Has anyone experienced worse side effects after completing their course of Paclitaxel? I read repeatedly that ‘this will improve once your treatment is finished’ but in fact some things have got worse over 3 weeks after my final session. Neuropathy seems to be the main problem. Not just tingling and/or numb fingertips and toes and feet (which started gently around week 5/9), but quite severe sensitivity to pain everywhere. It’s like my brain has got all its wires crossed. Even my wedding ring ‘hurts’ the neighbouring fingers. How long does it last and is there anything I can do to alleviate the symptoms? I’m starting radiotherapy next week (if I can get my arm over my head by then - my breast muscle has seized up because of the pain but I’m having physio). There is no way I’m fit to drive because of the neuropathy. I am feeling so disappointed as I saw the end of chemo as the beginning of regaining my independence - and there seems no end in sight! Any advice warmly welcomed please.
Hi Jaybro
Sorry that you haven’t had a reply yet. While you are waiting you may find it helpful to call our free Helpline, 0808 800 6000, and speak to one of our fantastic specialists.
There is also excellent information on our website about Paclitaxel too.
Best wishes
Anna
Digital Community Officer
Hi Jaybro, I’m so sorry to hear that you’re having ongoing issues after finishing Paclitaxel. I was on a different chemo regime (FEC-T), but I found the side effects from my final docetaxel took *ages* to recover from. If you’re still experiencing neuropathy, I think it would be best to call your chemo line. They will want to know so that they can monitor the situation, and hopefully they can also offer some more specific advice. My neuropathy issues were only mild, but even then I found the pain/numbness in my fingers took a month or so to subside… doing up the poppers on my little girl’s clothes was impossible for a surprisingly long time! Thankfully, it did get better for me - I finished chemo 4 months ago and I’m feeling great now 
Best of luck with rads and the last of the chemo side effects! xox