12 weekly paclitaxel

Well to carry on from my last post when I was having ep every three weeks I am now on the paclitaxel which is every week for 12 weeks. I was quite worried how will I cope every week, well it's not too bad honestly. I am at the hospital twice a week, once for bloods and COVID swabs and the next day for treatment. I didn't know what to expect, firstly cup of tea and a biscuit (result) then on with the steroid injection, a little perculiar sensation in your front bottom which just for a minute feels as though you have just sat naked on a bunch of nettles then it subsides, over and done with. The next is the bag of pacliataxel and bag of saline attached to my picc line.( Please get one done it is so worth it) and sit and chat with new faces for an hour. I am from Barnsley and we love to chat so it's great to find out tips and dos and don't from more experienced chemo patients. That's it done. I am on my second week and can tell you so far it's a lot better then the previous  ec chemo. I have lots more energy which must be down to the steroids and then when I do sleep it's for not as long through the day. I don't feel nauseas or have the brain freeze headache anymore. My only side effects are quick sharp stabbing pains all over particularly round my breast but they are quick and don't stop you in your tracks.and a flushing of the face. But all in all it ain't been too bad. My only tip this time is drink as much water as you can. I am still enjoying my boiled rhubarb sugar and fresh ginger in boiled water from the fridge added to lemonade in a gin glass. But must admit it's better with the gin but that's saved for in ten weeks time. Has anyone tried the non alchaholic one ? I must get some. Anyway anyone who is worried about this treatment don't be. It gets you out of the house for a couple of hours makes you put a bit of make up on and get out of the pjs and feel human again. Good luck everybody and keep positive. Xx

 

  • Hi!

    Thank you for such a positive post!

    I've just had my first Paclitaxel, weekly for 12 weeks with Trastuzumab every 3 weeks.

    I just want to ask, is it probable that I'll lose my hair? I've decided not to use the cold cap.

    Just wondering if I should buy a scarf or two just in case?

    Thanks and best of luck!

  • Hi

    I am on week 2 of weekly paclitaxel and 3 weekly trastuzumab. However, I had an allergic reaction 5 minutes into my infusion which was a bit scary! Needless to say, they had to stop treatment and I have to have an appointment with my Oncologist to look at the way forward.   I felt I was doing well after the first session, but apparently, allergic reactions are more likely in 2nd session. My Oncologist said that my hair would definately all fall out...so trying to prepare myself for that, somehow. 

    Its good to read the positive feedback about this treatment and so good to hear from others going through it at the same time. Glad I found this chat!

    Positive vibes x

  • Sorry to hear about your allaergic reaction, hopefully it's something they can sort out soon for you. I'm having my 2nd infusion on Thursady so fingers crossed for that! I think I've prepared myself for the hair loss but I guess I won't know for sure until it happens. I did bite the bullet and I bought myself a scarf just in case!

    Best of luck with your treatment.

  • Hello  there,  hope youbare doing OK? I was just reading  your thread and hoped you wouldn't  mind me asking how you got on with your treatment,  my mum is about to start the same as you . Hope to hear from  you, take care x

  • [@Jodie292]‍ hi, yes i completed my 12 weeks Paclitaxel every week , plus Trastuzumab. I did not had minor side effects,this drug its not as hard . Also i used cold cap during all my chemo and managed to safe 50 persent of my hair, but after i completed treatment i lost more. Obviously i had some changes in test , smell, sleep but i managed to work part time, and i used to drive myself to and after treatment. I wish your mum to be positive and remember she not alone , we did and she will do. Iam already one year after chemo .... but i will never forget that feeling while iam on drugs . X

  • Hi all, so happy to hear so many positive stories about this medication. My mam is due to start this very soon and so was hoping it wouldn't be too bad. Just wondered however if any of you are having it for recurrence of breast cancer. My mum has secondary breast ca in bones which was managed very well for 2 years on other medication but sadly this metastasised into her liver around 3 months ago. They started her on an oral chemo which sadly has not worked and the cancer (though maintained still in bones and liver) has spread a little more. They have now suggested this treatment but said that it can't be used beyond 6-months and my concern is what options are available after that! I will have these convos with oncologist as obviously we'll need to pray it has an effect after the initial 3 months but I'm terrified that this is the last option or if anyone following this has returned to a different oral chemo to keep it at bay following this 3-6 month course. 
    appreciate any answers. You are all so amazing ️