Taxol

lizmair
lizmair Member Posts: 24
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Has anyone taken Taxol recently - I just finished A/c and am about to start four treatments of Taxol and am a little nervous of side effects. Thanks

Comments

  • tommaseena
    tommaseena Member Posts: 1,769
    #2
    taxol
    I did Taxol and side effects are much milder than A/C.

    Margo
  • LadyParvati
    LadyParvati Member Posts: 328
    #3
    tommaseena said:

    taxol
    I did Taxol and side effects are much milder than A/C.

    Margo

    That's great to hear!
    Margo, I too will be starting a taxane in about 4 weeks and am greatly relieved to hear that the effects weren't bad for you--it gives me hope! I haven't experienced many bad effects of the A/C so far, but I was worrying about the neuropathy in particular with the taxane. I hope and pray that my experience is similar to yours!

    Sandy
  • Kat11
    Kat11 Member Posts: 1,931 Member
    #4
    LadyParvati said:

    That's great to hear!
    Margo, I too will be starting a taxane in about 4 weeks and am greatly relieved to hear that the effects weren't bad for you--it gives me hope! I haven't experienced many bad effects of the A/C so far, but I was worrying about the neuropathy in particular with the taxane. I hope and pray that my experience is similar to yours!

    Sandy

    I did Taxol and I was fine.
    I did Taxol and I was fine. Never needed antinausea drugs. Treatment was easier that the AC.
  • mickeymom
    mickeymom Member Posts: 117
    #5
    different kinds of side effects
    I did 4 of A/C and then 4 of Taxol and as everyone says - it is much easier. I never had to take the nausea meds and I didn't have that completely run over by a bus feeling either. Of course, nothing is free - especially in cancer treatements.

    About two days after every treatment Taxol gave me terrible joint and muscle pains, mainly in my legs, but some in my shoulders too. It only lasted for about a day and a half, but it got pretty bad sometimes. I didn't get much relief from things like tylenol and advil. I even tried some vicodin left over from my surgery - it only made me sleepy. I found that gentle stretching helped and I've heard warm baths are good too. The other thing that works for some people is claritin and zyrtec. (yes, the allergy medications) It didn't help me but I know others had success with it.

    The other side effect I had was some neuropathy in my fingers and toes. It feels a little numb or tingly, like your hands went to sleep. It can get really bad for some people so be sure to mention it to your oncologist if this starts to happen after the first treatment. I know there are others on the board that had terrible problems with that so check back if you want more information. The oncologist and nurtitionist recommended vitamin B6 and glutamine powder. I can say that took both of these during and for a while after my Taxol treatments and it didn't stop it, but it never got any worse than it was after the first treatment. This side effect can stay with you for a while - I finished in September and I still have problems with one foot and several of my fingers - but it is getting much better and I hope will go away soon!

    Make sure you drink LOTS of water before, during and after the infusions. The liquid they use to put Taxol in your veins is more difficult to get through your system than the stuff they use for A/C and other chemo drugs.

    Good luck with the rest of chemo! If you've handled A/C you're a rock star already so I'm sure you'll do great!
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #6
    I just had my last Taxol
    I just had my last Taxol last Thursday. Taxol was much worse (for me) than the 4 A/C I had in late Aug. - late Oct. While I got tired for a day or 2 on A/C, a nap or just laying down helped but with Taxol, it has been utter and complete exhaustion with resting not helping for 4 -5 days a week every week for the last 12 weeks. I opted for weekly Taxol instead of every 3 weeks as it was the suggested treatment from my Dr as being more agressive against my agressive cancer (IBC). The only other SE's I've had have been not hungry, everything tasted like cardboard, getting cold (I've always gotten cold easy and I live where it is COLD) easier and of course hair gone.

