Taxol Linked to Neuropathic Pain in Women with Breast Cancer: Study
Use of the chemotherapy drug Taxol (paclitaxel) may significantly increase the risk of chronic neuropathic pain in breast cancer survivors, according to a new study from U.S. researchers.
The research, published in the November issue of the Journal of Pain, found that two-thirds of breast cancer patients given Taxol during chemotherapy experienced neuropathic pain during treatment, almost a third of whom were later diagnosed with chronic neuropathic pain.
Taxol is the brand name of paclitaxel. Originally developed by Bristol-Meyers Squibb, it is also available as a generic and a newer formulation known as Abraxane. It was first approved by FDA in 1992.
Did You Know?
Millions of Philips CPAP Machines Recalled
Philips DreamStation, CPAP and BiPAP machines sold in recent years may pose a risk of cancer, lung damage and other injuries.
Learn MoreIn the new study, researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center surveyed 240 breast cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy clinical trials between 1994 and 2001 and were given Taxol. The results indicated that 64% of those patients suffered chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain (CIPN) at the time of their treatment, and 27% of those who experienced CIPN were later diagnosed as having chronic neuropathic pain that persisted well after their treatments.
Chronic neuropathic pain is caused by damage to nerve fibers, which begin to send incorrect pain signals to the brain. Chronic neuropathic pain most often occurs after chemotherapy or when people who have undergone amputations can still feel pain from removed limb, commonly known as phantom limb syndrome.
Neuropathic pain symptoms include stabbing pains, numbness, tingling and/or burning sensations, most often in the hands and feet.
Researchers said that the study’s results show that CIPN at the time of chemotherapy could be used as an indicator of the risk of chronic neuropathic pain. The researchers suggested that women given Taxol should be monitored for signs of CIPN, and the risks and benefits of continuing to use the drug should be weighed when early signs of pain are detected.
Get more articles like this sent directly to your inbox.
"*" indicates required fields
52 Comments
ChrisannFebruary 24, 2024 at 7:02 pm
My mother suffered severe effects from Taxol, none of which we expected given the pamphlet explaining potential side effects of this drug. My mother ended up losing complete feeling from her knees to her feet, which caused her unable to walk, her hands were affected as well, her fingers curled up making them impossible to use, she had to relearn how to walk, and even at her best had to use a walk[Show More]My mother suffered severe effects from Taxol, none of which we expected given the pamphlet explaining potential side effects of this drug. My mother ended up losing complete feeling from her knees to her feet, which caused her unable to walk, her hands were affected as well, her fingers curled up making them impossible to use, she had to relearn how to walk, and even at her best had to use a walker and rely on people for assistance. Her cancer ended up spreading to her lungs 5 years later which went undiagnosed due to the fact that she had to take so much gabapentin for her SEVERE nyropothy that her symptoms for cancer were masked by the side affects of her high dosage of Gabapentin !!! She passed away in July of 2021 as the cancer spread to her brain! I fully blame Taxol for killing the nerves in her legs which in turn killed her in the end, Taxol did not help with my mothers cancer it inevitably killed her!
JamieJanuary 29, 2024 at 4:40 pm
I have permanently debilitating neuropathy stemming from my chemo infusions of Taxol. Inasmuch as I sympathize with those who suffer from hair loss, I know I am amongst many women who now have neuropathy that is extremely severe. Why aren’t there law suits for those of us who can no longer function adequately in our lives? I would appreciate any info on lawyers or law firms that are representing t[Show More]I have permanently debilitating neuropathy stemming from my chemo infusions of Taxol. Inasmuch as I sympathize with those who suffer from hair loss, I know I am amongst many women who now have neuropathy that is extremely severe. Why aren’t there law suits for those of us who can no longer function adequately in our lives? I would appreciate any info on lawyers or law firms that are representing these cases. Thank you very much.
LinndaJuly 27, 2023 at 11:42 pm
Taxol gave me chronic neuropathy in my hands and feet, can no longer function. They told me nothing about this!
