Second line standard of care treatment - weekly Paclitaxel - any experiences?

[Narna1]

hello everyone

I thought I’d seek experiences from those of you who have had the weekly Paclitaxel as second line recurrent HGSOC. I was diagnosed in Nov 2021, had chemo (6 rounds Paclitaxel/carboplatin) and debulking surgery then PARP s. Was NED but had recurrence in Nov 2022.

I’m now on weekly chemo paclitaxel (3 weeks on, 1 week off) and my CA 125 is falling (115 from 197) after only 4 treatments.

Generally I seem to be doing well but Im constantly fatigued and can’t manage much in terms of walking any distance and getting on with things. I have to have a lie down in the late morning and again later in afternoon. This is very annoying and I can’t see an end to it as they say at least 6 months of it.

I have just bought some elastic resistance bands for strength exercises. Trying!

I am on Oxycodone for pain but have gone off anti sickness meds ( haloperidol then metachlopramide) as I was thinking these were making me sleepy. This has helped a bit.

Does anyone know how to give oneself more energy? E.g. supplements, strategies.

Has anyone come through this second line of treatment and not needed any more treatment E.g. has it ‘stopped’ the cancer spreading?

I’m off work again and struggling to keep motivated. Im 57 yr, normally fit, weight under 9 stone. I feel like I ought to be able to feel better than I do.

Any comments welcome x

[Lyndy2]

Hi Narna1

It is frustrating when you haven’t got the energy to do what you want.

I haven’t done that regime yet but any chemo will take it out of you.

Managing your fatigue by having frequent rests and planning activities when you are more likely to have energy can help but your poor body is telling you what it needs and you may have to give in at least for a while xx

[Leniko]

paclitaxel is a rough one. But it works! I’m sure your body is taking the assault the best it can. Try to get restorative rest. I was on first-line Carbo-paclitaxel and it kept me NED for 6 years! Good luck. 🙏❤️

[DSM61 in reply to Leniko]

Can I ask what cancer you have. I have low grade serous.

[Leniko in reply to DSM61]

clear cell ovarian

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team]

Hi there Narna1

Thank you for your post. I was sorry to hear that you’ve been experiencing constant fatigue in relation to your chemotherapy treatment. I can see you’ve had a couple of replies from the forum community which I hope you have found helpful.

I wondered whether you’ve been able to discuss this with your clinical nurse specialist or oncologist? They may be able to offer personalised advice to ease the fatigue, relating to your individual circumstances and cause of fatigue. We would be very happy to help you plan or prepare for any future appointments if you think this could be useful.

I also just wanted to share an Ovacome information booklet titled ‘Managing fatigue’ with you. This outlines some causes of fatigue, explores current research and offers some suggestions that may be helpful. You can find this on our website here: ovacome.org.uk/fatigue-booklet. We can also send this to you in the post, free of charge, if you prefer?

I hope that the fatigue you’re experiencing improves soon. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you would like to talk things through or if there’s anything we may be able to support you with. You can reply to us directly through this forum, email us via [e-mail] or call our friendly support line on 0800 008 7054. We’re here Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm.

Best wishes

Annie – Ovacome support

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team in reply to OvacomeSupport]

Hi again Narna1

You mentioned purchasing some resistance exercise bands in your post. I forgot to say that we also run a weekly gentle strengthening exercise class, online via Zoom that you would be really welcome to join. For more details, please visit: ovacome.org.uk/event/exerci... . Please do let us know if you have any questions or queries about getting involved.

Best wishes

Annie - Ovacome support

[Narna1 in reply to OvacomeSupport]

dear Annie, thanks for your reply and support. I have read the booklet about managing fatigue which was useful. I’ve also messaged my oncologist team and asked for further support. Hopefully I will get some specific help from them. I have also enrolled in the resistant training class on Tuesday.

Allison