    We are all unique.
  • tommaseena
    tommaseena Member Posts: 1,769
    #7
    Rague said:

    I just had my last Taxol
    I just had my last Taxol last Thursday. Taxol was much worse (for me) than the 4 A/C I had in late Aug. - late Oct. While I got tired for a day or 2 on A/C, a nap or just laying down helped but with Taxol, it has been utter and complete exhaustion with resting not helping for 4 -5 days a week every week for the last 12 weeks. I opted for weekly Taxol instead of every 3 weeks as it was the suggested treatment from my Dr as being more agressive against my agressive cancer (IBC). The only other SE's I've had have been not hungry, everything tasted like cardboard, getting cold (I've always gotten cold easy and I live where it is COLD) easier and of course hair gone.

    We are all unique.

    bumping
    I'm bumping this up for denbralou.
  • denbralou
    denbralou Member Posts: 66
    #8
    tommaseena said:

    bumping
    I'm bumping this up for denbralou.

    Thanks
    Thanks again Tommaseena, appreciate it. I see that you didn't have too many side effects with Taxol, hoping I can say the same. Did you experiencd the tingling sensations they talked about?
  • tommaseena
    tommaseena Member Posts: 1,769
    #9
    denbralou said:

    Thanks
    Thanks again Tommaseena, appreciate it. I see that you didn't have too many side effects with Taxol, hoping I can say the same. Did you experiencd the tingling sensations they talked about?

    tingling
    I did not experience the tingling.

    Margo
  • girls4444
    girls4444 Member Posts: 34
    #10
    taxol
    I find taxol to be very different than acs, my finger nails are lifting up, my face is breaking out with a rash. I get tired and really achy two days after treatment.
  • Lynda53
    Lynda53 Member Posts: 210
    #11
    my .02
    Short:
    severe reaction,stopped breathing
    stopped taxol on 2nd treatment
    never had cytoxin (heart)
    due to reaction my suery was going to be moved w/no more chemo,BUT a good but
    I attended desensitization, basically they dilute the taxo to trick the body (Dr Maria Castells to google)
    My nails are ridged,utnot sore, no toes or finger troubles. I do have minor "things" in my moouth now nd then, and my lips re chapped off and on. I also have had a bad cold hence breath thru my mouth when sleeping which does not help the dry mouth. I use a variety of mout rinses and really dont know if they help or not
    So the good news. beast has shrunk from 5cm to about 2cm1
    side affects, yes any foods have no taste, no big daal, my hair was most gone before this,no just more gone, it'll come back!
    My advice:take pre,during and post meds for nausea,diarhea etc,REST ,drink tap water,gator aid, hydrate yuorself before during and after. What goes in must come out!
    I really have not found taxol/taxotere to be any worse then the start of chemo.
    So ar, 4.5 treatments in 4+ month and I am still working, my energy level is lower, but some of this is heart issues, and yes I sleep for hours and hours a few days a week.
    Best of luck
    Peace
  • natly15
    natly15 Member Posts: 1,941
    #12
    I finished A/C and had a lot
    I finished A/C and had a lot of nausea which we finally corrected with Emend and Kytril. Zofran did not work for me. My first taxol created severe pain from top of my head to tip of my toes for 4 1/2 days after the infusion. The 2nd infusion had to be stopped about 7 minutes into the infusion because I had a terrible allergic reaction.

    My onc is going to try me on taxotere this coming Tuesday with the thought I reacted to the preservative in taxol which is oil based. Taxotere has a different preservative. I pray I do not have another reaction. I know everyone is so vastly different and most people I've spoken with have had very positive results with taxol. I just happen to be one of those who has not. I'm concernced about this next infusion and will be happy when all this chemo is over. If I had been able to take the last infusion, I would have had only 2 more to go. I now have 3 more to go. Please keep me in your prayers that all goes well next week. I'll also keep you in my prayers lizmair.
  • Mama G
    Mama G Member Posts: 762
    #13
    natly15 said:

    I finished A/C and had a lot
    I finished A/C and had a lot of nausea which we finally corrected with Emend and Kytril. Zofran did not work for me. My first taxol created severe pain from top of my head to tip of my toes for 4 1/2 days after the infusion. The 2nd infusion had to be stopped about 7 minutes into the infusion because I had a terrible allergic reaction.