RachelNovember 2, 2022 at 8:48 pm
Why are there no lawyers helping those of us who were not informed of the risk … and now have chronic, debilitating, intractable, progressive, neuropathic pain, from chemotherapy drugs? I received a notice about a class action lawsuit for hair loss, did not make sense because we were warned about that.
karenJuly 11, 2022 at 10:35 am
I received Taxol in 2013 to treat breast cancer. While in treatment, I had horrific neuropathic pain in my feet and legs, and significant pain in my hands. Today I continue to suffer with pain and numbness. I am unable to be physically active and therefore feel totally awful. My quality of life is extremely diminished and I am sad that I will not do the many things I expected and dreamed to do[Show More]I received Taxol in 2013 to treat breast cancer. While in treatment, I had horrific neuropathic pain in my feet and legs, and significant pain in my hands. Today I continue to suffer with pain and numbness. I am unable to be physically active and therefore feel totally awful. My quality of life is extremely diminished and I am sad that I will not do the many things I expected and dreamed to do later in life. I am saddened that I will not be the grandmother I wanted to be. I was only told that taxol would cause hairloss and that the pain would be temporary. Incidentally, my hair did not come back even close to the same. It is thin and brittle. I wish other options had been presented to me and that the true side effects of taxol were explained.
JoyceApril 27, 2022 at 7:52 pm
I was treated with Taxol for cancer In 2018. I am cancer free but was left with neuropathy both feet and legs and numbness in my fingers. I have drop foot of my left foot. I cannot get around without braces on both feet. My quality of life has been greatly diminished.
JoyceApril 25, 2022 at 2:51 pm
I have Neuropathic damaged in my feet and hand where I have to wear a brace on them.
MariaApril 4, 2022 at 3:30 am
Severe neuropathy pain in the feet after chemo. Minor pain & numbness is hands
DIANEMarch 30, 2022 at 7:37 pm
I had the drug Taxol given to me for right breast caner in 2016 and was told the neuropathy would go away anywhere from six months to a year and it is now 2022 and i still suffer with the neuropathy in both hands and both feet. I also had rad. In 2018 had to have bilateral mastectomy for the same type of cancer HER2 Tripple negative. I have to take the drug gabapentin 300mg TID which makes me drow[Show More]I had the drug Taxol given to me for right breast caner in 2016 and was told the neuropathy would go away anywhere from six months to a year and it is now 2022 and i still suffer with the neuropathy in both hands and both feet. I also had rad. In 2018 had to have bilateral mastectomy for the same type of cancer HER2 Tripple negative. I have to take the drug gabapentin 300mg TID which makes me drowsy. Is there no end to this pain? Yor return response would be greatly appreciated.
LisaJune 12, 2021 at 8:11 am
Nobody warned me of nerve damage from Taxol. The sad part is, I was to have Ibrance but the oncologist switched it the day before dosing. I have always been an athletic person without any significant injuries and have always been grateful for my health and mobility. I am also a writer so need the use of my fingers to type. Twelve days ago, I went in for my first Taxol treatment and within 2 days[Show More]Nobody warned me of nerve damage from Taxol. The sad part is, I was to have Ibrance but the oncologist switched it the day before dosing. I have always been an athletic person without any significant injuries and have always been grateful for my health and mobility. I am also a writer so need the use of my fingers to type. Twelve days ago, I went in for my first Taxol treatment and within 2 days I started getting tingling in my limbs. Now, my right foot is completely numb. I told my oncologist but she unceremoniously stated that 'Yes, neuropathy is a side effect. There is no treatment for it'. I couldn't believe her casual attitude towards something so serious. I asked about physical therapy and she said that it doesn't do much good. Why didn't anyone warn me?! The sad part is, I literally ran away from my original Taxol appointment. I was sitting there and had a really bad feeling, so I left. My oncologist berated me endlessly and bullied me into Taxol treatment and now seems to be enjoying my pain. There is something wrong with her. Either way, I doubt I will return for another treatment. I am going to another oncologist. Hopefully, by some miracle I can reverse the nerve damage Taxol caused me.
