Taxol Chemotherapy

Just wanted to check in to say my last chemo treatment is tomorrow. The Taxol has been relatively easy for me. The first treatment - horrible; the last two a breeze. We'll see what tomorrow brings. It was, for me, way easier than A/C, mainly because I didn't feel chemo sick. I wasn't welded to the couch. Still plenty of fatigue, though.



I can hardly believe the four months of treatment is about to be over!

Annie

Taxol #2 tomorrow, just want to run away.  My husband said he'd take it for me, we are one flesh, think I will still benefit?  Well will only have 2 after this, then surgery and a year of herceptin, seems like it will never end.

Annie - Yeah!!! I finished last Thurs and it's a wonderful, wonderful feeling!! Celebrate it!

jap62:  Priceless!!!  Thank you for the laugh!

Margo:  My understanding is that Taxol is not as hard on the veins as AC; I have a port, though, so I can't tell you that from personal experience.

I think the standard protocol is every week for 12 weeks.  I am getting dd Taxol (twice the dose every other week for six treatments, for a total of 12 weeks) as part of a clinical trial.  I was randomized; it was a choice between weekly or bi-weekly doses.  I don't know much about 3-week Taxol; I'm not sure I've talked with anyone having Taxol that way.  I do know a number of people who are receiving Herceptin along with their weekly Taxol, but they get the Herceptin every 3 weeks - could that be what you're thinking of?

Good luck with your upcoming treatments!

Nancy

Margo:  Whatever you end up with, I wish you luck.  Overall Taxol has been easier than AC, but with different SEs (for me, and for some of my friends).  I'm just at a point where I'm tired of being sick, and sick of being tired.  Two more treatments and I'll be done!

Oh yes - the dreaded hot flashes, or Mildred as I call them (long story).  Mildred visits frequently, several times a night and now once or twice a day.  I had had a "hot flash or two" prior to treatment as I was perimenopausal, but nothing like this.  Last night I discovered the joys of night sweats, too - had to lay out a towel on the bed because it was so damp, so I could go back to sleep.  I guess that's one SE I don't mind so much - figured Mildred would be visiting me one day, anyway, so it seemed par for the course.

Mine too. One of the reasons I don't bother with wigs. I had them before and these are like, times 10!!! Night sweats too. I had our ceiling fan going all winter!

yep -that's me.  I throw the covers off and then once it passes I am grabbing for the blankets.  During the day, I have a heater in my office when the hot flash comes I scramble to turn it off, when it passes i scramble to turn it back on. 

Sonant - re: Taxol - I iced my hands and feet during the actual infusion of Taxol.  Took 2 small dishpans to infusion, and nurses filled them with ice.    I now have 2 more to go of 12 weekly.  My nails are fine, and I have had no neuropathy.  Alot of people have done this.  It really works.  My Chemo Nurses say it works too on most of their patients. 

I dreaded weekly Taxol, but honestly, it has gone far quicker than I ever imagined.  It seems like every day is infusion day as it rolls around so quickly.  It hasn't been without challenges, but MUCH BETTER than A/C for me.    

12 of 12 tomorrow... I can't believe it finally here!

Had my 5 of 12 Taxol today. Was drained when I got home laid down took a nap. It is now 1:07am and I can't go to sleep oh well.



Most all my hair is gone my husband cut it down to the Lowest setting on his clippers. My thumb nails began to turn black down way low. I am having hot flashes, but trying to hang in there.



Talk to the people in the port clinic today, getting a power port on Thursday the 10th. Hopefully it will be a good thing, I will not have to get stuck 4+ times once a week.



Hope everyone's treatments are going will with few side effects. Hang in there all, I am praying for you.

Just found this thread and probably just in time. Finish my last #4 of AC tomorrow and start Taxol on the 24th of May. I'll appreciate all advice given! It really does help to have the support of all you special ladies!!!

3girls---My fingernails pushed my old nails off so it wasn't too bad. My thumbs were the worst. My big toenails are pushing off now. My husband accidently kicked my left toenail and it came off. It didn't hurt but it looks sooo disgusting. My left toenail is loose but I don't know how to gently get it off. I asked him to kick it too. He said no. Hang in there...it is so weird to be shedding parts of our bodies in this way!