I have had 4 x 3 weekly ec and am about to start weekly paclitaxel. The steriods have been acreal issue for me, does anyone know if I can avoid steriods with weekly paclitaxel?
I don't think so as Paclitaxel can cause allergic reactions. You will only have 4mg steroids an hour before though, and no more each week if your oncologist is the same as mine in that respect. You'll also have 10mg IV Piriton (it can make you feel a bit sick the first time), IV Ratnadine, and an anti emetic drug. I've had an allergic reaction on day 2 as well, waking up to a red face, neck and chest. I've taken Piriton, which had taken the edge of it and the redness goes usually by day 3.i haven't needed any other medication after chemo day 1 though.
The steroids from EC affected me too, and on my third cycle I cut back to once a day from day 2 as suggested by my pharmacist, but suffered the nausea for a full two weeks as a result so add advised by my oncologist went back to the full dose on cycle four and it only lasted a week again!
Good luck. The side effects are different, but you won't feel sick, and your hair (if you've any!) Will stop falling out which is a strange feeling after months of shedding everywhere
“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Stephen Hawking,
Sorry I meant next Wednesday!! My son has been really ill and off school so I have a very muddled head (lack of sleep). When are you due yours?? Jess x
Hi, I have consultation with oncologist next Tuesday, my first paclitaxel due 27th December. So have time to research and think things through. Sounds like steriods unavoidable, just find weekly steriods for 12 weeks very daunting. Worried about ruined sleep, the effect steriods have on my mind and mood, the continuous desire to eat. Just dont think I can do it. But am her2 + so need paclitaxel in order to have Herceptin. So essentially might have no choice.
I'm really hoping that the massive dose of piriton sort of cancels out the steroid lack of sleep (wishful thinking!). I'm with you totally on how much it affects my mood. I cant trust my brain to make rational decisions as feel so negative on them. The eating too!! Its awful isn't it?? I can't do my usual exercise classes and even though I'm walking loads it just isn't enough when I'm eating all these carbs. However, I do keep reminding myself that the chemo is saving my life and that the side effects are worth it... however bad.
I only had a dose of steroids on the day before paclitaxel and no others. Didn't have any meds to take, just domperidone if needed. I found I got tired during the evening but then the next day was ok, managed to go to work etc.
I too have been diagnosed HER2 positive with Paclitaxel and Herceptin being recommended as treatment. How are you getting on? What side effects are you experiencing with the 2 drugs please? Are they infusing or injecting the Herceptin?
