Paclitaxel leg pain and neuropathy and hot flashes

Chasing_50

Hi everyone - I finished 4 rounds of the “red Devil” and just finished round 2 of 4 of Paclitaxel. I had severe leg pain the first round but it eased up by day 4 after treatment. This round have had more pain with some tingling in toes. I do have gabepetin to help but trying to not take too much. Anyone else have anything they have tried?

Also - chemo put me into early menopause (trust me do not miss the physicial and emotional pain that I had with my period), but the hot flashes are unreal! Looking for any advise on how to help combat the hot flashes.

Thanks

moth

Are you icing during the taxol infusion? That helped me.

I started getting hot flashes too but they don't really bug me. I just fan myself and otherwise ignore them.

Moderators

moth mentions a very good idea on icing, which seems to help many trying to prevent neuropathy. You may want to listen to our recent podcast on this topic as well:

https://www.breastcancer.org/community/podcasts/ne...

Hot flashes are also a very common issue- you are not alone!

We are glad they do not bug you too much!

Thanks for posting, and please keep us up to date!

Stawzie

I had 12 taxol treatments and had tingling toes and fingers (still have some but it is better). MO prescribed Cymbalta. I am still taking it - I don't know if it is helping or not but I don't want to stop to find out. For hot flashes, I stick my head in the freezer

Legomaster225

I second what moth says. Icing during my infusion helped me. At least I think it did as I did not have any neoropathy. I used cold therapy slipper socks from Amazon on my feet, used bags of ice or held frozen water bottles on my hands and drank frozen cokes or ice cubes during my infusions. It’s worth a try if you can do it. I had 12 rounds of paclitaxel though. Maybe your dose dense method is a little tougher side effects wise but it over quicker? Others here might know more.

I also went into chemopause after my first AC treatment. I was 50 and had regular periods up until that point. Tests show full menopause now. Periods never returned. I have not really had issues with hot flashes though so I can’t really offer advice. I am always cold. I’m very small and thin though and always had issues with being cold. You’re almost done Chasing 50. Hang in there. Praying for minimal side effects for you for you last two treatments.