Taxol questions

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Purdue98
Purdue98 Member Posts: 33
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

I've had 1 Taxol tx thus far, and experienced extreme fatigue 5-7 days out.  Is this to be expected?

The aches and pain hit the hardest on day 7 as well.  Any tips would be appreciated!

Also I am BRCA 1 and 2 +.....ooph to come, but MD also mentioned a hysterectomy as well. Pros/cons?

Thank you ladies!!

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  • peaceandhealth
    peaceandhealth Member Posts: 26
    edited February 2010

    I had four Taxols and was out of work for a week each time.  That is longer than some people, but I was aching and tired for a full week after each one and wasn't 100% even when I returned to work, if you want to know the truth.  If it takes you longer, so be it.  The really good news was that my symptoms were pretty much the same after each treatment - no increase in severity as the treatments continued. Also, even though I did have the tingling people talk about in my fingers and toes, it was all gone six weeks after the last treatment.  There is a lot of scary stuff on the web about Taxol, but I did it and it turned out fine.  I am convinced looking back on it, that whatever pain and aches you have are what they are - there is nothing that is right or wrong.  These unknowns are really what makes chemo tough.  You will get through it.  I don't know anything about the BRAC issues.  Good luck!!!!

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  • Titan
    Titan Member Posts: 2,956
    edited February 2010

    I did 4 ac and 4 taxol..everyone said that taxol was easier..I can't say it was easier..it was just different...yes the body aches..still have them somewhat but dealing with it..it gets better everyday..my issue was the nuelasta shot..it did me in for 24 hours ..I hated that freaking shot. I worked through all my chemo..just maybe had a bad a**s..attitude..or really stupid..don't know now..but the bottom line is..you will get through it...and you will look back and hardly remember it...in the scheme of things...these treatments are short part of your long life that you will look forward too.ok??

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  • Titan
    Titan Member Posts: 2,956
    edited February 2010

    And..I'm not stage 3 but I read all of you ladies stage 3 posts...and you ladies ROCK!

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  • Wonderland
    Wonderland Member Posts: 3,288
    edited February 2010

    I had 4 dose dense treatments each of AC and Taxol over 3 years ago. Taxol made me feel like an old, old woman. The joint pain was unbelievable. My treatments were on Tuesdays and the pain started in the afternoon on Fridays. The weekends were horrendous. After the 2nd treatment my oncologist gave me Vicodin to get through the next 2.

    My heels also peeled like I've never seen. Some women have palm problems. Fingernails and toenails can be affected also. To help with the peeling, I used a special ointment that is rubbed on cows udders.

    Glucosamine & Chondroitin tablets really helped with the joint pain. The pills are HUGE and were difficult to swallow. The G and C pills I bought at Walmart didn't help me. The ones from a health store worked well.

    Be sure to tell your oncologist about your pain - s/he should guide you with good advice.

    Good luck. Over 3 years later, I still remember how I felt BUT now it's only a memory. This will happen for you too.

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  • janincanada
    janincanada Member Posts: 258
    edited February 2010

    I had Taxol and Herceptin.  The bone pain and fatigue I challenged by doing Yoga and walking.  I found that exercising helped both the pain and the fatigue lesson.  When the neuropathy hit I started using the elyptical or biking so that balance wasn't an issue (handles).  It was hard at first but the endorphins and the feeling of being in control of some part of my life helped immensely.

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  • peaceandhealth
    peaceandhealth Member Posts: 26
    edited February 2010

    I took l-glutamine and l-carnitine powders and B vitamins.  My oncologist said ok to those, but no antioxidants.  I don't know how much they helped, but I was religious about taking them. 

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited February 2010

    I had really bad bone pain from the taxol, so my onc gave me percocet. Never took it before but boy did it help.

    My last treatment was April 30 but still have some neuropathy in the bottoms of my feet.

    As far as the hyst - ask why he recommends that. I have strong fam history of breast & ovarian ca even though I'm BRCA-. My onc recommended prophy mast for remaining side and ooph but said I shouldn't have a hyst - he specifically said "no reason, so leave it". I'm post-menopause, by the way.  BRCA leaves you more vulnerable to bc and ovarian ca but not uterine ca.

    Leah

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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited February 2010

    Hi there,

    I just got my first infusion yesterday of Taxol after 4 A/C treatments.  I am hoping and praying I am one of the lucky ones that doesn't have a bad reaction to it as I had a pretty tough time with the A/C.  I had lots of side effects from that!  So far I feel fine, but I have heard from many of the ladies it takes a while to kick in.  My onc is not recommending the Neulasta shot anymore, so I am pleased to not have that added into the mix.  It did give me pretty serious bone pain for a day or 2 after.  I'll keep you posted as things progress or hopefully NOT progress.

    Good luck,

    Sharon

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited February 2010

    Good luck Sharon! For me it took a couple of days to kick in, so if you are feeling good, make the most of it! Let us know how you get on.

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  • victoriasecret
    victoriasecret Member Posts: 333
    edited February 2010

    I found Taxol much easier than AC...I was flying on Dex for 4 days then crash day and then back to normal ...as normal as you can be on chemo but felt good...bone pain was day 4 as well but never debilitating(sp).....

    ml C

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  • justpayton1
    justpayton1 Member Posts: 786
    edited February 2010

    I had 4 Taxol dose dense..I would take baths in Epson salt..if I didn't have time for that I would at least soak my feet in warm water and epson salt while watching t.v. that seemed to help some. I had aches but the bones in the top of my feet seemed to bother me the most. That pain stayed with me from the end of tx June 4th until the end of rads in Oct..

    Also had water retention in face, feet and ankles..had to go on lasix and that help very much.

    My face felt funny with even the bed sheet touching it from the water retention.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2010

    I had very extreme fatique and breathlessness on the Taxol.  Hated it.

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  • Purdue98
    Purdue98 Member Posts: 33
    edited February 2010

    Thank you all for answering my questions. I really appreciate it!

    Had tx #2 yesterday..so far, so good, just sore fingertips and tired.  Only 2 more to go.

    I will be SO glad to have the chemo portion of the treatment behind me!!!!!!

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  • justpayton1
    justpayton1 Member Posts: 786
    edited February 2010

    Hey Purdue

    Glad to hear your handiling the Taxol okay..

    Really like your screen name. My oldest son 13 is a HUGE Purdue b-ball fan and 98 was the year my youngest son was born.

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