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Paclitaxel question re breast cancer

Yorkshire_defector1
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Has/is anyone having paclitaxel following EC?

I have had EC (was generally fine on it) and have just started paclitaxel and have had a severe reaction of peripheral neuropathy, there's nothing the team can do to alleviate the pain I'm in and Vicks isn't helping (the only thing that could apparently per doc).

I want to stop the paclitaxel treatment as am not prepared to have my quality of life impacted like so and also there's a risk that the damage, especially if i have more paclitaxel, could be permanent (it could be already). Plus my lumps responded well to EC so much so that now need a marker so the support team know where the lumps were. The team have already agreed to reduce the paclitaxel dose but I want more!

Hads anyone similar experience of swapping chemo drugs or changing/stopping treatment?

I have an appointment with oncologist next week to discuss my wishes and want to go into the meeting prepared so any information would be most appreciated.

Thanks

Sam

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    Hello Sam, 

    I am sorry to hear Paclitaxel has given you peripheral neuropathy and I can understand why you are now wondering whether you should change treatment. It is great that you are going to see your oncologist next week to discuss this - they will have the expertise to tell you what your best options are in your particular situation. 

    I hope that you will meet others here who have faced a similar difficult decision with paclitaxel and that they will come and share their personal experiences with you. 

    Our nurses are also available on this free number 0808 800 4040 if you have any questions- their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm 

    I hope all goes well next week with your appointment! 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hello.I had 4xEC and meant to have 4xPaclitaxel 2 years ago.But Paclitaxel was too much in the end I just had 3x Paclitaxel because the tumour shrink so they have agreed and had my surgery earlier.

    Now my cancer is back after 2 years all clear and I am having weekly Paclitaxel.But I am responding again.But I feel it weekly very tirying.

    Good luck.

  • Offline in reply to Denise1977

    Thanks for response Denise, am going back to EC which hopefully will do the job, on the plus side I know what it will do for me and won't have the annoying side effects that paclitaxel did.

    Sam X

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