Started Taxol

Snowkitty
Snowkitty Member Posts: 295

This past Tuesday, I started the first of 4 taxols.  Was tired after, but couldn't sleep even with sleeping pills.  But yesterday, I started to feel like I was hit by a Mac truck.  It's hard to take a deep breath in. I'm trying the tylenol first, if that doesn't work, will do Ibprophen.  Then on to Vicodin.

Are these side effects cumultive?

Thanks, Cindy

 

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Comments

  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    Cindy, I wish I could give

    Cindy, I wish I could give you some advice, but, I didn't have chemo as part of my treatment.  I know the pinks sisters that have had taxol as part of theirs will respond to you.

    I hope that you start to feel better very soon.

    Gentle hugs,

    Noel

  • jamiegww
    jamiegww Member Posts: 384
    Not sure how to answer your question......

    .......because we are all different.  I don't remember having too much trouble with Taxol other than really bad bone pain.  I suggest you contact your onc and let them know what is going on.  They probably know exactly how to help you and that's what they are there for.  I hope you get some relief soon.

    HUGS!!!

    Jamie

  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    jamiegww said:

    Not sure how to answer your question......

    .......because we are all different.  I don't remember having too much trouble with Taxol other than really bad bone pain.  I suggest you contact your onc and let them know what is going on.  They probably know exactly how to help you and that's what they are there for.  I hope you get some relief soon.

    HUGS!!!

    Jamie

    Please let your onco know any

    Please let your onco know any and all side effects that you have.  There are so many drugs out there to help you.  You shouldn't have to suffer at all Cindy.

    Keep posting so we know how you are.

  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    DianeBC said:

    Please let your onco know any

    Please let your onco know any and all side effects that you have.  There are so many drugs out there to help you.  You shouldn't have to suffer at all Cindy.

    Keep posting so we know how you are.

    You feeling any better? 

    You feeling any better?  Thinking of you!

  • Snowkitty
    Snowkitty Member Posts: 295
    Slept like a baby

    Ibprophen seemed to work.  Legs still hurt this morning, but can breath without hurting. It's gonna be a great day.

    Take care, Cindy

  • SK12
    SK12 Member Posts: 13
    Finished taxol and still waiting for the pains to subside

    Hey Cindy.  Finished three rounds Last month. Still waiting for the pains to go away, sometimes praying. It started with slight discomfort, what I call "itchy restless bones", to "I don't want to get out of bed" pain. You know what I am talking about. Still, dealing with multiple pains, but it is getting better. I dreaded the last visit. we are still trying to determine if it is all chemo related, tomixafen related, or a combination.  As bad as I felt, I realized that there was another older lady getting double the dosage I was receiving and every week. I went every three weeks. I kept reminding myself, my cancer cells are dying and if she could do the therapy with a smile, I needed to suck it up and get over it. 

    What helped me: Tylenol, leg elevation, gentle massages by my partner, knowing that it would soon be over. Having a partner that is patient and adoring was crucial for me. Cuddling was just as important as being left alone. ;)

    good luck. Hope this helps

    SK

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    SK12 said:

    Finished taxol and still waiting for the pains to subside

    Hey Cindy.  Finished three rounds Last month. Still waiting for the pains to go away, sometimes praying. It started with slight discomfort, what I call "itchy restless bones", to "I don't want to get out of bed" pain. You know what I am talking about. Still, dealing with multiple pains, but it is getting better. I dreaded the last visit. we are still trying to determine if it is all chemo related, tomixafen related, or a combination.  As bad as I felt, I realized that there was another older lady getting double the dosage I was receiving and every week. I went every three weeks. I kept reminding myself, my cancer cells are dying and if she could do the therapy with a smile, I needed to suck it up and get over it. 