    My onc is going to try me on taxotere this coming Tuesday with the thought I reacted to the preservative in taxol which is oil based. Taxotere has a different preservative. I pray I do not have another reaction. I know everyone is so vastly different and most people I've spoken with have had very positive results with taxol. I just happen to be one of those who has not. I'm concernced about this next infusion and will be happy when all this chemo is over. If I had been able to take the last infusion, I would have had only 2 more to go. I now have 3 more to go. Please keep me in your prayers that all goes well next week. I'll also keep you in my prayers lizmair.

    JUST had my last TAXOL and last CHEMO!!!!
    about 4 hours ago! I'm so happy to be done with all of that. I pray we all never have to go through it again. BUT I have to say the Taxol was a piece of cake compared to the AC.
    I opted for the 12 weekly treatments and I worked (5th gr science teacher) through the whole thing, never having to take a day off. I found that during the last 3 treatments I experienced a "crash" on Saturday after the Wed treatment. I just wanted to sleep all day and do nothing. Other than that the side effects were very minor. Slight dry mouth, slight numbness of fingers and toes. I do have to agree with the WATER and nutrition advice. Also chew ice during the infusion. I tried to go without it one time and had mouth sores and severe dry mouth with loss of taste buds for a few days.

    Good luck and keep us posted.

    God bless,
    Lorraine
  • mickeymom
    mickeymom Member Posts: 117
    #14
    Mama G said:

    JUST had my last TAXOL and last CHEMO!!!!
    about 4 hours ago! I'm so happy to be done with all of that. I pray we all never have to go through it again. BUT I have to say the Taxol was a piece of cake compared to the AC.
    I opted for the 12 weekly treatments and I worked (5th gr science teacher) through the whole thing, never having to take a day off. I found that during the last 3 treatments I experienced a "crash" on Saturday after the Wed treatment. I just wanted to sleep all day and do nothing. Other than that the side effects were very minor. Slight dry mouth, slight numbness of fingers and toes. I do have to agree with the WATER and nutrition advice. Also chew ice during the infusion. I tried to go without it one time and had mouth sores and severe dry mouth with loss of taste buds for a few days.

    Good luck and keep us posted.

    God bless,
    Lorraine

    Congratulations Mama G!
    Congratulations on finishing chemo! You're obviously a strong lady! I teach too and I had to take a day off for each of my last two treatments. I'm happy that's behind you!
  • hward2007
    hward2007 Member Posts: 62
    #15
    mickeymom said:

    different kinds of side effects
    I did 4 of A/C and then 4 of Taxol and as everyone says - it is much easier. I never had to take the nausea meds and I didn't have that completely run over by a bus feeling either. Of course, nothing is free - especially in cancer treatements.

    About two days after every treatment Taxol gave me terrible joint and muscle pains, mainly in my legs, but some in my shoulders too. It only lasted for about a day and a half, but it got pretty bad sometimes. I didn't get much relief from things like tylenol and advil. I even tried some vicodin left over from my surgery - it only made me sleepy. I found that gentle stretching helped and I've heard warm baths are good too. The other thing that works for some people is claritin and zyrtec. (yes, the allergy medications) It didn't help me but I know others had success with it.

    The other side effect I had was some neuropathy in my fingers and toes. It feels a little numb or tingly, like your hands went to sleep. It can get really bad for some people so be sure to mention it to your oncologist if this starts to happen after the first treatment. I know there are others on the board that had terrible problems with that so check back if you want more information. The oncologist and nurtitionist recommended vitamin B6 and glutamine powder. I can say that took both of these during and for a while after my Taxol treatments and it didn't stop it, but it never got any worse than it was after the first treatment. This side effect can stay with you for a while - I finished in September and I still have problems with one foot and several of my fingers - but it is getting much better and I hope will go away soon!

    Make sure you drink LOTS of water before, during and after the infusions. The liquid they use to put Taxol in your veins is more difficult to get through your system than the stuff they use for A/C and other chemo drugs.

    Good luck with the rest of chemo! If you've handled A/C you're a rock star already so I'm sure you'll do great!

