Wondering how Taxol will affect me...

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carriesoup
carriesoup Member Posts: 144
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
hello :)

in 1 week, i'll have my last A/C (YEAH!) then onto 12 weekly treatments of Taxol. the chemo nurse, told me she thinks i'll do ok. she said, typical side effects are numbness in my hands and feet. what else? how did everyone else respond?

thank you in advance!

*hugs*

carrie :)
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Comments

  • Mama G
    Mama G Member Posts: 762
    #2
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    Piece of cake compared to what you've been through...
    I worked (teaching 5th gr) the whole time missing only a half day for the chemo. And I never had any of the side effects. Just CHEW ice chips during the administration of it.
  • carriesoup
    carriesoup Member Posts: 144
    #3
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    Mama G said:

    Piece of cake compared to what you've been through...
    I worked (teaching 5th gr) the whole time missing only a half day for the chemo. And I never had any of the side effects. Just CHEW ice chips during the administration of it.

    so glad to hear that! i'm
    so glad to hear that! i'm working full time now. why the ice chips while administration?
  • seof
    seof Member Posts: 819 Member
    #4
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    I had mild tingling/numbness
    I had mild tingling/numbness in fingers and toes, some discoloration of toenails. I also kept working throughout my treatments. I drank water before and after to flush the drugs out of my system faster. I suppose ice chips might help reduce the "chemo taste", never tried it.

    You can go to chemocare.com to look up specific drugs, uses and side effects.


    Here's hoping you are one of the lucky ones with mild side effects.

    seof
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #5
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    We're all so different!
    Taxol was bad for me - MUCH worse than A/C. Had I had a job there is no way I could have worked. With A/C I had 2 days out of 2 weeks each infusion tht I was tired but just tired and rest helped. With Taxol I had 2 days of tired and 5 days of utter and complete exhaustion every week - rest did not help and could not sleep without sleeping pills.

    Also with Taxol I would go to sleep as soon as they started the IV Benadryl. I had oral Benadryl with A/C and have taken it many time for Wasp bites and it never made even the least bite drousy but as soon as it would hit IV, I was 'out of it' until about 1/2 hour before the Taxol was done then no longer the least bit drousy.

    Susan
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    #6
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    Rague said:

    We're all so different!
    Taxol was bad for me - MUCH worse than A/C. Had I had a job there is no way I could have worked. With A/C I had 2 days out of 2 weeks each infusion tht I was tired but just tired and rest helped. With Taxol I had 2 days of tired and 5 days of utter and complete exhaustion every week - rest did not help and could not sleep without sleeping pills.

    Also with Taxol I would go to sleep as soon as they started the IV Benadryl. I had oral Benadryl with A/C and have taken it many time for Wasp bites and it never made even the least bite drousy but as soon as it would hit IV, I was 'out of it' until about 1/2 hour before the Taxol was done then no longer the least bit drousy.

    Susan

    I had a tough time with
    I had a tough time with chemo in general but taxol was better. had a taxol rash on my face, slight discoloration of some nails, big D which I had for all chemos. I have peripheral neuropathy, if you start to get weakness or numb hands and feet let them know. The ice chips is to decrease chances of mouth sores mama G swears by it. hope it goes well.
  • tgf
    tgf Member Posts: 950 Member
    #7
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    carkris said:

    I had a tough time with
    I had a tough time with chemo in general but taxol was better. had a taxol rash on my face, slight discoloration of some nails, big D which I had for all chemos. I have peripheral neuropathy, if you start to get weakness or numb hands and feet let them know. The ice chips is to decrease chances of mouth sores mama G swears by it. hope it goes well.

    taxol
    I had taxol and herceptin ... and before each chemo they'd give about 15 minutes of benadry drip and something else ... and I'd have my I-pod on with soothing music ... and by the time the chemo started I would be asleep ... and only woke up when I'd hear the beeping of the IV machine.

    On day 15 my hair started to come out ... but all side-effects were totally manageable. I got a rash on my back and tops of my hands ... saw dermatologist who helped. A few bloody nose things ... problems with my nails ... etc. but the most uncomfortable part of it was ... pardon me ... but ... it was the constipation. Chemo-brain was a real problem for me ... and I really don't think I've really "gotten over" that part of it. Still have problems find the correct word I want to use etc. I worked full time through the whole thing. I just tried to write down a LOT of notes to remind me to do something ... but then of course I'd look at the notes and not have a clue what I meant. I'm sure I forgot to do things ... or totally messed things up ... but thank goodness I work with a terrific group of people ... and it got to the point where we could all laugh at it. There wasn't much else I could do but laugh ... as I'd ask people the same question 5 times ... :-)

    Hugs.
    Teena
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #8
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    tgf said:

    taxol
    I had taxol and herceptin ... and before each chemo they'd give about 15 minutes of benadry drip and something else ... and I'd have my I-pod on with soothing music ... and by the time the chemo started I would be asleep ... and only woke up when I'd hear the beeping of the IV machine.

