Hi @delma
I had weekly Paclitaxel only and the side effects were cumulative, (got worse over time), I started with a slightly reduced dose and had it reduced even more after an infection and temperature. Everyone is different but you need to listen to your own body, if it feels off, call your helpline.
Some people suggest it’s kinder than 3 weekly Docetaxel (a similar taxane chemotherapy) but from being on the monthly chemo starters I found many on the weekly regime had at least 1 ‘good’ week out of 3. I managed a 3 of good days in the first few weeks, one of which was back in the chair for more chemotherapy, down to 2 good days from half way. So most weeks I had 1 day that I didn’t feel rubbish.
Side effects: Fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea (n & d helped by medication), aches and pains, loss of taste, nose bleeds, sore mouth, thrush, poor sleep (steroids), sore nails, sore scalp ( I did cold cap for all 12 weeks, not an easy feet, but managed to keep most of my hair, thinning and two small bald patches above my ears. I had hair cur into a pixie cut).
As already mentioned reading the previous chemo starters groups can be very helpful. I joined one group as I thought I was having chemo before surgery then it changed to afterwards. Joining a group gives you support of others going through similar treatments to you and is a great source of camaraderie and support. Here’s the link for June 2024
You can call the BCN nurses or call your own clinical nurse specialists attached to your oncology team, to talk about side effects and how to manage them.
Wishing you the best on your continued treatment.