EC & Paclataxel

Hi RunAndBecome

I had the exact same regime.  I didn’t enjoy EC - I suffered from a lot of nausea and indigestion.  In comparison I found paclitaxel much easier.  There were just a couple of days each cycle (around days 5-6) when I felt very mildly tired and achy.  I appreciate that some people have a different experience but for me it was fine.

The time in hospital is longer for fortnightly paclitaxel.  It was three hours for the drip, and the cold cap has to stay on for 90 minutes afterwards, so it’s a long old haul.  Best of luck with the rest of your treatment!

Hi 

I’m about to start a similar treatment plan (same drugs, but different cycle length). Can I ask how the cold cap is working - have you lost much hair after two rounds?

thanks 

Ah good to know it’s even longer, thanks. And good to know you found Paclataxel ok - I’ve found EC better than I was expecting so was hoping for more of the same and not a load of new side effects. Thank you! 

Hi - it seems to be working - didn’t lose anything other than the odd few strands as I normally would when brushing after washing it. Second round was yesterday so bit early to tell but will keep you posted. I’ve been using the Simple shampoo & conditioner and still washing every day as my hair is fine and gets greasy. Apparently cold cap works better on fine rather than thick hair. 

Thanks- mine is super thick: typical . I can see why it would work best on fine hair though as I guess it won’t get to the scalp as easily through thick hair. 

yes, keep us posted thanks and good luck x

Its different for everyone. I have just completed the same regime as you and can share what happened to me. Side effects are a bit different for paclitaxel. The main thing for me with all the chemo is that I have been increasingly tired with each cycle and taken slightly longer to recover each time. My brain was rather fuzzy on EC from the outset and I couldn't read a page of a novel, and I usually consume books. I was glad to get my brain back with paclitaxel.  The paclitaxel can cause a few more aches and pains but not everyone gets them and even if you do they don't necessarily appear every cycle. I got my taste back with paclitaxel having had some very particular dislikes with EC from potatoes and carrots to tap water.  I wore ice gloves and socks during paclitaxel, but had to buy 2 sets of additional ice packs for each as they melt by one hour.  I used them to prevent nail loss and to help prevent nerve damage. They have close to 100 percent success at preventing nail loss. I also wore dark nail polish - nail protector, then base coat, 2 coats of dark polish and top coat!  The nails can become very fragile and very vulnerable to damage by sunlight, hence the dark polish. My nails have never been so well looked after ever. Moisturised cuticles a few times a day, only gently filed, never cut, moisturised hands too! I do have chemo nail damage but its discolouration and white lines - I haven't lost any. The one thing that helped most with my tiredness was ironically exercise - walks in week one and some muscle strengthening exercises (3 muscle groups, 3x10 reps) and an attempt at 20 mins cardio in week 2, once or twice. I am extremely tired still 2 weeks after round 8, but that's to be expected. I did do some cardio a couple of days ago, even though I didn't feel like it and didn't think I could. Just pacing myself on the way to recovery. Wishing you the all very best with your chemo x

Hi, 

The info is really helpful. 

Did you buy the ice gloves and socks yourself or did the chemo ward provide these?

thanks 

I think they should be provided, but I dont think the NHS does, and I had to buy them from amazon. I don't think there's a particular brand to choose, just whatever is cheapest. I then bought some rectangular gel packs to replace in the gloves as were so much cheaper and the speciallly shaped ones for the feet. I had to tuck my thumbs under my palms to reap the benefits of the cold as they aren't wrap around. It didn't bother me that I couldn't use my hands as the hefty premed of piriton made me so sleepy anyway and was glad of the extra sleep!

Thanks - I’ll definitely look into them. And I only need them for the paclitaxal, not the Ec? 

Its only for paclitaxel. I think EC can stain your nails, sometimes make them peel a little and cause white lines, and be a bit tough on your skin generally in terms of dryness. I had all of those side effects but not all people do. Just try to wear gloves for house cleaning (if you have the energy for any) and for washing up etc. Its generally not good to be soaking your nails in water.