HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Side Effects of Adriamycin/Cytoxin and Taxol/Herceptin

Merridith · 06-01-2006, 05:37 PM

Hi LovingDaughter

I took exactly the same chemo that your mother is currently on.

Although many people told me that Taxol would be "easier", I would best describe the side effects as different from AC. Taxol didn't make me feel nauseated at all. But since it follows AC, your body is also more physically stressed. As a result, I found that there was somewhat more fatigue associated (but I don't know if I would strictly blame taxol as by that time your body has been doing the chemo-marathon for a number of months by the time you switch to taxol).

My main symptom was physical pain in the lower joints, particularly feet and knees. However I would not describe this as very bad. It was worse when you first stood up in the morning. At that time I would have to grit my teeth before I stood. It could also be uncomfortable to walk, but not bad enough to limp. I found this faded as I forced myself to walk around. (after each treatment however the "discomfort" time zoneexpanded). I also found that my finger nails (not toes) became tender and felt like they might come off. I avoided doing dishes because of this.

I also gave myself injections of neupogen. It is unpleasant, but doable. It is less painful if you stab yourself FAST rather than inserting the needle carefully. Rotate injection sites. Usually one side of your body (either left or right) tends to be less sensitive.

While you are on chemo, it is important to maintain a very high quality of mouth hygene. These are the steps that I took:
Dental hygenist every 3 months. Use biotene toothpaste (available behind the counter from your pharmacist). Remember that flossing removes 40% of the bacteria but must be done gently. Clean your teeth after eating anything. And most important........swish with baking soda every 4 - 8 hours (depending on where you are in the vulnerability of your chemo cycle.) This changes your mouth chemistry from acid to alkali. (Don't rince with fresh water after a swish) I used to swish whenever I got up at night to pee. If you follow the above rules you are likely to miss out on the mouth sores that are so common during chemo. Once you get them, they are hell to get rid of.

Good luck with your mom. Let her know that her hair will be back on her head really quickly after finishing her chemo.

Regards,
Merridith

06-01-2006, 05:37 PM	#25
Merridith Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Vancouver, BC Canada Posts: 116	Hi LovingDaughter I took exactly the same chemo that your mother is currently on. Although many people told me that Taxol would be "easier", I would best describe the side effects as different from AC. Taxol didn't make me feel nauseated at all. But since it follows AC, your body is also more physically stressed. As a result, I found that there was somewhat more fatigue associated (but I don't know if I would strictly blame taxol as by that time your body has been doing the chemo-marathon for a number of months by the time you switch to taxol). My main symptom was physical pain in the lower joints, particularly feet and knees. However I would not describe this as very bad. It was worse when you first stood up in the morning. At that time I would have to grit my teeth before I stood. It could also be uncomfortable to walk, but not bad enough to limp. I found this faded as I forced myself to walk around. (after each treatment however the "discomfort" time zoneexpanded). I also found that my finger nails (not toes) became tender and felt like they might come off. I avoided doing dishes because of this. I also gave myself injections of neupogen. It is unpleasant, but doable. It is less painful if you stab yourself FAST rather than inserting the needle carefully. Rotate injection sites. Usually one side of your body (either left or right) tends to be less sensitive. While you are on chemo, it is important to maintain a very high quality of mouth hygene. These are the steps that I took: Dental hygenist every 3 months. Use biotene toothpaste (available behind the counter from your pharmacist). Remember that flossing removes 40% of the bacteria but must be done gently. Clean your teeth after eating anything. And most important........swish with baking soda every 4 - 8 hours (depending on where you are in the vulnerability of your chemo cycle.) This changes your mouth chemistry from acid to alkali. (Don't rince with fresh water after a swish) I used to swish whenever I got up at night to pee. If you follow the above rules you are likely to miss out on the mouth sores that are so common during chemo. Once you get them, they are hell to get rid of. Good luck with your mom. Let her know that her hair will be back on her head really quickly after finishing her chemo. Regards, Merridith