Paclitaxel

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Hi I’ve just finished my EC treatment and soon to be starting on weekly Paclitaxel. I struggled with the EC chemo and just wondering if Paclitaxel is any easier? After what I went through with the EC I’m extremely nervous about starting the weekly treatment

  • Hi I did it the other way round to you. 12 weekly paclitaxil and then every three weeks EC although only managed one EC then was hospitalised.

    paclitaxil I found was a lot easier and managable and hopwfully You will too. I could still manage my normal day to day things and just was a bit tired and breathless at times.  Good luck 

  • Aw thank you. I hope it’s more manageable. I have a couple of events booked in July so I’m hoping I will be ok. Don’t want to miss out on them x

  • Fingers crossed but I did some things out and friends was surprised but I had good times. EC I def couldn’t of! X

  • I’ve completed 3 ex’s and now about to do my 3rd weekly paclitaxel. People said weekly would be easier, it is better than EC as EC floored me but I’m finding weekly pac hard, there’s no let up and as soon as I feel stronger again then it’s chemo day. The dr said I may need to have week off now as it’s making me so fatigued. You may be different. I was hoping I’d get back to normal ish life n weekly but I think it’ll be a struggle x

  • So sorry to hear Paclitaxel wasn’t any easier for you. That’s what made me think is the weekly treatment would have no let up. When I asked the oncologist she said it’s a lower dose and not as harsh as EC she said I may get numbness in the ends of my fingers and toes as that’s a common side effect. I’m dreading the next chemo treatment and just hoping the side effects are manageable Fingers crossed

    I hope all goes well for you and the side effects diminish x

  • Hi I’m currently doing paclitaxel had 2/3 3 week cycles,last one next week hurrah Raised hands 

    Its definitely easier than EC which floors you at times and I cold capped so longer days and headaches.

    My paclitaxel sessions being 3 weeks apart are better only downside is aches and joints so stiff, plus my hair started to rapidly fall out 3 weeks ago. 
    It’s stopped now just the usual few stragglers when I comb it but hoping it doesn’t start again after my next and final dose.

    I have a lovely wig to fall back on and lots of headscarves on days where I’m not feeling bothered or not going anywhere.

    Next step 15 sessions Radiotherapy.

    Goodluck with the rest of your treatments x

  • Thanks for your reply. The closer it gets to the day I’m more anxious. My hair has started to grow back, only just little sprouts of hair. Knowing my luck it will all fall out again with the Paclitaxel. I too have a few wigs and scarves. 
    How long after chemo do they usually start radiotherapy? Or does it vary? 

    good luck with the rest of yours too x

  • Sunflower65 I have appointment with my consultant 16th July ( which is quite a ways off) which will be about the radiotherapy and treatment after that. But I think I may have started the radio before that, nurses said I should have started by mid July or earlier ( usually phone to book appointments) I’m presuming you have to have radiotherapy too once your chemo is over? I’ve heard people say their hair regrowth was quick on paclitaxel so fingers crossed for you xx I’m struggling with no eyebrows and eyelashes, my eyes are dry and gritty but I wear glasses so have some camouflage Sunglasses

  • Yes I have to have radiotherapy, don’t know how many sessions I need, unless it’s down on my notes somewhere. My brain fog has been terrible the last few months. I’ve managed to keep my eyebrows and eyelashes and other body hair up to now. 
    The lights at the end of the tunnel Blush

  • lol I have no body hair apart from my head, I’m not missing my razor Stuck out tongue winking eye