    What helped me: Tylenol, leg elevation, gentle massages by my partner, knowing that it would soon be over. Having a partner that is patient and adoring was crucial for me. Cuddling was just as important as being left alone. ;)

    good luck. Hope this helps

    SK

    Hello, Cindy and SK

    This is what helped me .... with my Taxotere/Taxol, Carboplatin and Herceptin --

    Please don't allow this anxiety to get the best of you. ** Remember to alert your Onco RN of any unusual
    feelings etc .. a list of possible side efforts, which should be presented to
    you before your first chemo infusion.
     
    It is so important to remain and continue hydration, water - water, and more
    water.  Splash in a little lemonade, cranberry juice -- or prepackaged crystal
    light, or Lipton Tea.  Herbal Tea's also work for a change of pace.

    If you are getting the neulasta shot -- Please ask your Oncologist about taking
    a benadryl -- or claritin -- which many of us === swear by -- as they help alleviate that
    'just run over by a truck' aches and pains - some of us experience from the
    neulasta shot.

    Ask for prescriptions for nausea and vomiting -- as well as diarrhea.  Ginger is very good for settling the stomach.

    Plastic silverware is a must ---

    biotin toothpaste and mouthwash is a daily essential
    (available at most Target's or Wall-Mart's)

    Food is subjective -- depending on your personal needs and taste buds .. What
    taste good or was tolerable 1 week -- changed for me, the very next. I could not
    tolerate any foods with sugar, i.e. ketchup, or cola's.

    To help prevent mouth sores -- suck on ice chips during all chemo treatments.

    Rest when you can, as some chemo queens have bouts of insomnia ---

    Take goodies to entertain yourself during your infusions -- games, books,
    friend, a snack, IPOD, laptop ...

    Strength, Courage and Hope.

    Vicki Sam 

  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member
    For Cindy

    Hi Cindy,

    I began Taxol on 2/27 and will have #4 on Wednesday.  I don't have pain but big time Fatigue and have been running a temperature.  I also take Methotrexate (chemo drug) for an eye condition so that is probably why my blood values are low.

    I can see it hits us all different.  This is my first chemo in 18 years.  I ended the first chemo on March 17th, 1995.  It's all new again.   I did call my oncologist nurse when my temperature was rising.  Call your oncologist nurse about your leg pain.  

    They gave me a prescription for Lorazeparm and that usually knocks me out, it is for nausea.  Acts like a sleeping pill for me.

    Doris

  • SK12
    SK12 Member Posts: 13
    SIROD said:

    For Cindy

    Hi Cindy,

    I began Taxol on 2/27 and will have #4 on Wednesday.  I don't have pain but big time Fatigue and have been running a temperature.  I also take Methotrexate (chemo drug) for an eye condition so that is probably why my blood values are low.

    I can see it hits us all different.  This is my first chemo in 18 years.  I ended the first chemo on March 17th, 1995.  It's all new again.   I did call my oncologist nurse when my temperature was rising.  Call your oncologist nurse about your leg pain.  

    They gave me a prescription for Lorazeparm and that usually knocks me out, it is for nausea.  Acts like a sleeping pill for me.

    Doris

    Dear Doris and Vicki,

    Doris, your fever concerns me. Have you called your doc?  I am going through hot flashes. 

    Vicky, thanks for your post. Just started laughing. Yes, I am the insomniac. Used to be able to sleep 7-8 hrs a night without even movin the sheets. Take the benydrl at night to sleep. Puts me out about four hours. If I drink any more water, I will float away. Lived on tofu and ginger tea during chemo, on and off.  You know, when I could tolerate it. Just read some research about not having ginger or any soy products during radiation. I am also baffled by the milk controversy. Whole, fat free, lactose free. Suppose to drink whole milk for protein, but like soy promotes estrogen levels. care to share your wisdom?  

    BTW happy st. Patty's day. First alcohol free St Patty day ever...

  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    SK12 said:

    Dear Doris and Vicki,

    Doris, your fever concerns me. Have you called your doc?  I am going through hot flashes. 

