January 14, 2004

I had my first Taxol treatment, last Monday, January 5. Nice way to start the new year don't you think? ;-) The Taxol treatment differs from my previous AC treatments (Adriamycin and Cytoxan) in that I have to pre-medicate before going into the office. I took 5 pills of Decadron (a steroid) 12 hours and then 6 hours before my treatment. Because my treatment was at 10 am, that meant I had to set the alarm for 4 am to take my pills!! The pills are to help my body avoid an allergic reaction to the Taxol. The big concern was swelling or redness at the infusion site, a red rash on the face and neck, and difficulty breathing. Caroline, my nurse, sat right next to me for the first 10 minutes of my infusion to make sure nothing happened. When she was confident I wouldn't have a reaction, she went about her business of helping other patients. The nurses kept asking me how I was feeling. Of course, I was a little sleepy from some of the anti nausea drugs they gave me before the treatment. Oh, how I'd missed my benadryl!!!! NOT! Ugh.....I hate that drowsy, drug induced feeling. (secretly, I think the nurses like it, because if we're sleeping, we won't bother them!!!! ;-) ) Seriously, they work their butts off for us!!! And when every chair has a patient, they definitely have their hands full, and I'm so appreciative of the work they do!

My only immediate adverse affect from the Taxol was a flushed face. When I went back to the office the next day for my $6000 shot, they told me not to worry unless it turned into a rash and spread to my neck and chest. They think that it's also possible, that the Decadron caused the redness.

I left on Wednesday for a 3 day ski trip. I was a little worried, because one of the symptoms of Taxol is joint pain and muscle soreness and I was told it would set in within 2-3 days...yeeeha! Well, I was able to ski without too much trouble. I was definitely sore every evening...more so than usual, and in different places, so I know it was the Taxol. But I was able to ski for 3 days. The other symptom I've noticed, and this too is related to the Taxol, is some numbness if my fingers and feet. Am not sure if it will continue to get worse with each treatment. If it stays at the level where it is now, I can manage it. I meet with the Dr. next Friday so I'll be sure and ask him.

I'm grateful to have had no nausea with this drug, and very minimal mouth problems. Looks like Taxol will indeed be easier to tolerate than AC.