I got one more EC dose next week and then will be on 12 weekly Taxols from beginning of May onwards.
Any tips what to expect on Taxol and how to cope with the weekly doses, thanks
Hi herewego
Whilst you wait for the other users to reply with their expereinces you might find it helpful to have a lok at the BCC publication about taxol, it contains information on how it works, its benefits and possible side effects. If you would like to order a copy or to read this on line just follow the link below:-
www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/treatment-side-effects/paclitaxel-taxol-bcc34
If you do have further questions or would just like to talk things through do give the helpline a call on 080 800 6000. Here you can share your thoughts and concerns with a member of staff who will offer you a listening ear as well as support and information.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Hi SmartiePants,
I love your name! Anyway thank you for your insight, it’s very useful.
I had my 4th and last EC chemo today so my hair’s already gone. Like you, it just came out even after using the cold cap for the first 2 lots so I shaved it off as a Mother’s Day present to myself 
Someone else recommend Evonail on a different thread so I’ve ordered that in the hope it will save my nails but like you say we’ll never know how things turn out.
Thanks again and hope your remaining treatment goes well.
Ps. I wouldn’t mind losing my taste and especially appetite as I’ve put on so much weight with EC, been eating like a pregnant woman quantity wise
Hi I had paclitaxel for 8 sessions after I had a bad reaction to docetaxel . I found it ok at the time , I had already lost most of my hair due to fec but it did start to grow a little during paclitaxel and grew back really quickly once I finished . Please be aware of your fingers and toes though . I had bad peripheral neuropathy and 8 weeks on I’m still struggling with one of my feet . I’m on meds for this but speak to your onc to see if they can mitigate this in anyway for u . Also I did not have a line in and my veins played up badly on the last 2 doses . But I managed to complete it . For me paclitaxel was a doddle compared to docetaxel . Hope this helps xx
I have a port in too. And yes, the toes, feet and fingers are a bugger!
Hi, I have just finished my weekly Paclitaxol treatment. I was supposed to have 12 cycles, but I have only managed complete 8 as the numbness in my hands and feet have got really quite bad. I had a mx in December, in hospital for 7 days and 10 days after that started fertility treatment which was a bit complicated as I made too many eggs!! I then started weekly chemo in January, having had a portacath fitted. So in all fairness I started from a pretty low point! I am 31 and expected it to be a doddle! Although I have had most side effects and had 2 infections which I have ended in hospital with. Saying that however, I have not lost my hair, justed thinned (not had the cold cap) and my nails have been fine. I have had a few 1 week breaks which has made the world of difference. At times it can be exhausting and feel relentless but you have to remember that it is totally worth it. And although at times you may feel it is never ending, it is! There have been times when I couldnt imagine getting to the end but here I am! And this is a brilliant forum to find support and answers to anything you mught be worried about. Good Luck xx
Bless you rac83 . Well done to you , I managed 8 as well and my onc was more than pleased with that . Xx
I’ve just finished 3 x fec and 11 x weekly pax. I had to miss week 8 as I was knackered and very emotional. Cold capped the whole way and kept a good head of hair, eyebrows and lashes! Worst se was taste. Moisturised hands, feet and nails daily.
Oh that is brilliant news! So has all treatment finished now? Did you have any neuro hands/feet/joint problems? Would be interested to hear if anything crops up after treatment has ended, as I have read on some sites. This inspires me to keep plodding on with it, am spending this weekend, like the last, in bed too knackered to do anything.