Side effects of Paclitaxel and Herceptin

Hi History Lover

Welcome to the forum, I'm Daisy53 one of the Community Champions on this forum.  I'm sorry to hear that you were diagnosed with breast cancer.  While I don't have the experience you are looking for I noticed that you haven't had any replies yet so I thought I'd reply to welcome you to the community.  This reply will move your post to the top of the discussion.  Hopefully someone will be along shortly with the benefit of their experience.  If you haven't already I suggest that you ring your chemo nurse or bcn to tell them about the cough.

Wishing you the best of luck with the rest of your treatment.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Hi History Lover,

I had a very similar course of treatment. I did have a slight cough but not to the extent it caused a problem. I also had frequent nose bleeds but they were fairly light. 

I had insomnia for a night or two after each Paclitaxel (ie weekly) which was pretty unpleasant but after these 2 nights I was able to sleep pretty well until the following week’s treatment. I believe it’s caused by the steroids which are given in advance of the treatment rather than the Paclitaxel itself and it almost seemed worse once I recognised the pattern. 

Do tell your treatment team. They might be able to do something to alleviate your symptoms 

Good luck with the rest of your treatmen. It sounds like you’re more than half way through. The Herceptin on its own is child’s play in comparison!

Hi Daisy

Thanks for your reply and your kind words.

I am also having nose bleeds.

I have a chronic lung problem anyway and I think the Paclitaxel just makes my lungs more inflamed.

I have seen my GP and he has given me something to help with the cough.

I am seeing my oncologist next week so I will discuss it with her.

Hi Susan 

Sorry I addressed you by the wrong name have a bit of chemo brain as well.