Hello, bit late to this forum, started chemo on 19 November. 4x Paclitaxel every two weeks, followed by 4x EC every two weeks. I had a quick browse of the November starters but did not see anybody else on the same regime?
Today my hair has started coming out, so I will get my head shaved tomorrow.
I might try our local Parkrun tomorrow, where it is the first ‘5k your way’ event for people affected by cancer. I have not really been able to run since August when I had my lumpectomy, followed by axillary clearance in September, followed by feeling uncomfortable after having the picc line fitted. It should be good to share experiences in a supportive environment. Anybody else involved in 5k your way?
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Hi @couchpotato although you sound like anything but ! Heading off on parkruns ?! You are Wonder Woman !!
I’m doing nab paclitaxel every three weeks , it sounds like you are on a dose sense regime … how have you felt since your first infusion ?
I started on 22 November so I’m expecting my hair might start falling out next week too .
Ahh that doesn’t sound pleasant 
yes I would perhaps ask the nurses on here because I’m sure they will have come across it before & have some helpful tips on what you can do. Really hope it passes & you feel back to normal very soon xx
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Hi @arty1,
I actually haven’t felt too bad. Apart from the allergic reaction when they first started the Paclitaxel, everything else was mild. The worst probably was day 2 after the Pelgraz injection, bone pain all over, even in my toes, and really very tired. Oh yes, and yeast infection in my mouth, which made everything taste bad.
Except for that Friday, I have been able to take the dogs out every day, and although I am puffing a lot more than normal, I definitely feel better afterwards for having had a bit of exercise.
Next cycle starts on Tuesday, and I am terrified I might get another allergic reaction…
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@couchpotato Oh dear … it seems it’s not unusual to react to paclitaxel that’s why they give you pre meds . How bad was your reaction ?
I was due to have weekly paclitaxel but I’m allergic to castor oil so it had to be changed …if you react again they’ll probably change you to nab paclitaxel x
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I was awake for quite a bit of the night with sore toes. I think that must be the injections which I finished on Thursday night. Odd all round! x well done for contemplating a Park Run.
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well, I impressed myself by managing to get to Parkrun for 9am. I am definitely more tired in the mornings and take a while to get going. I walked about half of the distance before pulling out as I did not want to overdo it. I think there were about 5 people there for 5k Your Way - hopefully more will join once people spread the word.
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That’s very impressive. I try to walk a couple of miles every day with the dogs and always feel better for it. Not sure I could run though!
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@flojo and @couchpotato you are putting me to shame 
I walked about a mile or so yesterday and felt like I was wading through treacle …
The neuropathy is really bad in my fingers and toes is quite bad now so I’ll be surprised if they don’t reduce the dose next time …
hubby is going to take my 14 year old up into the village later to see the Christmas lights switch on but I’m giving it a miss as it feels too much of an infection risk
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Yeah I’ve been very lucky to be so close to the treatments in Glasgow. So many people have to travel long distances, that must be really hard. X
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@flojo it’s a good excuse for me to stay in tbh 
I’m cosied up watching come dine with me with a blanket and the cats !
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How is everyone doing this week? I had my 5th cycle of 12 on friday. Still no sleep on treatment night. Any advice welcome Managed to catch up last night but feeling quite yuck today as per usual sunday. Banging head and cloudy dizzyness. Ribs and back aches as usual. Hair still shredding but still looking quite normal so big bonus there
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Nearly halfway then!
I have been taking it easy this weekend - watching Christmas films! I have had the same but slightly different side effects this time - less tiredness but they have lasted longer. Last time, I felt normal tomorrow so hoping for the same this time. Pains seem to have calmed down a bit although I’ve been a bit dizzy a couple of times this time and sleep is elusive.
My hair is another matter! It started to shed on about day 17 but it was ok. In the last few days, it’s been pretty awful so I’d say I have about 30% of my hair left - not enough to bluff it any more.
It’s starting to feel like a marathon and I’m quite fed up with it all today. xx
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@flojo me too. Totally fed up with it. Its weird cos although I may appear normal to others i dont feel myself at all. Its hard to explain to anyone whos not going through it so speaking with all you girls makes me feel understood and that helps. Sometimes i could go out in car and drive and drive and never come back. Its so so hard at times . So sorry to hear about your hair… i think i maybe on the same route only taking a little longer.
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Totally hear you on getting in the car and just driving away. I have thought about doing that on more than one occasion!
I feel vain being down about my hair - after all it’s cancer that’s the issue - but I do. My husband just says it’s still me, but I don’t look like or feel like me any more. Surgery was bad enough - you don’t get time to come to terms with anything. If you’ve had five cycles then maybe your hair won’t be too bad. I am not sure they will let me cold cap any more - which does at least mean the treatment time will be shorter!
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@Flojo1979 i dont think you are being vein. Its a lot do deal with especially when feeling crap , its crap on top of crap all the time . And like you say after the surgery its a hell of a lot to deal with. No matter what anyone says it doesnt make you feel any better does it ? Suppose at the minute im quite lucky tbh i thought it would have gone by now. I wasnt allowed the cold cap… apparently on my treatment it wont make a difference and ive been told it will all go so its a matter of time for me x
Hello all , I don’t actually start chemo until the 9th of December but there is only little old me ( well I’m not little or old but ) across in the December chemo starters so the lovely @arty1 said to pop over and say hello. I have to admit I have been lurking in the background seeing how everyone is getting on. I’m at anxious which I guess is no surprise ! I had my single mastectomy just over 6 weeks ago and I’ve healed well just this next step of the journey until radio and hormone treatment ( plus abemiciclimab ). I’m back to see the oncologist tomorrow but they have told me last week that it will be doxetaxal and cyclophosphamide but don’t know dose yet - 4 cycles every 3 weeks - this is preventative now as they removed the 6cm IDC and 11cm DISC grade 3 with micro metastases in one node of the two they took. Anyone else been on this combination and is there anything I should definitely be asking the oncologist tomorrow about that regime. I’m 48 ( oops no 49 today!) and had low oncotype but because of the size and grade they have said it will give me a better chance. Wishing you all the best with your ongoing treatments x
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I’m starting docetaxel on 6 December ( as my November treatment was pushed back. ) so welcome— we’ve got similar dates and treatments.
I figure even tho I’m now a December starter I’ll stay here, if you’ll all have me 
.
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