Paclitaxel

Hi Woodways 

I was 61 when I was diagnosed (in August 2018) like yourself an active pensioner and happy to say I’m now 64 and still as active! I am ER+ and had a 12 week cycle of Paclitaxel - it was nowhere near as bad as I had imagined. I felt tired so rested when I need to but was able to carry on doing most things as normal. I took the anti sickness medication even if I didn’t feel sick as I was told once you feel sick it becomes much harder to treat so would recommend definitely doing that. I started to lose my hair after about 4 weeks and decided to shave it off on Christmas Eve - losing my hair was one of my biggest worries but I felt better when I took control and shaved it off.
Everyone is different so be guided by what your body tells you and any side effects contact the hospital straight away

i hope all goes well for you and if I can help with any questions please just let me know. 
Lynn x

Hi Lynn,

Thank you so much for your reply, I really feel much better after reading your response and advice. Hopefully I cope with it as well as you did. Again thanks x

Hi Woodways,

I am 65 and I am on a 12 week course of paclitaxel, will be going for number 5 this week, nothing too horrendous as regards to side effects, feel tired and generally ‘off’ day 3/4 but on the whole ok….I’m giving cold cap a go, up to now seems to be working, first 10 mins can feel it freezing but can honestly say forget about it after that, although of course it does add on extra time spent at hospital, but I take a book and surprising how quickly time goes. As previously stated everybody has different responses to any medication, but I was told on the whole this treatment is usually tolerated quite well.

Good luck xx

Mrs Polly, I'm so grateful for your response to my query and after reading it, feel so much better. Thank you for mentioning the cold cap - I did wonder about that!! I'm seeing my oncologist on Wednesday so feel more positive after hearing from you and Lynn. Good luck to you both xx