Paclitaxel vs EC

Hi Dhamma 

I received both EC and Paclitaxol.  I had EC every 3 weeks for 3 cycles and Taxol every week for 9 weeks.  I found EC harsher than Taxol   but because that was weekly it is not as harsh.  Fatigue was the worst side effect for me for both Chemo regimes with slight sick feelings on EC.  Overall though I didn't suffer too much.  The hardest for me during Taxol was the fact that it was weekly and my body didn't recover as quickly.  Everybody reacts differently but hopefully you will find Taxol easier - just make sure that you have your supply of anti sickness tablets to hand.  The good news for me whilst on Taxol is that there were no daily injections as they really floored me.  

Hope it all goes well and keep us informed x

Hi Dhamma

I had the exact same regime as you.  I found EC quite a challenge, particularly the nausea.  In comparison, I found paclitaxel a walk in the park.  I was amazed to wake up the morning after my first session and feel completely normal.  I didn’t suffer from nausea and sickness, or indigestion, at all.

For me, the side effects of paclitaxel were that on about day 5-6 of each cycle I felt a bit tired and achy, like I had very mild flu, but nothing that a couple of paracetamol couldn’t resolve.  Plus I had to take senna tablets and make sure I drank lots of liquid and ate lots of fibre to avoid constipation.  I expected the effects to be cumulative but personally found the side effects less after my third session, and almost non-existent after my fourth.  

Appreciate everyone reacts differently, but my oncologist also said most of his women found paclitaxel easier. I hope you do too x

Thanks JED12. Do you mean the filgrastim injection? I have to inject 7 days after each treatment I believe it will be the same once I move on to Paclitaxel as my cycle is every 14 days.

Thanks Jomor. Fingers crossed my experience will be similar as yours.

Hi - yes I do mean Filgrastim.  I didn't have to do it once on Paclitaxel as my cycle was weekly.  Not sure if that is the reason why I didn't have to but am assuming it was.