Hi. My oncologist wants me to start packitaxel in September after I give birth. I’ve recently had EC and cold capped. I managed to keep 50% of my hair. The oncologist has suggested having it 2 weekly but that means a very long infusion and suggested not to cold cap otherwise it’d be 5 hours with it on. Or weekly which would be for 12 weeks which is going to be stressful whilst having a newborn. The alternative is 2 weekly and not cold cap and risk losing all my hair. What’s peoples experiences of paclitaxel both weekly and fortnightly and side effects. Did anyone cold cap with this one.
1 Like
Hi @rosa1
I have had 4 biweekly EC and 12 weekly paclitaxel. I cold capped throughout.
There is a risk of permanent alopaecia with taxanes, especially with docetaxel, less with paclitaxel.
Paclitaxel was more manageable than EC and my hair thinned but started to grow again about 4 weeks before I finished chemo. It is growing quickly now, only 2 weeks later, so I think it is worth persevering.
Good luck x
Hi @rosa1
So sorry to hear of your diagnosis and with a baby, it must be heartbreaking having to be away from your baby but the treatment will mean you can be with them in years to come.
I had 12 weekly Paclitaxel and cold capped. I kept nearly all my hair, except two small patches above my ears and it shed. I had a lot of hair already so it didn’t look too thin.
I noticed on a monthly chemo thread you asked about side effects so I thought I’d add mine here. I had anti nausea tablets which I had to change after a couple of weeks to try and keep it under control. I also suffered upset tummy but was told to take Imodium/loperamide at the first sign. For half of the time I had 3/4 days feeling ok, the other 6 weeks it was 2/3 days. You need to take care with infection externally (coughs and colds etc) and internally (what you eat and preparing food etc). I suffered thrush, which was helped with treatment and sore mouth helped with Corsoyl. I also had UTI and needed antibiotics and then an unknown infection that caused a temperature (which you’ll need to check daily). Some days I needed an afternoon nap but I always went out for a walk once or twice a day as they say it helps with side effects. I’m not trying to scare you but inform you. Saying that everyone is different and my side effects and those of others may differ greatly. We all react to things differently.
This forum is so supportive nd friendly and we will be with you 
Hi Rosa1 I’m so sorry that your going through this especially with a baby 
stay strong an be kind to yourself rest when you can I had 6 planned treatments every 3 weeks ,3 different types I didn’t cold cap as the oncologist explained that the chemo needed to get everywhere for best results I shaved my lovely long hair number 3 as it was coming out on chemo 2 but it grew like mad an I have loads of hair now , my decision was because I’d previously lost my mum and sister to cancer, but the treatments now are much more advanced, I took anti sickness meds and loperamide which worked wonders for me, I was out and about in my new wig and hat for a few months till I felt comfortable with my own hair , I’m now 2 years on after chemo and Radio and herceptin , finally look myself still feeling tired some days due to radiotherapy, I have a 4 year old who was two at the time … good luck my lovely stay strong 
you will get through this XXX
1 Like
@rosa1 I had 4 EC cycles and 12 cycles of paclitaxel weekly in 2021 as my oncologist said that the accelerated chemo is better especially in younger people…I didn’t have the cold cap as I didn’t want to stay so long at the chemo unit…I also didn’t mind loosing my hair…so yeah, it’s a personal choice…you are going to get your hair back for sure. I didn’t like wearing wigs and honestly I didn’t mind going bald but I had chemo in the autumn/winter time so I had very nice and colourful turbans…I was asking myself why do I need to wear a hat so that other people feel comfortable around me…honestly, I really loved my bald head and nowadays I am having short pixie cuts as I don’t want to go back to my longer hair…and my kids love it…they can’t remember me having long hair…
But I understand that is a very personal choice …
Whatever you decide there is no wrong choice really I am wishing you all the best for your future treatment…
1 Like
Hey Rosa,
We are on the same monthly thread but I will post on here!
I cold capped for 3 sessions on EC but had to stop as I lost about 60% of my hair and it was painful. My hair still hasnt fallen out fully and stayed at about 40% for the rest of my treatment (I am now on round 11). I had one last small shed on my second round of paclitaxel but it hasnt fallen out since. Infact, it has started to grow back now and I have baby grey hair in my bald spots. This is constant with the rest of my hair growth, I have now got armpit hair and leg hair!
Weekly paclitaxel has been a walk in the park compared to EC. Ive had minimum side effects on it. I have the occasional nausea and feeling tired but I am able to stay really active by taking my doggies for a nice walk every morning and doing some house work when I get home. Normally day three is the day that I have the most side effects but not sure whether thats because of the steroids or the treatment!
1 Like
Hey lovely so sorry you are going through this with giving birth as well but I agree best to take everything they offer I am on number 7 of a 12 weekly paclitaxel treatment plan then onto my 4 EC then radiotherapy, ive cold capped from day 1 and have kept all my hair apart from some shedding when brushing so I leave it alone as much as possible and wash it once a week. The only side effects is the fatigue, achy joints for me I’ve no sickness up to now but did land myself in hospital on session 5 with sepsis 5 days on a drip. So take care with infection I won’t hug or kiss anyone now and just being careful take care and good luck with your decision xx
1 Like