TamaraMay 24, 2021 at 8:55 pm
3 years post cancer with continued neuropathic pain and disabilities
Tabitha swartzJanuary 10, 2021 at 12:04 pm
I think as the years pass and we can come to truly grasp the poisonous effects of taxol we will come to understand that neuropathy is not only one of the side effects taxol I am experiencing heart failure and blood clots in my lungs on an array of medicine that I will be on for most of my life and I do believe the taxol has caused this so do most of my doctors the port that goes into your chest fl[Show More]I think as the years pass and we can come to truly grasp the poisonous effects of taxol we will come to understand that neuropathy is not only one of the side effects taxol I am experiencing heart failure and blood clots in my lungs on an array of medicine that I will be on for most of my life and I do believe the taxol has caused this so do most of my doctors the port that goes into your chest flushes minut clots into your lungs and the port that is put into your chest goes directly to your heart within two years after taking this taxol I have the neuropathy I have heart failure and I have blood clots that keep entering my lungs and I must be on blood thinners this treatment should not be used because whether you get past the cancer or not going to kill you in the end cuz your heart will start deteriorating or blood clot will kill you this is a disastrous treatment for cancer those doctors that got paid out to give this to patients by big pharmaceutical companies I begged for a different treatment and was told it was the only thing they had that could cure my cancer this treatment is poison to the entire body Paxil needs to be sued for causing blood clots in heart failure in patients it is something that needs to be looked into neuropathy is only one of the minut effects of taxol there is a much bigger picture on what exactly this drug is is doing to people
ShereeSeptember 10, 2020 at 4:31 am
I was given Taxol as one of 3 chemo drugs in 2006. Since then ai have suffered from chronic neuropathy in my feet and my hands. I was told I would lose my hair but that was it. I also have massive dry eye from the chemo. Drops 2x every day and my vision is terrible. I am thankful to have beat stage 3 breast cancer and was diagnosed again in 2017. The side effects from chemo are life long.
MaryApril 14, 2020 at 3:23 pm
I was treated with Taxol for breast cancer I 2018 until January 2019. I am cancer free but was left with neuropathy both feet and legs and numbness in my fingers. I have drop foot of left foot. I cannot get around without my walker. My quality of life has been greatly diminished.
JaneAugust 19, 2019 at 3:47 pm
Can we sue?
DebbieNovember 27, 2018 at 1:28 pm
My last 4 chemo treatments involved the use of taxol beginning late March 2018. Treatment 1 resulted in severe joint and muscle pain all over my body, especially my feet, legs and hands. I could not even stand much less walk. I was given a prescription for Tramadol and this hell subsided within a few days except for numbness in my feet and hands. I told my med. oncologist that I could not go [Show More]My last 4 chemo treatments involved the use of taxol beginning late March 2018. Treatment 1 resulted in severe joint and muscle pain all over my body, especially my feet, legs and hands. I could not even stand much less walk. I was given a prescription for Tramadol and this hell subsided within a few days except for numbness in my feet and hands. I told my med. oncologist that I could not go through that again,. She said I probably suffered the side effect peripheral neuropathy and it was not an uncommon side effect; it might go away and it might not. After my continued protest of further treatment with this chem drug, she said they would reduce the amount of Taxol to 80% of the original dose. Way less pain, but severe itching all over my body a couple days after treatment 2. This lasted almost the entire time till next treatment two weeks later. The doctor came up with a combination of antihistamines that almost eliminated the itching side effects for treatments 3 & 4 but the damage was done—the numbness and lumpy feeling in my feet got worse each treatment, along with numb fingers, incontinence, terrible cramps in feet and lower legs, dangerously low blood pressure when I took my usual dose of meds for high blood pressure. After chemo was finished earlier lower back pain returned with a vengeance. I had some back pain before my breast cancer diagnosis, but the pain subsided during chemo due to all the steroids used. My back pain immediately returned after the steroids wore off, and was now intolerably painful. The back doctor’s diagnosis is lumbar radiculopathy, which my research has found is another side effect of Taxol. I no longer have breast cancer, but I was unable to continue my gardening, bike riding with my husband, the home improvement projects I had started and now can’t walk very far even with a cane and use a rollator constantly. My husband has helped me every way he could through all the cancer treatments and now with all the things I no longer can do due to the neuropathy and back pain. I was always an active, hard working person and now my life is consumed by just being able to stand long enough to put together a meal or try to help a little with housekeeping like the easier parts of dusting or sweeping with my electric “broom”. And being able to tolerate the pain until its time for more meds. I never thought I would be in this condiition at age 66–I’m alive but quality of life for me is greatly reduced. I’m in so much pain constantly and now have to use so much pain meds that I have a doctor overseeing my pain management. I read of so many people whose pain is minimized by others—maybe their doctor, their family members, social security, etc. IT IS NOT OUR IMAGINATION! Then I discovered that peripheral neuropathy can be a side effect of Levofloxacin, which I was given to treat pneumonia right before I got well enough to have my first chemo treatment with Taxol. I feel that my medical caregivers and the drug companies dealt me a one-two punch that has nearly rendered me totally disabled. Some days it is not enough to just keep telling myself “but I’m alive!”