    TAXOL HELL!!!??/
    This will be short, I was schudled to take Taxol just like the A/C. Then my oncon changed her mind and did every week for 12wks, I had all the side effects of A/C & Taxol. I am a BRCA1 x3 neg. My reaction was so sever that by time I got to wk8 the pain and CIPN was so bad I begged to quit taken Taxol, my oncon gave me a massave dose for wk8-wk12 in one 2hr infusion. This was July 8th 2008 when it was given. I have sever burning & pain in all my extreamties, no sense of touch, hot cold ect. I burn & cut my self offted at first. I was put on permint disablity with in 7mths, my hair just started growing back March of 2009. I think God Im alive for my now 3yr old daughter!!! My dx came a yr to the day of her birth. Im tryn to get a Medtronics stimulater, Medicaid pays for the unit BUT not to have the procedure to implant it. I already have a Medtronics IntraStem because of complete neuropathy of my bladder, thank God only my bladder was dammaged.

    I Love everone here & Im glad to be back online!!!
  • 1acme
    1acme Member Posts: 77
    #16
    Rague said:

    I just had my last Taxol
    I just had my last Taxol last Thursday. Taxol was much worse (for me) than the 4 A/C I had in late Aug. - late Oct. While I got tired for a day or 2 on A/C, a nap or just laying down helped but with Taxol, it has been utter and complete exhaustion with resting not helping for 4 -5 days a week every week for the last 12 weeks. I opted for weekly Taxol instead of every 3 weeks as it was the suggested treatment from my Dr as being more agressive against my agressive cancer (IBC). The only other SE's I've had have been not hungry, everything tasted like cardboard, getting cold (I've always gotten cold easy and I live where it is COLD) easier and of course hair gone.

    We are all unique.

    TAXOL allergy
    I had 4x A/C (two weeks a part) which was quite tolerable for me, but TAXOL was a hell for me.

    1st dose of dose-dense TAXOL I had allergic reaction during 3/4 infusion - red face, rash in my face for few days after and terribly itchy skin.
    Even my Psoriasis which disappeared on A/C star coming back quickly.
    Also 48hr after 1st Taxol dose I had horrible bone pain in my feet/legs to the point that I just drag my feet behind me and holding my self to walls just to manage to go to bathroom. I called Onco first thing morning and they put me on Hydro-Morphine pills 1mg taken every 2hrs. They help a bit, but I was still in severe pain for about 4 days just stay in the bed.

    I had developend bad NEUROPATHY in my feet & fingers. My feet got numb, so I could not get any balance to walk, skin was peeling in huge blisters-like areas. My 3+3 fingers lost feelings completely to the point that I cannot hold even a cup of tea in my hand without dropping it and burning my self.

    When I told all those symptoms my Onco he set that they are very common to Taxol, but he was concern about my fingers as it was quite severe after just first Taxol dose. I told him that I NEED my fingers "back" as I work in enforcement and I need my fingers to be able to use firearm for my job (currently off duty during the treatment).

    He told me that we may try 2nd dose of Taxol, but schedule it 3 weeks a part so my body have time to recover better. Sounded as a good plan, but with my 2nd dose of TAXOL, just after just 20min in the Taxol dose I wake up with severe sneezing, runny nose, my heart was pounding (pulls 112) and I could not breath (short of breath). My face become purple/red and my eyes were also red. My chemo nurse stopped Taxol infusion ASAP as she set that it looks like my body does not like it and she does not want to risk it to put me on ICU unit if we continued. I was given extra dose of Antihistamine, cold towel on my head and held for observation for about 2hrs. So I manage to get only about 1/4 dose of Taxol in.

    Day after I was talking to my Onco about our further strategy and he mention that I may "finish" my chemo as I completed 4x A/C and 1.25 dose of Taxol.

    Well since I had been diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer which is very aggressive & fast growing/spreading I refused to "drop-out" from chemo and told him that it is very important for me to finish ALL dose.

    He agreed to put me on milder dose of Taxol for another 6-8 weeks once a week and will see how I will tolerate this milder dose. I have to be back in hospital in 2 weeks for my 1st Milder dose of Taxol and I am hoping that my body would tolerate it.

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