    Vicky, thanks for your post. Just started laughing. Yes, I am the insomniac. Used to be able to sleep 7-8 hrs a night without even movin the sheets. Take the benydrl at night to sleep. Puts me out about four hours. If I drink any more water, I will float away. Lived on tofu and ginger tea during chemo, on and off.  You know, when I could tolerate it. Just read some research about not having ginger or any soy products during radiation. I am also baffled by the milk controversy. Whole, fat free, lactose free. Suppose to drink whole milk for protein, but like soy promotes estrogen levels. care to share your wisdom?  

    BTW happy st. Patty's day. First alcohol free St Patty day ever...

    I am so glad you're feeling

    I am so glad you're feeling better Cindy.  How many more treatments do you have?

    Hugs, Debby

  • dthompson
    dthompson Member Posts: 149
    Taxol

    Hi Cindy,

    My wife did 4 treatments of taxol and had extream pain in her bones and muscles, one thing that really seemed to help her was to take a 24hr Claritin tablet the day before, the day of and for the  two days after taxol. She forgot totake her claritin one time and said the pain was much worse than when she did take it. Unfortunatily the pain did get worse with each treatment. Have you considered taking the lower doses of taxol over a longer time? My wife's Onc offered her 12 rounds of taxol, one a week at a much lower dose and said the pain would be much less. She decided not to do this as she just wanted to get the treatments over with. Hang in there we will all be thinking and praying for you.

     

    Dennis 

  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    dthompson said:

    Taxol

    Hi Cindy,

    My wife did 4 treatments of taxol and had extream pain in her bones and muscles, one thing that really seemed to help her was to take a 24hr Claritin tablet the day before, the day of and for the  two days after taxol. She forgot totake her claritin one time and said the pain was much worse than when she did take it. Unfortunatily the pain did get worse with each treatment. Have you considered taking the lower doses of taxol over a longer time? My wife's Onc offered her 12 rounds of taxol, one a week at a much lower dose and said the pain would be much less. She decided not to do this as she just wanted to get the treatments over with. Hang in there we will all be thinking and praying for you.

     

    Dennis 

    Hoping that the weekend was

    Hoping that the weekend was better for you Cindy!

  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    Megan M said:

    Hoping that the weekend was

    Hoping that the weekend was better for you Cindy!

    Gentle hugs and positive

    Gentle hugs and positive thoughts!

  • Snowkitty
    Snowkitty Member Posts: 295
    dthompson said:

    Taxol

    Hi Cindy,

    My wife did 4 treatments of taxol and had extream pain in her bones and muscles, one thing that really seemed to help her was to take a 24hr Claritin tablet the day before, the day of and for the  two days after taxol. She forgot totake her claritin one time and said the pain was much worse than when she did take it. Unfortunatily the pain did get worse with each treatment. Have you considered taking the lower doses of taxol over a longer time? My wife's Onc offered her 12 rounds of taxol, one a week at a much lower dose and said the pain would be much less. She decided not to do this as she just wanted to get the treatments over with. Hang in there we will all be thinking and praying for you.

     

    Dennis 

    1 down, 3 to go

    I also want to get this crap over with. Thanks for the advise on Claritin.  I will try that.

     

    Cindy

  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    Snowkitty said:

    1 down, 3 to go

    I also want to get this crap over with. Thanks for the advise on Claritin.  I will try that.

     

    Cindy

    I hope the Claritin helps you

    I hope the Claritin helps you Cindy.  Let us know!

    Gentle hugs, Debby

  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    DebbyM said:

    I hope the Claritin helps you

    I hope the Claritin helps you Cindy.  Let us know!

    Gentle hugs, Debby

    Thinking of you Cindy!

    Thinking of you Cindy!

  • McMarty
    McMarty Member Posts: 212 Member
    NO!

    For me the first round went EXACTLY as you described and NO it was not cumulative!  I just hand my 9th Taxol and it was NEVER like the first time again.

    It was SUPER hard to drag myself in for the second round but after the second round - nothing happened. 

