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Paclitaxel and sucess rate

Sireana
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Hello my partner is stage 4 esophageal cancer and now starting paclitaxel after the tumor in his liver has grown ... can anyone give advice on this .. I know he will never be cured but has anyones cancer shrunk on this drug and what is the side effects like and day to day living. . Oh were both only 30 and wanting to know what to expect.. thank you 

  • Hello Sireana

    I'm sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis. It's obviously a difficult time for you both but hopefully, we'll be able to give you some information and get you connected with other members who have experience with this diagnosis. 

    We have some information about Paclitaxel also know as Taxol on our website here which you may find helpful. If you use the forum search function you'll find that there are lots of posts where this drug is mentioned by members who have had it for differing diagnoses. It may be helpful to have a look through some of those posts. 

    I want to give you the think for this thread and encourage you to post on it as you'll be able to connect with lots of people who have had oesophageal cancer or who have a loved one with this diagnosis. They're a really lovely bunch who have all been able to support each other and I'm sure they would welcome you into the group and share their experiences and advice with you. 

    You're also very welcome to give our team of nurses a call if you ever want to talk to someone. I know they will try to answer any questions you have and help with advice and support. They're available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    I hope this helps Sireana. Keep in touch and let us know how you're both getting on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline

    I'm on paciltaxel and carbo for stage 4 cervical cancer. 

    I can't say if it's helped yet as only had 4 sessions and awaiting my scan results.

    The side effects and day to day living are really managable especially if you are younger.

    I think the first one was the worst as it was such a shock to my system. Expect constipation, tiredness/waking up at 3am for a few days, then the pain in hands/feet. I found reflexology really helped with the feet pain. I was really depressed after the 1st one but think this was more the steriods they gave you than the actual chemo, I didn't take as many for the reminder of the sessions and wasn't depressed at all.

    I've still been eating 3 meals a day going walking and working. He will loose his hair after the 2nd session  and eye brows/lashes after 4 and I also have bad acne for a week out of every three. You do get more tired as you go on but it's as your blood counts don't fully recover between sessions. So I can no longer run up hills as I'm out of breathe but I can walk up them slowly.

    Everyone is different though.

    I hope it goes well for your partner. 

     

     

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