CarolSeptember 27, 2018 at 5:55 pm
I received Taxol back in April of 2015 for an unidentified case of Breast Cancer. The doctors were not sure if it was breast or ovarian but I still received treatment. I was told that I would loose my hair on my head but not knowing other locations of my body would be involved. I was given this treatment 6 times & was in and out of the ER for dehydration, chest pains and Urinary Tract Infection (U[Show More]I received Taxol back in April of 2015 for an unidentified case of Breast Cancer. The doctors were not sure if it was breast or ovarian but I still received treatment. I was told that I would loose my hair on my head but not knowing other locations of my body would be involved. I was given this treatment 6 times & was in and out of the ER for dehydration, chest pains and Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). I loss every hair from the top of my head to the little hairs on my toes. I never felt so cold in all of my days, even in the sun I'm cold. My hair eventually grew back in some areas but never came back full. The hair on my legs & arms are gone. I now suffer with neuropathy and I am confide to a wheelchair. Thankfully the swelling in my legs have subsided. I am going to physical therapy but I get tired really fast. I'm always depressed and I suffer with anxiety, hallucinations & lack of memory. I hope & pray there's a really good person who can help us all with this situation. I know I will never be myself again......this is not a way of life.
JoannJune 5, 2018 at 3:25 pm
I was given Taxol in 2010 the doctor told me I might lose my nails and sure enough my two big toenails came off. The worse thing about this drug is the numbness in my feet it never goes away in fact it's worse now then 8 years ago. Now I m to the point I don't even want to go out I m in pain all the time nothing helps. When I m in the shower I have to hold on for dear life I feel like I am going[Show More]I was given Taxol in 2010 the doctor told me I might lose my nails and sure enough my two big toenails came off. The worse thing about this drug is the numbness in my feet it never goes away in fact it's worse now then 8 years ago. Now I m to the point I don't even want to go out I m in pain all the time nothing helps. When I m in the shower I have to hold on for dear life I feel like I am going to fall. When I told my Doctor that it's getting worse she said that can't be it must be something else. I had had 12 treatments of Toxal and 6 of another drug. 16 all together. I loss all my hair and had a lumpectomy and all my nodes removed. I am now 65 and am so depressed.
DeborahApril 27, 2018 at 9:54 am
I was given taxol during my 2 yrs of chemo for stage 1 ER negative breast cancer. I had to stop chemo twice because it lowered my heart function to 42%. The heart Dr. Stopped all my treatment due to my heart kept getting weaker. I now have neuropathy through out my body and now have nerve damage in my eyes. I was told there were no side affects from the chemo i was gonna recieve. I almost died fro[Show More]I was given taxol during my 2 yrs of chemo for stage 1 ER negative breast cancer. I had to stop chemo twice because it lowered my heart function to 42%. The heart Dr. Stopped all my treatment due to my heart kept getting weaker. I now have neuropathy through out my body and now have nerve damage in my eyes. I was told there were no side affects from the chemo i was gonna recieve. I almost died from the first round and ended in the hospital for a week. I have unexplained head twitches. Random Blind episodes for 30 min. I need help I feel like i am dieing. I get worse every yr.
JeanApril 3, 2018 at 3:00 pm
I have permanent loss of both upper and lower eyelashes. Has anyone else had this experience?
LucilleJanuary 16, 2018 at 10:12 pm
I was given taxol 10yearsago and was told that if you have curly hair it will come back straight and visaversa no hair came back I have severe neuropathy I have to go to the hair club
JanniatNovember 7, 2017 at 7:52 pm
I received Taxol and Carboplatin in January of 2014 for Cervical Cancer and when I told the nurse that was administering them to me about how my feet was tingling and going numb, she told me that it can cause me to start stumbling and falling. To this day my feet still have this same feeling in them My hair did come back but not as long as it before and thinner on top. Help
WandaNovember 6, 2017 at 5:57 am
I took Taxol 9 yrs ago, began experiencing neuropathy during treatment, was told it generally gets better after you finish, mine did not, it has gotten worse. Both feet are numb, legs have tingling all the time. Swelling in my legs particularly the left one is ongoing. I'm on opoids routinely for the pain and several months ago learned I have a low cardiac output that was not present before chemo.[Show More]I took Taxol 9 yrs ago, began experiencing neuropathy during treatment, was told it generally gets better after you finish, mine did not, it has gotten worse. Both feet are numb, legs have tingling all the time. Swelling in my legs particularly the left one is ongoing. I'm on opoids routinely for the pain and several months ago learned I have a low cardiac output that was not present before chemo. My hair did come back but thinner on top, I'm grateful to be alive but have poor quality of life a lot of the time. Continue to work even though it is very difficult but have to have insurance. Taxol really did a number on me.
