Paclitaxol & CIPN

Hi  (loving that name!)

I understand your dilemma but I wouldn’t beat yourself up about stopping.  I had a similar experience with CIPN - I started to get tingling in my feet almost from the beginning of my Paclitaxel and ended up taking a few weeks break after the 6th session. I was then given the option of stopping completely as my oncologist said that given my tumour was small, hadn’t spread, and being HER2+ and Oestrogen+, the Herceptin, radiotherapy and hormone tablets would do a good job of preventing recurrence, and the chemo I had already had would also still be beneficial.  Although I did eventually continue with a reduced dose, in hindsight, I should have stopped as I ended up with quite bad CIPN in my feet which has been the worst side effect of my whole treatment.

So I know it’s not ideal that you can’t complete the course, but I would trust your team and the other treatments you’re going to have. Severe CIPN can be very debilitating in itself so best avoided if possible!  Wishing you all the best for the rest of your treatment and sending hugs.

Loffie x

Thankyou Loffie for your reply, reading that even after you had taken a break you were still suffering I do think my oncologist did the right thing . I must agree it was the worst side effect & so so painful, I think if I’d of tried to continue it would of caused me alsorts of issues. He didn’t give me the option of a break or to reduce dose but I also have a heart condition so that may of been why & because tumour was small & was still having other treatments. It’s just a horrible fear which I think majority of us have with this horrible disease. I’m feeling ok & more positive now. I hope you get some relief from CIPN soon & your doing ok on this difficult journey, take good care &  the hug was gratefully received & so needed & im sending you one back  xx