Paclitaxel aches and pains

Hi there.

I was the same. I had 3 cycles of EC and 5 of Paclitaxel and I used to get very sore legs a few days after my Paclitaxel cycles. I got strong painkillers from the doctors but only had to take them for a couple of days each cycle because the pain subsided after 2-3 days. Hopefully you will feel a bit better in the next couple of days.

All the very best with your treatment and recovery.

Hi Miss Cheesec06e90,

I have had 4xEC and my first session of Paclitaxel was on Friday, and since Sunday I’ve been experiencing quite severe bone aches and pins and needles all over my body. The pain has been so intense that I’m struggling to sleep at night, especially with the shooting pains and aching in my thighs. Like you, I’ve found that painkillers haven’t really helped. I called the cancer helpline but didn’t get much relief or advice. I also wasn’t given any steroids to take home after my first session — were you prescribed any medication or steroids to continue with at home? I really hope your pain has eased now and that you’re feeling more comfortable and able to get back to your usual routine.

Hi Recon

Sorry to hear you have been in pain.

I ended up calling the nurses and told them that the usual painkillers weren’t working etc and they ended up getting Oramorph prescribed for me which has definitely helped. 
The pains lasted about 4 days for me but the medication helped me get some sleep. 
maybe speak to the nurses and see what they can do to help? 
My nurses told me that they don’t send you home with oral steroids with Paclitaxel just the dose they give you before starting the chemo. 

I really hope they can get you something to help. Sending big hugs xx

I’m really glad to hear the Oramorph helped you and that your pain has eased. I spoke with my nurse as well, but unfortunately, they didn’t prescribe me any pain relief and said the aches are part of the usual side effects of Paclitaxel. She did mention though that she’ll speak with my oncologist, and I should be given some steroids to take home after my next session, so I’m hoping that will help manage things better next time.

Really appreciate your support. 

Hi Recon

I ended up getting stronger painkillers from my GP so perhaps you could try that.

Hope the pain isn't as bad after your next cycle.

Hi just finished my chemo of 4 E/C and 4 paxitaxol after my first taxo my leg pains were horrendous I’d get shooting pains up and down my legs and legs would give way spoke to my oncologist who lowered my dose and Instead of 2 weekly put me to 3 weekly which really helped I go find the filgrastin injections cause  my bone pain now and I’ve also got neuropathy from the taxol but hoping it will disappear now chemos finished … chemo unit gave me co codamol which helped take the edge of wish you the best 

Hi

I've had 2 paclitaxel with 2 more to go following 4 x EC.

I had the same joint and muscle pains from about day 3 to day 5

I also had an itchy rash on the first round and was recommended piriton or clarytin by the nurse which also seemed to help the aches.

I also found that wrapping up in an electric blanket eased the pains a lot.

Hope you feel less achey soon.  I does pass after a couple of days 

Take care x

Hi all,

Just wanted to share an update after my second paclitaxel session yesterday. 

Following discussions with the nurses and my oncologist regarding side effects, I've been prescribed a 7-day course of Gabapentin 300mg to take home this time.

I had initially asked about a dose reduction, but my oncologist recommended trying this medication first, stating it's the strongest pain relief she can recommend. We'll monitor how I feel over the next cycle. If it doesn't help, she will consider a dose reduction for the next treatment.

Only 2 more cycles to go! Fingers crossed this helps.

Hi I had 4 E/C and just finished my 4 th and last Pacitaxol after my first taxol I started to get neuropathy in my feet and hands it’s awlful and the 2nd day after the chemo the pains would be shooting and my legs would jump about when I sat still , I spoke to my CNS yesterday and she said to help waken up the nerves put your feet in hotish water then into cold water so will try that … chemo nurses gave me co codamol that helped at bedtime