BillieOctober 16, 2017 at 7:07 pm
I received Taxol for breast cancer in 2011. I was never informed of the possibility of having neuropathy as a result. I have it in my hands and feet. When going for my treatments, the doctor would occasionally ask if I felt any tingling in my feet. I was also told that tolerating the drug would be a piece of cake. I have pain in my feet and hands 24/7. I think the doctors should inform their pati[Show More]I received Taxol for breast cancer in 2011. I was never informed of the possibility of having neuropathy as a result. I have it in my hands and feet. When going for my treatments, the doctor would occasionally ask if I felt any tingling in my feet. I was also told that tolerating the drug would be a piece of cake. I have pain in my feet and hands 24/7. I think the doctors should inform their patients of the side effects. The doctor did say that he didn't want me to become disabled from taking the drug, but never explained any further. Going through cancer is scary enough, emotionally and physically. The doctor should have been more up front.
SherryOctober 7, 2017 at 3:48 am
I had a lumpectomy in 2009 and I was cancer free but my doctor said because I was in my 40's I should do chemo and radiation as a preventitive to keep it from coming back in the other breast. I was naive enough to believe it so he gave me adriamyacin which just about killed me and then paxol. It did so much permanent damage. I only got about 1/3 of my hair back, hormonal imbalance, severe depressi[Show More]I had a lumpectomy in 2009 and I was cancer free but my doctor said because I was in my 40's I should do chemo and radiation as a preventitive to keep it from coming back in the other breast. I was naive enough to believe it so he gave me adriamyacin which just about killed me and then paxol. It did so much permanent damage. I only got about 1/3 of my hair back, hormonal imbalance, severe depression, fingertips are permanently numb as well as numbness in feet and can't stand on my feet very long. My skin was totally aged. I have no resilience at all. I then heard my dr was being investigated for misbilling medicaid. I always thought he had ulterior motives for my treatment. By the time I realized my side affects were permanent the statute of limitations was over. If I hadn't listened to him and just had the lumpectomy I would be healthy and have quality of life instead of becoming a homebody too exhausted all the time to socialize and not feel like this walking dead person. I feel like chemo put 10 to 20 years on my age. There are other health issues as well
KathySeptember 28, 2017 at 8:15 pm
I had triple negative bc in 2015. Had taxol and adrianmyacin. Experience severe neuropathy why having taxol. Oncologist give said take more pain med. 2 yrs later pain is so bad getting worse. Meds aren't working. Did 14 Chemo treatments. Severe pain in hands n feet . Thin hair. Help
DeborahJuly 9, 2017 at 5:32 pm
I too was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in April, 2016. After a bilateral mastectomy, I received "breast specific" chemotherapy (4 treatments). My last 4 treatments were to be Taxol. After the first Taxol Treatment, my feet went numb and I had bad pain in my legs. I was told by my Oncologist, "We are done here." No more Taxol was administered and I was prescribed Neurontin for neuropathy. I [Show More]I too was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in April, 2016. After a bilateral mastectomy, I received "breast specific" chemotherapy (4 treatments). My last 4 treatments were to be Taxol. After the first Taxol Treatment, my feet went numb and I had bad pain in my legs. I was told by my Oncologist, "We are done here." No more Taxol was administered and I was prescribed Neurontin for neuropathy. I continue to feel the numbness at night but now 6 months since completion, my hands are numb and painful; especially my right hand. Sometimes I have trouble holding things in my right hand and I am presently taking 900 grams of Neurontin per day.
RosalineJune 12, 2017 at 2:28 am
I was diagnosed with hormone receptive breast cancer in Oct 2015. I had a lumpectomy and later had the breast removed. I began chemo in Dec. 2015 with 20 treatments. I don't remember how many treatments of Taxol I was given. I suffer from neuropathy in my left arm and hand and take neurontin daily. My hair has come back very thin.
