Anyone had Carboplatin/paclitaxel on a 28 day cycle?

Hello Crystaltipps73f2a8 

I had exactly this regimen after diagnosis as I was already stage IV, I think we have spoken before.  But in all honesty, this was so much easier than the chemo/radiotherapy.  After the very first infusion that evening I definitely had a moment of chemo brain where I couldn't string two words together, but that only happened once.  Fatigue, a bit, but again, not like what came with the combined therapy.  I looked over my notes from that time again, and after a session I definitely had constipation quite badly.  So I would get prepared with a supply of Laxido (which is gentle) to take on the day of treatment, and maybe the day after.   And the steroids (for nausea) definitely kept me wide-awake the evening following treatment that day - late-night housework and television ruled!

After the first session I had to miss a week as my liver levels were out of kilter but my oncologist was unperturbed and said it was just my body reacting to the chemo.  She reduced the dose to 75% thereafter and I was fine.

I still walked my dog on non-treatment days (six miles a day) and on occasion even walked the eight + miles home after treatment.

Sarah, if there is anything else you think I can help with please shout out.  Wishing you all the luck, please let me know how you get on.

Irene xx 

Thank you so much Irene - that’s really reassuring to hear. There seems to be so little information that it’s so good to hear some real life experience. I think we (husband and I) are just trying to work out whether I’m likely to feel well enough to do things/go out during treatment and this sounds like I will. We love to walk so your being able to walk 6 miles a day is very reassuring. 

Yes we have spoken before and you pointed me to your lovely Etsy hat lady. I’ve had a chat to her and will look to her for help after I’ve seen my hospital’s hair advisory clinic. 

I’ve got loads of Lacido that I was given for my last treatment but never needed to use, so I’ll have them ready to take! 

thanks again - really appreciate the tips. 

Sarah x

Hi Sarah I've had it but not onaw8 day cycle.i had it every 3 weeks .6 cycles but it was effective .hope all goes well xx

Hi Sarah,

I hope I can offer some help and insight, and am happy to answer any queries you may have.

Like Irene, I was Stage IV at diagnosis early September 2025 - T4 N1 M1 with a 7.5cm anal tumour and a single 27mm lesion on my liver. I was due to have 10 sessions of radiotherapy first to shrink the tumour, but then I developed a recto-vaginal fistula in mid-November. This led to cancellation of the radiotherapy and an emergency loop colostomy. Four months on, I've got used to 'Paloma the Stoma', but it was a learning curve at the start though!

Due to the liver met, and good recovery from the surgery, my oncologist started me on the 6 cycles of Carbo/Paclitaxel just over 3 weeks later in mid-December. I've just started cycle 4 (10th treatment (Day One) was March 9) and I'm tolerating it well, thankfully. No particular on-going adverse side effects so far, just thinning hair on my head though it's disappearing everywhere else! One tip - I try to book the next treatment dates early direct with the schedulers and ask for mid-morning times, if possible.

Within a week of starting the treatment, I noticed that the pain from the tumour in my right buttock had gone and made walking, sitting, sleeping, etc much easier. I've kept up my walking throughout the treatment and regularly aim to do more than 4,000 steps a day, which has helped overall.

Constipation is an on-going issue and I take Laxido regularly to keep everything working smoothy with the stoma. On Day One, I find it helpful to take one in the morning and another later in the day. Then one a day, miss a day...depending.

Another complication happened during my 3rd treatment at the end of December when I had an extravasation. 20 minutes of Paclitaxel had leaked into my arm. This was treated promptly and I only have a slight tingling in my left palm which is improving. As a result, I had a PICC line inserted before the start of cycle 2 and this has made both the infusions and weekly blood samples far more comfortable (saves your veins and no needles). I would definitely recommend it! The district nurses come to change the dressing every week and take the pre-chemo bloods.

Attention to diet has also helped a lot. Every week, I ask the nurses on the unit for a print out of my blood results. It really helps to keep track of any deficiencies - eg: 85% dark chocolate helps with raising low magnesium levels - and with tweaks you can help your body. My haemoglobin has been slightly below normal for some weeks now, so I've added more spinach, liver, etc to see how that works. Bananas, avocados, Greek yogurt, lots of fruit and leafy veg can make a difference.

I had my halfway progress CT scan with contrast on March 3rd and am now awaiting the results. They were able to put the contrast in via the PICC line as a qualified nurse was there to do it (tip - check beforehand if it's possible).

It's been a lot to take in, but you just try to do your best. Stay strong, stay positive, stay fit and attitude is everything. Wishing you Sarah, and everyone else on this journey, lots of luck and best wishes. 

Kathy xx

Thank you so much Kathy- that’s really reassuring. The number of liver meta means that surgery is unlikely to ever be an option (but never say never!). They have said to me that they will just use a cannula but if I struggle with that I’ll talk to them about a port. Happy that you managed to keep your hair - was that from using the cold cap? I’m thinking I’ll give it a try as I can cope with thinning. 

I’m not looking forward to constipation. Since my radiotherapy in October I’ve been the best and most regular I’ve been in years. The fit advice is really helpful, particularly in terms of trying to keep the blood results good. 

Very best of luck with your results. Do please let me know how it goes. xx

Thank you Sarah,

I didn't use the cold cap, although it was offered at the start. My hair is fine and I've always struggled with blow drying, so I thought if I lose it, I can always grow a 'new thatch'. I just use some comfortable scarves that a neighbour recommended on Amazon, and plan on keeping it short in future.

Wishing you all the best with your treatment and do keep us updated on how it goes. I'll update when I hear more on the results. xx

I started the 28 day cycle last Wednesday. All went smoothly.  Just a few aches and pains on Saturday and Sunday which didn't need painkillers and very lethargic. But much better now for bloods tomorrow and just paclixatel on Weds.  Just got to get used to,, if I'm tired, go to bed!!

Thank you so much. I start tomorrow (Tuesday). Very nervous and am going to try the cold cap, which I’m not looking forward to. But it’s great to hear that you are doing OK and my nurse said that th first day is the worst. Good luck with Wednesday and do keep in touch so we can compare notes. 

Sarah x

Wishing you all the very best for tomorrow Sarah.

Had my first cycle last Thursday, Carboplatin and Taxol together. Like Fellsider said, little tiredness, also flu symptoms and throat a little red. Couple of days all gone.

Ally xx

Had my first session today. Very long day - 6.5 hours, but the steroids are keeping me awake. No reactions or side effects yet apart from pain in the veins on my forearm where the drugs went in. Nurses not worried. I did the cold cap and it was so much easier than I had feared. By the end my forehead was uncomfortable from the tight cap and I had to prop my glasses on the outside as they were making my ears sore but the cold didn’t really bother me at all and after about 10 minutes I couldn’t really feel it. It was weird to have icy hair when it came off. Just hope it works. 

I really appreciate your input everyone and hope you are still doing well. Keep me updated please. 
Sarah x