Paclitaxel/Carboplatin - experiences and advice

JPH 

Hi Jan

Like you, I had 3 rounds of EC which I tolerated well, except for losing my hair as I didn't use the cold cap.

I then had 12 weekly sessions of paclitaxel which I tolerated even better than EC. I didn't have any problems with my nails or peripheral neuropathy and my hair started to grow back.

So I guess what I'm saying is, that you may have no or minimal side effects too.

x

Wow! That’s good to hear. I have just ordered the ice booties and mitts. I seem determined to freeze my way through this!

Thanks for letting me know. I will try and not order anything else in anticipation of side effects that may only happen in my head! 

Hi JPH, I just thought I would let you know my experience of filgrastim. I had this whilst on docetaxel (which I have now finished) and I haven’t experienced any bone pain at all. I inject myself in the evening and only have 5 days. From what I have heard from some others on Paclitaxel they have not had any boosting injections so it might be worth talking with your oncologist as to whether that will be a part of your plan on Paclitaxel. 
I too use Polybalm too to help with nails. Mine have started to change a little in colour but not black, they look more like smokers nails an odd yellow/red colour. They can be a little sore sometimes but so far they have stayed attached.

It is difficult sometimes to not let the less rational side take over. If you find that happening try and overturn it and bring your more rational side back. I know easier said than done. 
Remember we are all different and may or may not have side effects. It’s something they have to list to make us aware but when you look at basic paracetamol or ibuprofen they have a list of side effects too but we don’t tend to worry about that. 
I too got myself worked up after looking at all the side effects and panicked that I would have loads in reality any that I did experience was only for a few days. 
Wishing you all the best for the next part of your journey.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

1. Hi Jan, I am only 2/3 through chemo for HER2+ve stage 2 11mm and using cold cap but also (advice from a friend who has been through chemo x2) suggested compression garment on lower legs and arms then cold mits and socks to prevent peripheral neuropathy. The socks which I bought from Amazon were not cold enough so I now just use freezer blocks held in place with the compression stockings. 
   
   
2. I have been having Filgrastim for 7 days which gives me aching back, shoulders and hips. I have altered taste which is possibly due to the docetaxel. It isn’t pain just a dull ache which is bearable. 
   
   
3. I am to have herceptin and docetaxel next session then 3 sessions at 3weekly intervals of EC. So was interested to hear your experiences. Thank you for sharing. 
   
   

looking at your post you must be well over half way? I hope you are managing well?  Sending healing wishes. Alice

I didn’t mention that the cold cap has not caused complete hair restoration but thinning mainly in the crown area which according to my hairdresser is a vulnerable area anyway. 

So far my hands and feet are asymptomatic, so am assuming my self imposed hypothermia is working??  Am praying hard.. Xxx

Thank you. Yes I’m going to really try and work on my head as thats what is fuelling the fear. I love metaphors and I know with this situation I am watering weeds that are growing and winding their way around me! I need to water the flowers instead! X

Ooooh I wish I was well over half way. I have had three EC’s and now have 9 of the Paclitaxel/carboplatin to contend with - so I think that makes me a third? (Maths not my strong subject though).

Overall I am managing well really. I really want to go and see my son and his girlfriend in China at the end of the year (was meant to be meeting them in Thailand this month) - so that goal is keeping me going.

Thankyou for healing wishes - I feel them  x

Yes, I was surprised how easy I found chemo after reading all the horror stories.

One thing I forgot to mention was that while I had filgrastim while on EC I didn't have it while on paclitaxel. I had to inject myself from day two for 7 days. I didn't have any pain except for the day after the last one on each of the three cycles. I had very uncomfortable lower back pain but found that if I lay on my back with a hot water bottle placed in the spot that ached it was okay.

x

Good morning, 

I was going through treatment this time last year with the same Chemo, I cold capped and saved a large amount of my hair and and when I switched from EC to PC It was quite thin but the only bald bits were by both ears. I too was concerned about the switch but actually found PC easier tbh, my hair started to grow so I continued to cold cap but had my long hair cut into a pixie to tie in with the regrowth. I did however have Carboplatin every week at a reduced rate. There are arguments for and against this but other than fatigue, taste change I really didn’t have that many effects. I had the injections every 3rd week. The bone pain did increase over the course of the 12 weeks but not to a point I needed medication. I wore dark nail varnish and nail oil at night but did not lose any nails. I did have some issue with my Liver, not to point of feeling ill but I could not have my 12 Paclitaxol because my levels were high. I did have my final Carbo though. I have neuropathy in my hands but it seems to be easing 6 months out of Chemo. 

I had complete response to Chemo, lumpectomy and 5 sessions of Radiotherapy 

I’m now in my “recovery” period, I have got ongoing side effects but taking diet, exercise and a positive mental attitude slowly and I feel like I’m finally getting somewhere. 

You’ll be looking back at how far you have come before you know xxxx

Aaah thankyou for your thoughtful reply. That’s great you had a complete response to chemo - I’m hoping for that too .

And thank you to all replying - I’m feeling less lonely with this . I have lovely friends and a supportive partner - but they are not experiencing what we have or are and it’s just different. 

You are all amazing!!!

xx