Breast Cancer Support Group

Breast cancer is a cancer that usually originates in the ducts or lobules of the breast. Symptoms of breast cancer can include a lump in the breast, a change in size or shape of the breast or discharge from a nipple. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, this is the community to discuss your experience, find support, and meet others going through...

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TeamDS 10/12/2006

Tell us about your personal experience with Taxol as a treatment: Has it worked? Have you had any issues? Any recommendations or tips?

deleted_user 03/03/2007

I am fairly new to this site so I happened across this discussion, noticing 0 replies. I was given Taxol in the last 4 (of 8) treatments. I had extreme bone pain during that entire 8 weeks. I am out 3 months from my last chemo treatment and am still experiencing numbness in the tips of thumb and baby finger. The middle three are numb down to the first joint from the tip. It is painful in that it stings (like cold) they are cold on the outside, occasionally. The fingers are very sensitive and numb at the same time. I am concerned about injuries that may occur to my fingers: i.e. dishwashing, gardening, other activities where I might be touching something hot/cold without realizing it.
I use my eyes in conjunction with my affected hand...which is a work in progress. I use gloves for my own protection. I use massage and drumming for circulation. My doc says it is normal and may take months to subside or may not ever (rare). These are my issues and tips...as far as working? DK ONE MUST GO ON WITH LIFE!

deleted_user 03/04/2007

I just remember the extreme bone pain. I remember joking with another gal who was going through treatment with it at the same time, that we felt like we had polio. Of course we didn't, but the pain was what we thought polio might feel like.

I do have neuropathy in my feet, and have had, before the chemo. It's worse now, but I don't know if it's because of the Taxol or my back problems. Taxol was no fun, but it did seem to work for me.

deleted_user 03/04/2007

I had 12 weekly treatments of Taxol following A/C chemo. I developed neuropathy almost immediately and it progressed with each treatment. I finished in April 2006, but the neuropathy in my hands and feet has not resolved. I take Neurontin (900 mg) and weekly acupuncture treatments. As reported by DK, I have adapted. I can no longer wear close-toe shoes (intense nerve pain on toe nails), careful to not burn myself in the kitchen. I need help with opening bottles and with small buttons and sometimes zippers. I continue to seek answers, but it doesn't stop me.

deleted_user 03/13/2007

Taxotere saved my life this year,YAY FOR THE YEW TREE

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