Taxol

nocarb1

Hi everyone,
I am getting ready to start taxol next week for my BC. I have completed 6 rounds of AC and done radiation, now this next week. I did not lose all my hair with AC, will I with taxol? I would love to hear the side effects so I know what to expect. My onc does 6 rounds consisting of 2 weeks on, one week off being one round. I would love some input on this.
TY
Carlye

ohart

Carlye:

I finished Taxol about 1 1/2 years ago. I first did AC every three weeks (4 treatments)
Then 4 Taxol (4 treatments) with 7 weeks of radiation at the same time. I worked through the entire treatment time. For me ,Taxol was much easier than AC. My stomach wasn't as bad, I did get tired. I lost my hair with AC, When I had Taxol I lost the eyebrows, eyelashes....no hair left at all. I think that everyone is different. My hair has come back, but thin. Nothing like it was before. I am getting use to it. I just keep thinking, better than the wigs. Work was the best medicine for me. It kept my mind on other things. Best of luck ohart

debw

I had leg pain, hair loss, but no stomach problems. I was tired but not like the A/C. It was not as bad as the A/C. The best part was that I was over the hump and closer to being done with each treatment. It was like coming out of the forest.

maud

Hi Carlye,
I had four treatments of AC it was every three weeks, then I had four treatments of Taxol every three weeks. I lost all my hair with AC eyebrows eyelashes everywhere. I was exhausted with the taxol but never sick. My toes and finger tips went numb and they still are and I have been out of treatment for 16 months now.My hands and left arm were also going numb duuring the night so I went and had a nerve conduction done recommened by orthopedic Dr. I had carpal tunnel surgery about 2 years ago and they thought it might be back but they decided that it was all form the chemo. Really nothing they can do for me. The Dr. said it doesn't happen to everyone but it did me.All I can say is I am a survivor and I thank the Lord for that.You take care and let us know how you are doing.
God Bless
Debbie

babara

I too am interested in this answer. I just completed 4rounds of adryomicyne (after radiation) and now next week will be getting taxotere (form of taxol) for eight rounds,once a week three weeks on one week off. I was going to decline this treatment as they do not really know whether you need it or not but I will give it a try. email me and let me know how you are doing

nhornb

maud said:

Hi Carlye,
I had four treatments of AC it was every three weeks, then I had four treatments of Taxol every three weeks. I lost all my hair with AC eyebrows eyelashes everywhere. I was exhausted with the taxol but never sick. My toes and finger tips went numb and they still are and I have been out of treatment for 16 months now.My hands and left arm were also going numb duuring the night so I went and had a nerve conduction done recommened by orthopedic Dr. I had carpal tunnel surgery about 2 years ago and they thought it might be back but they decided that it was all form the chemo. Really nothing they can do for me. The Dr. said it doesn't happen to everyone but it did me.All I can say is I am a survivor and I thank the Lord for that.You take care and let us know how you are doing.
God Bless
Debbie

Hi Debbie and Carlye,
Debbie you have touched on what I go through each and every day. First and foremost you are right we are survivors and for that we must always be thankfull. But Taxol has a little none nasty side effect which I fear you Debbie have as well as I. Believe me I would not go back and refuse the use of taxol even if I had known this side effect. It is called Neuropathy. When I had the taxol I literally suffered in pain and had to be hospitalized each time I recieved it. from the spine through both legs. After the chemo I noticed my hands and feet burning and going numb. over time this steadily worsend. I went to a neuorlogist who diagnosed me with neuropathy and carpal tunnel so severe that there is really nothing to be done. Neuropathy has no cure but after the taxol is gone some patients have the ability to regenerate the nerve endings. and while this dose not happen in all cases it is a side effect that can happen and dose. and is extremely painfull. I live off of nerve pain pills as well as high doses of percocet. The pain can be so exteme you hands and feet go numb they burn so badly you can't sleep at night. Like I said I am a survivor and would not tell anyone not to do taxol because it will save your life. Sometimes the side effects are worth it. While at times when I am in pain I don't always agree to that. But you get through. And so will you. Keep the faith. and remember we are all here for each other.

nocarb1

nhornb said:

Hi Debbie and Carlye,
Debbie you have touched on what I go through each and every day. First and foremost you are right we are survivors and for that we must always be thankfull. But Taxol has a little none nasty side effect which I fear you Debbie have as well as I. Believe me I would not go back and refuse the use of taxol even if I had known this side effect. It is called Neuropathy. When I had the taxol I literally suffered in pain and had to be hospitalized each time I recieved it. from the spine through both legs. After the chemo I noticed my hands and feet burning and going numb. over time this steadily worsend. I went to a neuorlogist who diagnosed me with neuropathy and carpal tunnel so severe that there is really nothing to be done. Neuropathy has no cure but after the taxol is gone some patients have the ability to regenerate the nerve endings. and while this dose not happen in all cases it is a side effect that can happen and dose. and is extremely painfull. I live off of nerve pain pills as well as high doses of percocet. The pain can be so exteme you hands and feet go numb they burn so badly you can't sleep at night. Like I said I am a survivor and would not tell anyone not to do taxol because it will save your life. Sometimes the side effects are worth it. While at times when I am in pain I don't always agree to that. But you get through. And so will you. Keep the faith. and remember we are all here for each other.

Does Taxotere and Taxol have the same side effects?

nhornb

nocarb1 said:

Does Taxotere and Taxol have the same side effects?

I am not familiar with taxotere unless it is another name for taxol. If you have any doubts or questions, never be afraid to ask your oncologist. I was and am very fortunate to have a good oncologist who takes excellent care of me. Good luck and remember the only dumb question is the one not asked.

madamj

Hi there, I'm new to this group but I can tell you that Taxol can be a difficult road to travel. The joint pain can be a bit overwhelming. Be prepared to take lots of pain meds. At least it doesn't make you sick like cytoxin and adriamycin.