MarilynMarch 30, 2017 at 11:59 pm
Taxol was given to me for metastatic breast cancer, stage 4 w/bone involvement. I received it from Nov. 29, 2016 - Jan.. 31, 2017. Now I have interstitial lung disease that, I am told, was "chemo induced." So, instead of just fighting bone cancer, I now have a lung disease! The neuropathy isn't getting any better...I've been off Taxol for over 2 months now. Doctor now says acupuncture may help [Show More]Taxol was given to me for metastatic breast cancer, stage 4 w/bone involvement. I received it from Nov. 29, 2016 - Jan.. 31, 2017. Now I have interstitial lung disease that, I am told, was "chemo induced." So, instead of just fighting bone cancer, I now have a lung disease! The neuropathy isn't getting any better...I've been off Taxol for over 2 months now. Doctor now says acupuncture may help or some laser treatment. No one mentioned any of this at the beginning! My hands are only slightly numb right now. After reading all the comments I'm becoming very frightened. This is so wrong! I don't know if others have had this lung problem or not. I am curious to hear if this is a common complaint. Are class action suits charged to the client who initiates it? I'd certainly like to join it.
KarinMarch 11, 2017 at 12:04 am
I have bald spots and hair thinning, neuropathy in my hands and feet and joint and muscle pains. I received taxol in 2014-2015 for breast cancer.
debbieJanuary 7, 2017 at 12:11 am
I had one dose of taxol 12/24/08, and had the worst reaction, and had to go to ER. Felt like every bone in my body had been crushed and had to have a lot of pain killers..didn't sleep for 4 days. I was left with terrible neuropathy that lyrica and atarax barely help. I have numbness in my feet and hands, and terrible itching in my affected breast..makes me want to just have the whole breast remove[Show More]I had one dose of taxol 12/24/08, and had the worst reaction, and had to go to ER. Felt like every bone in my body had been crushed and had to have a lot of pain killers..didn't sleep for 4 days. I was left with terrible neuropathy that lyrica and atarax barely help. I have numbness in my feet and hands, and terrible itching in my affected breast..makes me want to just have the whole breast removed..I have balance problems, several bad falls, and use a cane...also drop things all the time.
MonicaDecember 29, 2016 at 6:32 am
I was given Taxon in 2006 to treat stage 3 breastfeeding cancer , had a lumpectomy and lymph nodes taken from my left arm . I always have pain at the sites and neuropathy in my hands . I have permanent hair loss on parts of my scalp on the top part of my head .
BernadetteNovember 7, 2016 at 10:43 pm
I was on Taxol 10 years ago. My hair never came back and I have to wear wigs at all times. I also have some very nasty neuropathy in my feet and some slight neuropathy in my hands.
TrinetteOctober 30, 2016 at 2:40 pm
I also received taxol in 2014. I wish i never did. My hair only came back at the top. I also suffer from neuropathy in my hands and feet really bad. My Son had to take family leave from his job because i needed help. Now i have a home health aide to help me with my personal care. I take pain meds 4 times a day and muscle relaxers for the muscle spasms i get. Now i have pain in the heel of my arch[Show More]I also received taxol in 2014. I wish i never did. My hair only came back at the top. I also suffer from neuropathy in my hands and feet really bad. My Son had to take family leave from his job because i needed help. Now i have a home health aide to help me with my personal care. I take pain meds 4 times a day and muscle relaxers for the muscle spasms i get. Now i have pain in the heel of my archelises heel. On going thereapy since 2014. My life has changed. Haven't been back to work because the neuropathy takes over my hands and feet so bad some days i can only cry. There has to be a better way.
TanyaOctober 28, 2016 at 4:19 am
I am currently taking Gapastatin for numbness, tingling and pain in my feet from Taxol. I have permanent hair loss on parts of my skull. No eyebrows r eyelashes.
AnneOctober 26, 2016 at 11:34 pm
I received twelve treatments of taxol for breast cancer in 2014. The last few weeks of treatment I had minor numbness and pain in my feet and legs, but the oncologist said it should go away after treatment was finished. But five days after my last taxol treatment both of my feet were totally numb and swollen, and within two weeks I was unable to walk and both hands were numb. I have not improved [Show More]I received twelve treatments of taxol for breast cancer in 2014. The last few weeks of treatment I had minor numbness and pain in my feet and legs, but the oncologist said it should go away after treatment was finished. But five days after my last taxol treatment both of my feet were totally numb and swollen, and within two weeks I was unable to walk and both hands were numb. I have not improved since then. I need braces on both legs to walk. Both legs and feet are numb from the knees down. I have severe drop foot. My hands are also still numb. I am no longer able to drive and cannot leave the house on my own. I am now on social security disability.
