Weekly Taxol group

missingmercury- As long as you're good about keeping your nails clean and dry (as I'm sure you are anyway), you'll have much healthier nails at the end of Taxol if you use the black polish. The theory is Taxol makes your nails very susceptible to light (no one seems to know why yet). My doctors have been totally amazed at my nails, since Taxol is typically so rough on them. One of them even made me take off my polish for our next visit to prove it had worked; he was SURE I had spots under the polish! Btw, I had a few people told me to try this, and they all kept their nails healthy too (which is why I tried it even though it sounded a bit silly).  For what it's worth, I do think there are other chemos where the drs would rather you keep your nails polish free. I don't know the reason there either, but that's what I've heard. 

I need help with dry mouth please. Biotene is NOT working for me. I have a persistent cough which I am beginning to think is because of my dry mouth. Do you ladies have any solutions? I'm going crazy! I havn't slept in 3 days and have moved to the couch so atleast my hubby can get some sleep. I cannot suck on candy all day or my dentist will have a conniption when this is all over

Thanks DaniellaD, my dentist gave me some of those dots to try out. I tried one last night and couldn't get it to stick up in my mouth. I will try it again and see what happens. I drink 64oz of water a day and that's a struggle for me. I will try to drink more.

OK, here's my question. I have had 3 treatments, can feel that my hair will be falling out heavy by the end of the weekend.  Question is, will it begin to grow back while I am on monthly treatment, or will it be after I finish? You'd think I'd know, since this is my 3rd time having chemo.  I am ready with an assortment of head gear  think I will skip the wigs this time  

I am just so disappointed that I have to deal with this again.  Am trying to keep a positive attitude  

Wilsie

Hi Wilsie!  I lost all my hair on A/C.  I grew fuzz while on Taxol...but my hair didn't really start coming in until about a month after taxol.  I'm 8 weeks out and starting to go without a hat. I can't handle the wig.  I hope you don't have to lose your hair again.  

Wishing you well,  lilyrose

Wilsie I have had 55 weekly taxols in a row. I don't have a week off between cycles like most long term taxol users do. All my hair came out in week 3 my picture was taken a week ago. I have had my haircut a couple of times. I stopped wearing my wig or scarves about 6 months ago. 

thanks doggiebytes, I will look into that.

love it!!!!

Taxol #5 tomorrow. Oy!!

For those using latisse, did you start using it while on chemo and before they fell out? aND did u use it on lashes and brows?

Hi!  I just did #9 today of Taxol.  Doing weekly so 3 to go - Nov 19 target date - then 4-6 weeks for a break - then radiation.  

Neuropathy is constant in my hands/feet.  I I have lost feeling in my index, middle fingers up to first knuckle and thumb as well.  I am dealing ok - trying B6/12 but not convinced it is working very well.

My nails are discolored - do you think it is too late for applying black nail polish?  Does it really need to be black?  How about a lovely dark purple?  What is the  other product - the base polish?  Can I get that at CVS?  I have serious chemo brain right now - literally just read the last page which said what if was but poof gone!

Lost my hair at day 10 of A/C but I now have fuzz or as my girls 6 & 8 call my baby chick fur. It started coming in about 3 weeks ago.  Do have nose dryness and occasional nosebleeds - I can deal.

The worst days are days 3-5 post Taxol where the muscle pains and fatigue kick in.  I walk like I am 90 - probably offended the spry 90 year olds out there).  The fatigue is crushing but a solid 2 hour nap somewhat helps.  Nausea is ok as I take Ativan on treatment night and the following night - plus I roll with zofram everywhere just in case.  I drink a lot of water - I have kidney stones too just for fun! - which I think helps but who knows.  The most annoying thing is my doctor husband asking if every little twinge/ache etc is normal - who the heck knows so I roll with a yes it is.  I know he means well but I could do without it.

Although I found this group late in my treatment I am glad I am here!

I also #9 yesterday.  Thankfully my SEs are just fatigue and achy like I was hit by a bus, headaches, runny bloody nose (good Halloween scaring trick or treaters) the big D, nausea set in after last treatment, no appetite, and today my eyes seems blurry.  Also, dry skin with acne which i found is not like truw acne and needs to be treated different.  I use an oatmeal yogurt wash that I make myself.  Sort of make mask out of it - sometimes I mix in honey when I use it as a mask.  

I have had no nail issues, neuropathy although I am very lightheaded and times, and my body hair has thinned but hasn't fallen out.  I have my hair but I am using cold caps.  I started latisse before treatment and noticed some thinning but that is all.  No one else would notice.  I rubbed tea tree oil into my cuticles twice a day and used a serious nail hardener. 

After my last treatment all the SEs got much worse and I didn't ever start to truly feel 100% whereas before I was feeling good by post 4 days chemo.  I'm anticipating  much of the same this week.  Trying to get a walk in before the fatigue sets in. 

Starting my weekly Taxol on Monday.  Hoping it will be easier than the A/C.  I will also be getting herceptin / perjeta every 3 weeks.   Love, Jean 

missing merc,  Love the hats!!!!

hi ILCmom, we seem to have similar dx except I'm IDC, 2 kids 2 and same ages and we started at the same time. U are 4 taxols ahead of me. I'm supposing u had dense dose AC. I've learned more stuff on this site then anywhere else. I figure it's never too late to start, it won't harm for the polish. Mine is dark purple too, just used what's had. I take vitamin B complex for neuropathy and I think it helps me. I also ice the hands during treatment. 

Not sure if I've already mentioned this on this thread and I'm too tired to go search, couple of weeks ago I started seeing spots in my central vision in left eye and lots of spots in peripheral vision in let eye. Finally seeing ophthalmologist on Monday. 

I'm getting a BMX though in feb after chemo and then rads. 

ladyb

I had the same thing happen to me on my last AC. It happened in the middle of the night. It's gotten better but still lingers. It flares every week with the taxol. Hoping it finally hawks when it's over!

This thread has me terrified of decadron. I already have insomnia and am irritable. Is decadron necessary or is there something with less awful side effects?