    On day 15 my hair started to come out ... but all side-effects were totally manageable. I got a rash on my back and tops of my hands ... saw dermatologist who helped. A few bloody nose things ... problems with my nails ... etc. but the most uncomfortable part of it was ... pardon me ... but ... it was the constipation. Chemo-brain was a real problem for me ... and I really don't think I've really "gotten over" that part of it. Still have problems find the correct word I want to use etc. I worked full time through the whole thing. I just tried to write down a LOT of notes to remind me to do something ... but then of course I'd look at the notes and not have a clue what I meant. I'm sure I forgot to do things ... or totally messed things up ... but thank goodness I work with a terrific group of people ... and it got to the point where we could all laugh at it. There wasn't much else I could do but laugh ... as I'd ask people the same question 5 times ... :-)

    Hugs.
    Teena

    Actually I think 'chemo
    Actually I think 'chemo brain' 'helped' me! LOL I'm ADD so getting on task/staying on task or just concentrating on anything is a problem - always has been. After Chemo was over I asked Hubby if I was worse during Chemo and he said a very imphatic "NO!" I guess it just has to do with what our brain chemistry already is.

    Susan
  • dee1962
    dee1962 Member Posts: 99
    #9
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    i'm going on my third
    i'm going on my third treatment tomorrow and so far so good....You should do fine...good luck
  • Evoling_butterfly
    Evoling_butterfly Member Posts: 57
    #10
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    Not for me
    I didn't do well on taxol but as was said 'evertyone is different'. I had burning pain at the bottom of my feet,neck,private areas, and rashes all over...But other than that :)... So my treatment was stopped but I hear alot of people do just fine..
  • lafera12
    lafera12 Member Posts: 63
    #11
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    tgf said:

    taxol
    I had taxol and herceptin ... and before each chemo they'd give about 15 minutes of benadry drip and something else ... and I'd have my I-pod on with soothing music ... and by the time the chemo started I would be asleep ... and only woke up when I'd hear the beeping of the IV machine.

    On day 15 my hair started to come out ... but all side-effects were totally manageable. I got a rash on my back and tops of my hands ... saw dermatologist who helped. A few bloody nose things ... problems with my nails ... etc. but the most uncomfortable part of it was ... pardon me ... but ... it was the constipation. Chemo-brain was a real problem for me ... and I really don't think I've really "gotten over" that part of it. Still have problems find the correct word I want to use etc. I worked full time through the whole thing. I just tried to write down a LOT of notes to remind me to do something ... but then of course I'd look at the notes and not have a clue what I meant. I'm sure I forgot to do things ... or totally messed things up ... but thank goodness I work with a terrific group of people ... and it got to the point where we could all laugh at it. There wasn't much else I could do but laugh ... as I'd ask people the same question 5 times ... :-)

    Hugs.
    Teena

    Taxol
    I was like Teena--Taxol with Herceptin..Didn't really have too many problems-
    some tingling in my toes, that I still have ( but it is better than it was).
    Still have chemo-brain (was told by one of my cousins, it never goes away)
    In a way it's a good think, it gives me an excuse to use when I forget things.
    I also took Benedyl along with the other pre-drugs, I was asleep right after
    they started and woke up right after it finished in time for the Herceptin.
    But everyone is different and hope you do ok with it.
    Angie
  • 1surfermom
    1surfermom Member Posts: 396 Member
    #12
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    Evoling_butterfly said:

    Not for me
    I didn't do well on taxol but as was said 'evertyone is different'. I had burning pain at the bottom of my feet,neck,private areas, and rashes all over...But other than that :)... So my treatment was stopped but I hear alot of people do just fine..

    Taxol vs. AC
    I found taxol to be soooo much easier than AC. I could tolerate the taxol, I think they gave me an anti nausea drip ,benedril and a steriod before the adminstration of the taxol. I didn't have any nausea or numbness. I would get my treatment on Wednesday and be okay unit about Friday at 4:00 P.M. and then the fatigue and general muscle pain would hit. Spent all day on the couch on Sat. and was back to my old self by Sunday afternoon. I had taxol weekly for 12 weeks so it kind of got to be a routine for me. As Evoling butterfly said everyone is different, but my wish for you is that you sail right through it. Love Surf.
  • pinkkari09
    pinkkari09 Member Posts: 877
    #13
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    I know were all different so
    I know were all different so don't let this scare you. I had a really hard time with Taxol. I too did 4 rounds of A/C first which was difficult but the Taxol destroyed my nerves and I ended up with severe neuropathy. The best advice I can give you is to make sure you are letting your doc know of any numbness or tingling and the severity of it. My onc had to cut my Taxol off at treatment 11 of 12 due to the severity of the neuropathy. Many recover from the numbness/tingling so don't take my case too seriously, however; I have not recovered. Some days are better than others but I do know it's there at all times. Best of luck to you and God Bless!!
    Hugs, Kari
  • mwallace1325
    mwallace1325 Member Posts: 806
    #14
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    Carrie
    I wasn't going to post but since there's already some negatives I will add mine. I found it way worse than A/C, maybe because it was weekly and A/C was every three weeks and there was recoup time in between. Neuropathy, insomnia, constipation, blocked tear ducts which meant my eyes (already totally encircled with black circles like a raccoon and no eyebrows or lashes) teared ALL THE TIME. My voice got really raspy, I had heartburn and would cough every time I ate something, hot or cold. My nasal passages were sore. They decreased my dosage by 15% and at #8 I was ready to quit. All that being said, I finished 10/29/09, yep almost a year now and even if you have all those side effects you'll come out at the end healthier, stronger and, please God, cancer free.
    Remember we are all different and some of my effects could have been because I had asthma to begin with. Please don't anticipate your reactions based on mine. I really just wanted to share so that you'd know no matter how weird the side effect let your onc team know so they can help.

