Taxol and Herceptin? What is it like?

aris

I'm currently on A/C dense dose - I've had 2 of my 4 treatments and am looking ahead to what's next for me. I will start weekly Taxol and Herceptin for 12 weeks. This will basically be my summer (I plan to start in early June). I have 2 young school age kids at home and am trying to figure out summer plans for them. 

 I'm wondering if anyone here can tell me what to expect regarding energy level, fatigue and other side effects from the Taxol and Herceptin, especially coming off of the AC.  I have been doing fairly well on the AC, with mostly fatigue and some underlying nausea, aches and pains, but it's manageable. I'm just trying to get a sense of what the next course of chemo will be like.

 Thanks to anyone who can share experiences with me. I so appreciate it.

Pam

NanaA

Pam  I just finished #6 of weekly taxol.  I have been able to work every day but chemo day on Tuesday  and the worst day is day 5.  Really tired and some abdominal and leg pain that day.  My worst problem is have been developing pain and tingling in toes and balls of feet.  Onc keeping an eye on it and may have to switch to something else if it gets too bad.  The steroids you take day before, day of and two days after are probably what keeps the energy level up until day 5 when you crash with fatigue.  I am doing herceptin every 3rd week along with the taxol.  I have not noticed anything different the week with or without the herceptin.  This coming week will be #3 for the herceptin.  No noticable nausea with the taxol.  They do give zofran in the iv before taxol, also dexamethasone and benedryl.  I also have a prescription for reglan that I take for 3 days after the taxol and a prescription for zofran which I have only taken once in 6 weeks.  If you avoid the neuropathy the taxol seems pretty easy to manage.  Hope this helps.  Annette

flash

Pam-comparitively, I found the Taxol/herceptin to be a walk in the park.  Yes, some neuropathy but the more you exercise, the less it is. Keep the fingers and toes moving slowly all of the time. I would plan that you can do a day with your kids but then take a day to rest.  I was probably at about 80% of my normal run around. IF you can, don't plan on things that have to happen at certain times.  For example, yes go to the Museum but don't tell your kids, "we'll leave at 9am to get there." Instead, leave things a little more loose.  That allows you to roll more with how your feeling for the day or the changes during the day.

 I hope it goes well for you.

Grace

Estepp

Pam, for me.. Taxol/herceptin.. done every week for 12 weeks.. was no big deal. I few aches and pains.. but I could have done it with kids.

God Bless!

smokey

I did 4 A/C infusions; and then 12 taxol + herceptin; then the weekly herceptins for 42 more weeks.  The 12 taxol + herceptin was easier than the A/C, but I developed neuropathy in hands and feet got swollen---difficult to wear some shoes; also blood from nose when I washed my face with warm washcloth (I've never had nosebleeds).  In addition to the above I noticed I was gaining weight, even though my food intake had not changed.  I was told this was probably from the steriods that were put in with the taxol + herceptin during infusions.  Had fatigue as usual, but it was much better than the A/C.