Paclitaxel

Hi Pancakes , congratulations on finishing EC.  I was given lots of additional anti-sickness meds while on EC because the first infusion made me throw up a lot.  So I was very worried when they didn’t prescribe the same pills for paclitaxel - my medical team said it wasn’t necessary.  But as it turned out I was not nauseous at all after paclitaxel - I couldn’t quite believe waking up the morning after each infusion and feeling totally normal!   Best of luck that you’re the same xx

Hi Pancakes,

I’ve done 3/12 paclitaxel and get antiemetics 30 mins before every infusion as standard.  Has your oncologist ruled them out completely?

I am tolerating paxlitaxel well, though developed a rash at week 2 along with sore skin on my face, apparently it’s renowned for causing skin problems and I already had rosacea and exzema. I have an antihistamine to use when the rash flares up. I moisturise +++ and it keeps problems at bay. Nausea, stomach upset and sore mouth are all present but mild.  My veins are sore this week. It’s good to know I have the option of a picc line if I tire of the repeated unsuccessful attempts at cannulation. 

I sleep for 3 hours after treatment. Then feel reasonably well for three days. Fatigue sets in day 4, 5 and 6 but I manage this by exercising (CrossFit) which energises me and lifts my mood. 

I have days when I hate the treatment and everything feels awful. I have days when I cry. I have had one day in 3 weeks when I didn’t want to get out of bed, I’m sure I’ll have more.  However, overall I feel lucky as I know my side effects could be much worse.

Hope it goes well for you. Keep us posted? 

I just finished my 4 round of taxol yesterday and I'm given benadryl, pepcid, steroids and antinausea meds in my port/iv before every treatment. Also, I was given 2 rx's for zofran and another compazine to take as needed at home. I take the zofran at home. The other medicine I'm not that familiar with. Hope that helps.