    Good luck and hope it's a piece of cake.
    marge
  • keep_on_going
    keep_on_going Member Posts: 21
    #15
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    Every one is different
    I flew thru AC, and I was told that Taxol would be easier. I had numbness, tingling & lost feeling in my right foot. I couldn't think & final had to take medical leave. I don't remember much of the 2 months. Which is probably for the best.
    BUT everyone is different & I'm hoping you will just sail through it! Good luck & best wishes
  • tjohnson2310
    tjohnson2310 Member Posts: 168 Member
    #16
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    Taxol
    I just finished Taxol last week my symptoms were mild. I did get the numbness and tingling in hands and feet. It was tolerable. Constipation was an issue for me I used stool softeners daily and laxatives as I needed them.
  • carriesoup
    carriesoup Member Posts: 144
    #17
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    tjohnson2310 said:

    Taxol
    I just finished Taxol last week my symptoms were mild. I did get the numbness and tingling in hands and feet. It was tolerable. Constipation was an issue for me I used stool softeners daily and laxatives as I needed them.

    i appreciate the honesty. i
    i appreciate the honesty. i want to know all the horrible side effects, whether i get them or not! i know, you can't predict how it's going to affect you. i'll deal with it either way!! i'll keep plugging along. just like all of us!

    thanks everyone for the support :)

    *hugs*

    carrie :)
  • Annette 11
    Annette 11 Member Posts: 380
    #18
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    minor side effects
    Carrie, I had minor things happen. When I was receiving the taxol chemo I felt like my head was filling up with that stuff, my husband told me to take deep breaths in and out. I did and after a few seconds it felt better but it did alarm me and I was about to call the onc. nurse but as I said it started to subside so I relaxed. Big time Constipation after the second chemo last week but I posted and got alot of good suggestions here. Other than that, just tired for the first 3 days. Hope you do ok. Keep us posted.
    Good luck,
    Hugs to you.
    Annette
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    #19
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    Annette 11 said:

    minor side effects
    Carrie, I had minor things happen. When I was receiving the taxol chemo I felt like my head was filling up with that stuff, my husband told me to take deep breaths in and out. I did and after a few seconds it felt better but it did alarm me and I was about to call the onc. nurse but as I said it started to subside so I relaxed. Big time Constipation after the second chemo last week but I posted and got alot of good suggestions here. Other than that, just tired for the first 3 days. Hope you do ok. Keep us posted.
    Good luck,
    Hugs to you.
    Annette

    good thing about taxol no
    good thing about taxol no neulasta! I have peripheral neuropathy but it is slowly getting better. I was so debilitated after chemo that I had Pt which helped regain strength and balance. I do have chemo brain which is worse when I am stressed or tired, but overall I see a MARKED improvement. things are really clicking. The other good thing is you will soon be done and will start to feel better the furthur you are away from that stuff!!
  • grandmasueb
    grandmasueb Member Posts: 49
    #20
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    carkris said:

    good thing about taxol no
    good thing about taxol no neulasta! I have peripheral neuropathy but it is slowly getting better. I was so debilitated after chemo that I had Pt which helped regain strength and balance. I do have chemo brain which is worse when I am stressed or tired, but overall I see a MARKED improvement. things are really clicking. The other good thing is you will soon be done and will start to feel better the furthur you are away from that stuff!!

    I had the same treatment as
    I had the same treatment as you carrie I have been finished with treatment for 3 weeks now. The AC was the worst for me was really sick all 4 treatments. Taxol was very doable for me. I still have numbness in my feet to where they are so numb they hurt,Does anyone know how long the numbness last after your treatment. I wish you luck carrie
  • chriskaput
    chriskaput Member Posts: 109
    #21
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    carriesoup said:

    i appreciate the honesty. i
    i appreciate the honesty. i want to know all the horrible side effects, whether i get them or not! i know, you can't predict how it's going to affect you. i'll deal with it either way!! i'll keep plugging along. just like all of us!

    thanks everyone for the support :)

    *hugs*

    carrie :)

    Taxol
    AC was much worse for me. Taxol was a breeze! I hope it will be for you too! I had 12 weekly treatments with Herceptin, and the benadryl and steroids. The first day after treatment I was exhausted but that was from the benadryl. I went back to work full time after starting Taxol. There was no way I could have worked while on AC.
    Godod luck....it will be over before you know it and we will be ceelbrating here with u!

    Hugs,
    Chris, NY

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