Looking for advice - thinking about not going ahead with the rest of my Paclitaxel as finding side effects very tough. Has anyone been in a similar position?

im 68 and was “healthy” fit and active.  I was diagnosed with primary c50.2 malignant neoplasm October 24.  I had a lumpectomy which showed a 12mm grade 3 ductal cancer.  I had 4 lymph nodes removed and 1 is affected.  I’m oestrogen and HER2 positive.   I’ve had 3 EC chemos, 3 weekly (the last at a reduced dose as feeling so awful). I’m now on 12 weeks of weekly Paclitaxel and 3 weekly Phesgo for a year.  I had the Phesgo and Paclitaxel on week one and the 2 more weekly Paclitaxels. I then started to have very sore feet.  I have HFS and neuropathy.  No Paclitaxel on week 4 just 2nd Phesgo.   Feet still sore but not so inflamed and I’m oiling them regularly and not walking too much.  Still exhausted!  Thinking of not going ahead with rest of Paclitaxel!  I’ve still got radiotherapy and hormone blockers to go!  What would others do?  Has anyone any experience of this?  Help please! 

  • Hello watching-the-birds and welcome to the Cancer Chat community.

    I'm sorry to hear how difficult your treatment has been and you're now thinking about stopping the Paclitaxel.

    This must be a very difficult decision to make, but you do have to put yourself first and decide how much you can cope with. Hopefully some of our members who have had similar issues will share their thoughts and advice with you soon, but do talk things through with your medical team as well (if you haven't done so already) as they'll be in the best position to advise. If it's possible, maybe you could see if the strength of the Paclitaxel could be reduced so it's more manageable for you.

    If you can't get in touch with your team just yet, you can discuss this further with one of our cancer nurses on 0808 800 4040. Their helpline is open Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m and they will do all they can to answer your questions and support you whilst you figure out what to do.

    We're sending you all our support watching-the-birds and wishing you well with the rest of your treatment.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator