That’s an interesting suggestion.
No foolproof tips I’m afraid but I can tell you my experience. I just finished my 12th and final Paclitaxel today and I’ve had a rash/spots to a greater or lesser extent from the beginning. Isolated spots still magically appear overnight. I’ve also been given antibiotics that lessened them but never cleared my skin completely. I’m hoping now I’ve finished it will go away. I’m slightly worried it might leave scars because the spots that have gone have left red marks. I’ve been told beauty salons can get rid of red marks so I’m going to find out about that.
I’m on paclitaxel x12 and started to get some indicators of neuropathy after session 3. I bought suzzipad cold mitts / socks from Amazon and used them last week. For me, it’s reduced the pain and other indicators although that’s only been one session. I’m also cold capping. It’s a palava but I’ll do what I can as I do a lot of fine motor work.
Hi @epic1. I did buy compression socks and gloves. I was told not to use the gloves as i have a picc in one arm and no lymph nodes in other. I did use socks. I don’t know if they work but I’ve had 2 cycles of docetaxel and no neuropathy symptoms.
I’m not sure about the cold socks or gloves, but it might be worth a try. I’m trying not to spend anymore money on cancer but the socks were my last thing. I thought at least i can use these again. X
1 Like
Hi @galdiolus. I used CereVe on mine. I used their normal moisturiser andvthen added the advanced repair ointment on the sore parts. It really helped. The rash hasn’t reappeared on this cycle of docetaxel yet.
2 Likes
@warrior1 thank you. I have tried some Aveno Oat serum overnight which seems to have helped. But E45 seems like a good idea too. Thank you
1 Like
@bluesatsuma thank you. That is so good to hear yours hasn’t reappeared so sounds like that is working for you. Mine tends to come around day 10 ish. Is yours the same?
@galdiolus yes after I’ve been up and about a while. I’m only 5 days past chemo so it usually affects me in middle week of cycle. Hoping it doesn’t return!
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! Xxx
1 Like
@bluesatsuma thanks. I don’t think I can face cold gloves etc. are the compression socks like flight socks ? Do you have a link. My chemo brain is not working xxx
@sharlou I am having the dense dose Paclitaxel so having fortnightly.
I have had two and all being well with my bloods should have my 3rd on on Friday 22nd 
Did you put your tree up 
. I think I will do mine over the weekend if all goes well with treatment on Friday 
@epic1 compression socks are like flight socks but you can also get more sporty ones that you could reuse after a bit more. I mostly use compression calf sleeves instead, I have a selection but these ones from
Amazon are fairly reasonable:
2 Likes
@epic1 the socks need to be 20-30mm/hg, so stronger than flight or surgical socks which are usually 15 - 20. I got these. I will use them as recovery socks after a run when i’m better.
1 Like
Yes the tree is up! I’ve been overindulging in Christmas films too 
Have you been having side effects from pac? I had my first one on Thursday and had three days of pretty excruciating joint pain, but that seems to have settled. I’ve felt pretty much normal since and I’m kind of sitting about waiting for it all to hit me. I don’t want to be lulled into a false sense of security as my first EC was a doddle but it all went a bit south after that
3 Likes
Hi Sharlou…
I actually saw the pic of your tree. Nice one!! We need to do whatever brings joy ATM.
I have had 2 and would say I had a few aches and pains, mainly after the first one and seems to have settled down since. The side effects seem to be more tolerable overall than EC but with 2 more to go I won’t celebrate this just yet, but definitely so far so good.
I’d say tiredness is about the worst effect for me and all very manageable, I’ve managed to walk every day in November from 3 to 7 miles and that has helped me physically and emotionally.
Hope you feel better in coming days … Feeling very hopeful you will 
@sharlou
Your post resonates with me!! I am having weekly pax but was very cocky on EC until my last session floored me so I keep waiting for the SE to catch up with me. I have minimum take home meds with this one but have stock piled my EC left overs just in case.
Feel I should be doing more than I am. My diet was so healthy in the summer whilst waiting for surgery/post op and I walked miles. Now I just want comfort food and my steps have fell off the cliff. Dogs relieved were not marching as far…hes a very good film companion…
1 Like
Wow I’m super impressed you’ve managed to do so much walking! I’ve done a bit more over the past couple of weeks but certainly not daily. Fingers crossed things stay as they are on paclitaxel then - I know it’s early days but I’ve definitely found it better than EC so far
Yes I was surprised how few take home meds there are on pac…in fact they only gave me the pegfilgrastim for home. With EC there were lots!
I feel like I’m not doing enough too but I’m trying not to torture myself about it. I’m eating healthily in terms of meals but making up for that in cheesecake I think we should take whatever comfort we can get 
1 Like
I just copy+pasted this post I put on the general chemo group but I thought to post it here too as I don’t have much time to make a decision - Tomorrow will be my 4th TC infusion…"Hi everyone, I could use some advice. I was offered the option of doing 6 cycles of TC chemo instead of 4. This was suggested because I had a local recurrence after my first diagnosis in March 2023 (lumpectomy, 4 cycles of EC chemo, and radiotherapy). I wanted to give myself the best shot at avoiding another recurrence or metastasis, but there isn’t much evidence or trials showing that 6 cycles are more effective than 4.
My oncologist couldn’t give a strong recommendation either way, leaving the choice up to me. On one hand, I want to do everything I can to prevent a recurrence, but on the other, I worry about whether 6 cycles might be over-treatment and lead to long-term side effects.
Has anyone else faced a similar decision or have any insights that could help? I’d really appreciate hearing your thoughts"
I don’t have any experience of this, but I belong to the chuck everything humanly possible at it school of thought. This does mean that I’ve just agreed with everything that’s been recommended though, rightly or wrongly! I know others have put a lot more thought and research into their treatment plans and they may be better placed to give advice. Best of luck 
1 Like
I had Paclitaxel and didn’t get cold socks or arm sleeves but someone on the September 2023 chemo thread was at Christie in Manchester and they provided them. It’s because taxol/taxane chemo drugs like Paclitaxel and Docetaxel can cause peripheral neuropathy and they believe the cold can help prevent it. I think it’s being researched which is why it’s not on offer in all trusts.
The Look Good Feel Better course for hands and nails facilitator advised ice pack/ freezer slippers that you can freeze and wear while having chemo or when you get home. I bought some of Amazon and wore them when I got home on the day of chemo. I used standard ice pack for my hands. I didn’t take them as my centre was an hour travel and even with a cold bag they quickly defrosted by the time I’d had premeds etc.
I got a bit of neuropathy but not all the time and my team weren’t too bothered, they said it was more of an issue if it was all the time. I can’t say for sure the slipper/ ice packs did that much difference but I thought I’d try.
Hope it helps
2 Likes