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I did Taxol and Herceptin weekly for 6 months.
I suggest using sodium bicarbonate as a mouthwash several times a day to avoid "mushrooms" in the mouth. weekly Taxol seems to be better tolerated. I didn't take any vitamins or supplements because I've been told anti-oxidants prevent chemo doing its "good" work. I thought co-enzyme 10 was an anti-oxidant so I didn't take that either until after chemo. I did take magnesium and calcium because my levels went down. I had colitis,(given medicine which cured it), lost my hair, fatigue, no nausea to speak of, finger nails and feet nails became brittle, some skin rashes (not sure connected - still have them), some bearable bone/nerve? pain. I've never clear as to why Taxol and not Taxotere or which is "better" or has less side effects.
drink lots of water and clean your teeth before starting, also periodically have your eyes checked - cataracts came on for me but I'm an older person so may have happened sooner or later anyway - this is one side effect I never saw mentioned. Bascially I found it fairly "easy" given the horror stories I've heard. Fatigue was the worse for me but I love to read. Just remember it's saving your life and doing you great good so think positively and look forward to each treatment as a great and precious gift. listen to books on tape when you can't read. reading is a wonderful distraction and great pleasure. good luck. this time next year you'll have done it and be on the way to a healthier life and your new hair will be softer and thicker.
sarah
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