it won't take long! Chris xx

[Elizabethe]

Hi Chris

I'm sorry I can't help with your question, but you are always so warm and supportive of others I wanted to send you some warmth and support back. I am sorry you are having to get to grips with another new treatment, and sincerely wish it goes well for you

X

[chrissapam in reply to Elizabethe]

thanks so much Elizabeth....suspect it will be kill or cure!!!! xx

[Di16]

I had hair loss, though unusually didn't lose it all. Also had some neuropathy, but no nausea or sickness. Di

[chrissapam]

thank you, is really helpful info. xxx .

[Hidden]

Hi , I had taxol 3 weeks on and a week off , for 6 months. This was 3 rd line (I'm s4 ) , the first two chemo didn't make any difference and tumours kept growing. Also was not suitable for any surgery . Anyway , after taxol , some tumours had remained the same and one had actually shrunk ... was delighted , never expected. Lost my hair , but that's no bother , wigs , bandage and just baldy . I found this the easiest to tolerate, no sickness, felt tired ,just do what .your body tells you ,have a little doze.

Good luck , hope it helps

Linda x

[chrissapam]

Linda that is so helpful....I am third line too; is good to know you did it for 6 months....how are you now? Chris xx ps am round about your age!!