Paclitaxel

I had a form of paclitaxel as my first chemo and found it easier than what came later, but I am unsure how much of it was due to going into the first chemo "clean" and into the second regimen with already high toxicity levels. That said, my oncologist did say that the other chemo was harsher. Since that other chemo was similar to EC, I think there is a good chance you will find paclitaxel easier to experience. 

Hi Carolyn321

I had EC followed by four sessions of fortnightly paclitaxel.  I suffered a bit during EC: mainly sickness, nausea and indigestion.  But I found paclitaxel a walk in the park in comparison.  No nausea or indigestion at all.  I remember waking up the morning after my first paclitaxel and just feeling completely normal - a very pleasant surprise!

I found that around day 5 of each cycle I felt a bit tired and achy but nothing terrible, and it seemed barely noticeable after my last two sessions. If you’re having weekly paclitaxel, that’s supposed to be even more tolerable because each dose is smaller.   My oncologist said most of his patients found paclitaxel easier than EC.  I appreciate we’re all different and some women do get side effects, but fingers crossed you have a similar positive experience to mine.  Best of luck x

Thank you that's good to know x

Thanks, that's put my mind at rest. Let's hope I have the same response x

Hi Carolyn321

I had 12 weekly Paclitaxel after having 3 cycles of EC. I can only speak for myself, but the Paclitaxel was much more bareable than the EC. I had no nausea but did have different side effects. I tended to have loose bowels and at times needed immodium. I was advised to wear dark nail polish to protect my nails from uv light. By the end of the 12 weeks my nails did look as though they were bruised in places.  I also had a very dry mouth on which I had dry mouth pastilles for. I did become more tired as the weeks went on but was still able to do most things. Another side effect was blood if I blew my nose but noy actual nose bleeds. What I have wrote may sound a bit daunting but honestly I felt so much better on Paclitaxel thsn I did on EC, even with the above SE.

Hope this has helped 

Take care

Claire x

Hi

I have had 3 infusions of EC just had my fourth Paclitaxel and have found it so much easier than EC.  The anti histamine given beforehand makes you a bit sleepy on the day. I have hade no side effects yet but still have another 8 treatments to go.  Hopefully you will tolerate it well too x 

Take Care x

Hi Claire

Yes that has really helped thank you. At least I know what might happen now, always good to be prepared. It does sound much better than EC on balance.

Thank you for getting back to me and all the best for the future.

Carolyn x

Thank you that really helps. I've one more EC to go next week then start on the Paclitaxel so fingers crossed I have the same experience as you.

Take care

Carolyn x

I’ve had 4 rounds of EC and now onto to Paclataxel. It’s been ok - some disrupted sleep and now at day 4-5 after I’ve now got the aches that they mentioned could happen (they gave me cocodamol for it) No nausea though. Good luck! 

I'm in the same boat, I have just finished EC and am starting Paclitaxel this week so it's great to hear from others that it is much easier.  No nausea! That will be good. Good luck!