Changing to weekly infusion of paclitaxel after first docetaxil

I found paclitaxel much earlier than another type of chemo I had that required the injections, and the oncology team did say that was how they viewed it too in general, so I hope you too will find paclitaxel easier. As for how many treatments, that may need to be decided on an individual basis, so best to ask the nurse.

I had EC every 21 days and didn't start to feel better until days 8 - 10, by the third week I was feeling much better. You need to give yourself a bit more time. I had 9 paclitaxel given weekly and although easier initially by week 7 I was struggling and by week 9 I was exhausted and ready for it to be over.

hi Mazz , reading your post has made me feel grateful that I managed to persuade oncologist to prescibe  paxitaxol x 12 instead of 4  3  x Weekly docetaxol,  I had read so many worrying posts from a lot of different patients on here and other sites...I was worried about joint pain as I have psoriatic arthritis anyway, and also skin rashes ,,,I have such sensitive skin and get hives...at first they said to try to DX First but on my 2nd phone call just before ist DX I again mentioned my anxiety and they agreed to be patient led.    I have had my 2nd PX today, they put antihistimines and steroids through the Iv . 2 pre med tablets to take, but best thing is no meds whatsoever to take home. I was dreading the huge quantity of steroids and 7 days of injections on DX. 

fingers crossed I have had hardly any side effects, bit of heartburn and Lower back pain but nothing that stops me doing anything. def speak up because the anxieties of worrying about next cycle isn't going to help you cope with a difficult situation as it already  is. Good luck. ps I was at the hospital for about 2.5 hours altogether. xx

Thanks for that, I may look at paclitaxel as an option. If it gets rid of those pesky filgrastim injections, it’ll be worth it! Hope you continue to manage well for the rest of your treatment xxx

I have done 3 rounds of EC and I found it very easy, which is perhaps why I’m so shocked by my reaction to the Docetaxil. The nurse I’ve spoken to has given me a few options that they’re willing to discuss with me before my next treatment, so I’ll see how that goes. I’m actually feeling a bit better today, so maybe it’ll be like child birth, I’ll forget how bad it was before I do it again . I think they’re willing to reduce the dose, so that may help, all the best with your continuing treatment xxxxx

Hi same happened to me. I got on fine with EC x 3. Thrn on Christmas Eve I had my first docetaxol and herceptin. I could feel difference straight away but beared with it. Then on day 9 I had a reaction on my hand. Was due to see oncologist who confirmed this, My treatment was deferred for a week. And I was then moved on to weekly paclitaxel. I had 6 weekly paclitaxel because I had one x docetaxol (which counted as 3) I was fine on paclitaxel finished in February. Just had surgery and awaiting if I need radiotherapy. Best wishes xx