Side effects of chemo / paclitaxel and herceptin

Hi Lotts82, I'm 5 from 12 done.  First two I felt the nausea but not had it since.  The hospital can give stronger anti sickness tablets.  I also had a reaction to my face the first week but its cleared now.

Fatigue seems to be my biggest side effect although i have had headaches, numb toes, diarrhoea,  constipation, joint pain, loss of taste.  But nothing that's stopped me doing anything.  I feel I've been quite lucky.

I seem to be gaining weight at a rapid rate though.

I didn't cold cap - hair went last week.  Not as bad as I thought,  it's just a physical reminder of what's going on.  

Hope you're feeling more yourself soon

xx

Thanks for sharing, 

yeah the nausea these week hasn’t really made an appearance. Just slightly shaky and the vision is bothering me a lot.

out of interest are you finding you’re eating more than normal? I’m definitely craving more bland crunchy foods but don’t think I’m eating as much. 
ill see if I can get cream depending on if my skin clears up. I’m struggling to go to the bathroom properly so I’ll start eating more flaxseeds I think.

glad you’re not feeling too bad xx

hi im doin paclitaxel now, second one down, of four. no nausea,, but numbness is fingers and feet a bit, and wholly achy. first was the worst. for this round have gabapentin for nerve issues and some codeine for aches, try to use sparingly as i dont want constipation but… as we all know its poo

also taste buds muted but find i eat more on taxol than the ac too.. 

Hi, I'm having my second (out of 4) paclitaxel on Thursday. I've been feeling so tired and week after the first one and my temperature is varying between 37 and 37.6. No infection was detected when I went to the A&E but I feel awful, can barely move around. Any similar experience with paclitaxel and any tips for fighting the fatigue?

Hi  

I struggled with first chemo terrible sickness.

 They gave me more anti sickness for last one (last week ) so not quite as dramatic. Just feel horrible and wobbly.

 I’ve cried and cried and cried and am trying to hope with anxiety which I’ve unfortunately suffered with all of my life. 

What set me up off this time was nurse said bloods fine but liver enzymes raised which sent me into full panic mode. They tried to reassure me that this can happen during chemo but my brain just can’t stop thinking the worst!!

I never bothered with cold cap and just shaved head! 

Anyway take care

Hi Lotts82, I'm not eating as much but craving all the wrong food and because I'm so tired the effort of preparing a balanced meal is too much. I must try harder.

I've taken lactulose (spelling may be wrong) for constipation.  

Don't be afraid to ask for creams/medication, we're going through enough.  Should imagine having period hasn't helped mentally either.

Take Care

xx

Yeah I’m hesitant to take codeine for the same reason. I just feel out of sorts but again I think we forget we are having poison put into us, as healing as it might be :) 

taste buds def muted, except smell is heightened and fish is a no go, cant even look at it at the moment.

hope nerves feel better soon 

Hi Lana

Sorry you are having a tough time on paclitaxel. My first week I was really fine but this second week has knocked me a little more and I’m dreading to think for the next 10 I have.

the fatigue for me has been weird because I’m definitely fatigued but I also am not sleeping as much as I want to and I’m not sure why. I think if you can nap, then nap because your body is clearly really tired.

wondering if even paracetemol helps for the aches? Sort of like with flu?

I’ve also been advised to drink lots of liquids and orange juice, so I’m doing that a fair amount.

infeel for you though, I’m not enjoying this and have felt terrible this weekend. My vision is terrible and my skin has broken out and I just feel low and sorry for myself

Thinking of you xx

Hi Jax, yes I hear you about the anxiety. I’m on anti anxieties anyway but I’m definitely more anxious at the moment. I’ve chewed my nails off and just feel quite flat, emotional, tired and moody. 

maybe we are trying to be too rational in a situation that isn’t that ‘normal’ so I hope you’re being kind to yourself and doing whatever comforts you. 

I Think hearing our levels are changing is triggering so I get that, especially when they mentioned liver enzymes but again, we are having and experiencing some big changes to our systems so it’s to be expected.

thinking of you and drop a line whenever you need.

xx

I totally agree on craving the wrong foods, but again I guess the body wants what it wants so I’m trying to make sure I get lots of fruit and veg and protein but if I need to devour chocolate then that’s gonna happen :) 

I’ll speak to them about skin, but my eyes are bothering me the most. I was totally fine last week and now I’m really not sure I’d be able to drive which is terrible. I’ll let oncologist know that when we speak next week.

I feel constipated yet also have diarrhoea pains so my body feels so out of sorts and just not happy. 

counting down the days for period to be over, I need a break.

take care too xx