taxotere

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solesbee
solesbee Member Posts: 9
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I would like to know any side effects related to chemo, especially taxotere. I have had 4 cycles of A.C. 2 weeks apart. then 4 cycles of taxotere 3 weeks apart. I am 39,a mom, ER/PR negetive,2cm tumor with no nodes involved.

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  • Susan956
    Susan956 Member Posts: 510
    #2
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    I took taxol, which is the same drug with just a different solution used as a carrier.

    My problems included tingling of my fingers, toes, and feet. My feet were sore for many of the weeks. I have been off the drug for about 2 1/2 months and now only my fingers and toes have some tingling and my feet feel much better.

    I also had problems with fluid retention and I expect that was one of the reasons my feet hurt.

    The other problem was a rash on my hands. They turned red from about 1/2 way through treatment until about 1 month afterward.

    Also my nails got blood under them and turned black and hurt. I was lucky and didn't loose any of my fingernails. I recently (about 2 months after treatment) lost about 1/2 of one of my big toenails. I had expected to loose it months ago... but it hung in there for a long time. I was lucky some people loose alot of there nails. Hope you won't. By the way fingernail polish at least makes them look much better. I kept mine really trimed short... I am still afraid if I catch them on anything I may loose some of them. So I am real gentle with them.

    Take Care...
  • ClaudiaAnn
    ClaudiaAnn Member Posts: 51
    #3
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    I too was on Taxol. My side effects were an allergic reation to the drug and had to take steroids and antihistamines to continue. But the biggest problem for me was VERY painful leg muscles and muscle cramps. For a few days with each treatment my knees would buckle when I stood up. I took pain pills for all of this and just slept for a week. I did loose 1/2 a toe nail and got funny ridges in my fingernails. For me the Taxol was harder than the A/C. I just kept telling myself that it was temporary, I can do just about anything for three months and it was far better than not trying to stop the cancer. It is one of those "this too shall pass" things. Hang in there. HUGS XOXOX
  • krkath
    krkath Member Posts: 72
    #4
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    I had the same question I just posted on 2/7/06. I had Taxotere combined with the A/C and have TERRIBLE pain in my legs. I'm at 7 months, ( I count from my last radiation treatment since the side effects started after that which was June 1, 05. I still have to take Percoset to manage the pain. They say it will be a year to go away.
    I couldn't stand NOT doing anything about it so, I started Acupuncture. I have an appt. with a Physical Therapist and want to try to get a TENS machine. Transcutaneous Electronic Nerve Sensor (I think) But it it used for people with back pain and sends little electical impulses to the point where your pain is. (With little stick on pads) I haven't gotten one yet, but will try anything to help with the pain.
    I had no idea I'd be in this sort of pain, but with the aggressive therapy they gave me, they say the chances of recurrence is much less. I just wish I knew so I could be prepared.
    I found info on "Cancer-Pain.org" and to this day have not talked to any other woman who has had all 3 chemo drugs at once.
    Don't let the pain get you down. Make sure your doctor gives you something before it gets too bad. Because it will.
    I still take PERCOSET, 1/2 a pill every few hours cuz I'm trying to tolerate the pain, but sometimes I have to take up to 4 a day. That and Xanax at night to help me sleep.
    Don't worry about the addiction. You can also find info @ "Cancersupportivecare.com. Those are the websites that I had to find out about the neuropathy in my legs with the Taxotere. Otherwise I felt like I was in the dark. Good Luck to you and know we ALL care.
    ((HUGS))
    Kathy

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