Weekly taxol - side effect?

[ElayneZ]

Had 8 th taxol this morning - just ten more weeks. (every 3rd week addition of carbo added.) fatigue is most common side effect so I rest. Bowels are often loose but better than constipation. This evening I am noticing very red cheeks and wonder if anyone else has this. I will see nurse tomorrow when I go in for granix booster shot. Tried posting pic but wasn’t able.

[Hidden]

It's steroid flush. In me typically arrives about 24 hours afterwards and disappears within another 24 or so. Interestingly, just as badly even though my steroid dose has been halved. Are you using loperamide with the loose bowels? It does make a difference.

[ElayneZ in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! I will check with chemo nurse tomorrow when I go in for granix booster injection. Maybe they will lower steroid before my next chemo. Thanks again!

[Hidden in reply to ElayneZ]

I wouldn't bother getting the steroid dose lowered just for the flush, if you tolerate it well otherwise. I don't, which is why mine was.

[ElayneZ in reply to Hidden]

Last couple days the diarrhea/loose bm has happened after a walk around the block for just a bit of exercise. Does the loperamide cause constapation? I haven’t tried that as constapation might be more difficult. My main side effect has been fatigue - almost 1/2 way through chemo - new side effects seem to be happening.

[Hidden in reply to ElayneZ]

It's common for exercise to get the bowels working, which is why it's recommended if you have constipation.

Others might think differently, but I wouldn't say Loperamide (generic Imodium) causes constipation, so much as stops the runs. And then bowels work pretty normally (or new normally anyway).

This is the first week I have used it when affected and I've been pretty impressed with how it calmed things down.

Not surprising you're experiencing fatigue. This is your first chemo and most people experience fatigue. I had carboplatin single agent for my first line and was more tired than with any of my subsequent lines. Build opportunities to rest into your day and you'l be fine. And try not to go looking for more side effects. We do all do it, but it gives the cancer and its treatment too much space, I think!

[ElayneZ in reply to Hidden]

Bless you! Thank you for your response. Your words are wise and I truly appreciate them.

[Supergran38]

Morning ElayneZ

I had the 18 week treatment of Taxol and always got the ruddy cheeks with 24 hours and then it just faded. Unfortunately fatigue goes hand in hand with most of the chemotherapy treatments, just rest as much as you can.

Good luck for the next ten weeks 👍 xx

[ElayneZ in reply to Supergran38]

Thank you!! Blessings!

[BeeWild]

Hi I’ve had dose 12 of 18 weekly taxol and did get the ruddy cheeks the day after due to the steroids but tbh I only had steroids for the first 2 or 3 doses then they stopped them but I’m not having the 3 weekly carbo so maybe that’s why.

I too tend to get diarrhoea about day 4 after taxol (I have a stoma) so yes I use loperamide if it’s bad or really reduce the fibre in my diet and eat jelly babies as recommended by my stoma nurse 😁

I’ve found that although a bit of a nuisance the diarrhoea has been manageable

Good luck with the rest of your treatment x

Bev xx

[ElayneZ in reply to BeeWild]

Thank you Bev. I appreciate your reply! Good luck with your treatment. You are a couple weeks ahead of me - I will have #9 of 18 next week. The weekly chemo really does seem to be more tolerable but still does come with so many side effects that I sure hope to keep on top of the best I can. I live alone and the cumulative does concern me. Blessings to you!

[BeeWild in reply to ElayneZ]

I’m getting number 13 on Monday and to be fair I’m feeling a bit more tired these past few weeks but am still managing to work albeit more part time than full time now.

The housework has gone a bit awry but hey I’m still managing to shop and cook and do the laundry etc as I’m by myself too x I have promised myself a deep cleaning company to come in after treatment finishes to do all the jobs I’ve not got round to since surgery and treatment like cleaning paintwork pulling out furniture etc

You will be fine sweetie and the fatigue isn’t that bad I can’t function so don’t worry too much x

[ElayneZ in reply to BeeWild]

Thank you sweet lady! I will hold your words close. Continued blessings to you!!