     

  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    VickiSam said:

    Hello, Cindy and SK

    This is what helped me .... with my Taxotere/Taxol, Carboplatin and Herceptin --

    Please don't allow this anxiety to get the best of you. ** Remember to alert your Onco RN of any unusual
    feelings etc .. a list of possible side efforts, which should be presented to
    you before your first chemo infusion.
     
    It is so important to remain and continue hydration, water - water, and more
    water.  Splash in a little lemonade, cranberry juice -- or prepackaged crystal
    light, or Lipton Tea.  Herbal Tea's also work for a change of pace.

    If you are getting the neulasta shot -- Please ask your Oncologist about taking
    a benadryl -- or claritin -- which many of us === swear by -- as they help alleviate that
    'just run over by a truck' aches and pains - some of us experience from the
    neulasta shot.

    Ask for prescriptions for nausea and vomiting -- as well as diarrhea.  Ginger is very good for settling the stomach.

    Plastic silverware is a must ---

    biotin toothpaste and mouthwash is a daily essential
    (available at most Target's or Wall-Mart's)

    Food is subjective -- depending on your personal needs and taste buds .. What
    taste good or was tolerable 1 week -- changed for me, the very next. I could not
    tolerate any foods with sugar, i.e. ketchup, or cola's.

    To help prevent mouth sores -- suck on ice chips during all chemo treatments.

    Rest when you can, as some chemo queens have bouts of insomnia ---

    Take goodies to entertain yourself during your infusions -- games, books,
    friend, a snack, IPOD, laptop ...

    Strength, Courage and Hope.

    Vicki Sam 

    I'm so sorry that you're

    I'm so sorry that you're suffering with chemo.  I never had it, so, I can't even begin to understand how awful it must be.

    Looks like the ones that have, are helping you out.

    Try, if you can, to focus on the end.  You will get there and then we'll all party with you!

  • Pink Rose
    Pink Rose Member Posts: 493
    McMarty said:

    NO!

    For me the first round went EXACTLY as you described and NO it was not cumulative!  I just hand my 9th Taxol and it was NEVER like the first time again.

    It was SUPER hard to drag myself in for the second round but after the second round - nothing happened. 

     

    Hope you're better!

    Hope you're better!

  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    VickiSam said:

    Hello, Cindy and SK

    This is what helped me .... with my Taxotere/Taxol, Carboplatin and Herceptin --

    Please don't allow this anxiety to get the best of you. ** Remember to alert your Onco RN of any unusual
    feelings etc .. a list of possible side efforts, which should be presented to
    you before your first chemo infusion.
     
    It is so important to remain and continue hydration, water - water, and more
    water.  Splash in a little lemonade, cranberry juice -- or prepackaged crystal
    light, or Lipton Tea.  Herbal Tea's also work for a change of pace.

    If you are getting the neulasta shot -- Please ask your Oncologist about taking
    a benadryl -- or claritin -- which many of us === swear by -- as they help alleviate that
    'just run over by a truck' aches and pains - some of us experience from the
    neulasta shot.

    Ask for prescriptions for nausea and vomiting -- as well as diarrhea.  Ginger is very good for settling the stomach.

    Plastic silverware is a must ---

    biotin toothpaste and mouthwash is a daily essential
    (available at most Target's or Wall-Mart's)

    Food is subjective -- depending on your personal needs and taste buds .. What
    taste good or was tolerable 1 week -- changed for me, the very next. I could not
    tolerate any foods with sugar, i.e. ketchup, or cola's.

    To help prevent mouth sores -- suck on ice chips during all chemo treatments.

    Rest when you can, as some chemo queens have bouts of insomnia ---

    Take goodies to entertain yourself during your infusions -- games, books,
    friend, a snack, IPOD, laptop ...

    Strength, Courage and Hope.

    Vicki Sam 

    Vicki Sam gave really good

    Vicki Sam gave really good tips to you.  Feel really bad that you are suffering like this.  Just wish you were already done, but, soon you will be and then you'll be feeling much better.

    Very gentle hugs,

    jan