EloiseSeptember 6, 2016 at 7:11 pm
I received chemotherapy in 2004 to treat breast cancer. Some time later I experience numbness in my toes. My oncologist told me that neuropathy can occur after chemotherapy. I was not aware of possible side effects from the treatment. The numbness and tingling occurs more frequently now. I'm afraid it will worsen into something more serious over time. There should be a less drastic way to treat br[Show More]I received chemotherapy in 2004 to treat breast cancer. Some time later I experience numbness in my toes. My oncologist told me that neuropathy can occur after chemotherapy. I was not aware of possible side effects from the treatment. The numbness and tingling occurs more frequently now. I'm afraid it will worsen into something more serious over time. There should be a less drastic way to treat breast cancer.
WillieSeptember 2, 2016 at 7:47 pm
My mom received 6 treatments of Taxol durning her third treatment she started to get really sick from the chemo after a year now she still suffer from diarrhea , swelling and neuropathy in her hands and feet. She has to have a walker and braces on her feet to walk with the walker . She hasn't drove since July 2015. Her doctor didn't explain the side effects to us . When we went for the fourth trea[Show More]My mom received 6 treatments of Taxol durning her third treatment she started to get really sick from the chemo after a year now she still suffer from diarrhea , swelling and neuropathy in her hands and feet. She has to have a walker and braces on her feet to walk with the walker . She hasn't drove since July 2015. Her doctor didn't explain the side effects to us . When we went for the fourth treatment he notice she could no longer walk without assistance he was in a total shock .
CathyAugust 26, 2016 at 7:03 pm
I spent several months with the cancer center in 2008. I was given the taxol drug for treatment. I have had neuropathy since then and it has progressively gotten worse. I have been looking for ways to deal with nerve pain. I have my medical records and I need help at this point. How do I join the class action suit? I know I can't be the only person suffering with this.
angelaAugust 22, 2016 at 9:17 pm
I have neuropathy from chemo I was given taxol
MicheleJune 28, 2016 at 4:59 am
My hair hasn't grown back as well as severe neuropathy pain in feet and body after taxol chemotherapy for breast cancer. Had to go to pain specialist. I take methadone 3x a day. Helps with body pain. Nothing really helps with foot pain. I use a cane for stability.
GinetteJune 23, 2016 at 1:43 pm
contracted peripheral neuropathy with my chemo treatment in 2014. I must work but the pain makes it harder and harder. Now , that my life is nothing but pain ,I wish that taxol was never a part of my treatment.
LindaJune 13, 2016 at 10:36 pm
I recieved taxol chemo in 2008 pain so bad was sent to pain mangament dr. Still have tingling numness burning and some pain after 8 years wish i had never taken it
AdrenneMarch 7, 2016 at 7:59 pm
I also received taxol chemo in 2006. I have been suffering with neurophathy pain everyday in both feet since then.
KatrinaNovember 27, 2015 at 3:25 pm
My mom passed away from breast cancer about 1 and a half year ago the cancer went to her spinal fluid .in to her brain after her first chemo she was fine.once she started taxol she was in so much pain due to neuropathy from taxol.she suffered so much ..i read some where that taxol can cause the cancer cells to spread to the brain.if the doctor would have told us my mom could have still been alive.
TammyOctober 29, 2015 at 4:09 am
I received the chemo drug taxol following a lumpectomy and removal of lymph nodes due to breast cancer. I was in severe pain during and after treatment....and my quality of life continues to decline. The pain in my hands and feet are excrutiating. I have to have help doing the smallest of things. I went from being a financial consultant with a very lucrative business to now being unemployed and to[Show More]I received the chemo drug taxol following a lumpectomy and removal of lymph nodes due to breast cancer. I was in severe pain during and after treatment....and my quality of life continues to decline. The pain in my hands and feet are excrutiating. I have to have help doing the smallest of things. I went from being a financial consultant with a very lucrative business to now being unemployed and totally dependent on my husband. I have been denied by social security for disability numerous times because chronic pain is not considered disabled. It is not only the pain and suffering. I can no longer enjoy life. I no can no longer contribute to the welfare of my family. I feel so helpless and worthless. I had worked hard all of my life until I faced an enemy called taxol.
janetApril 3, 2015 at 7:58 pm
I share the same experiences, Linda.. The use of Taxol in my treatmentn has left me with neuropathy in both hands and feet. I am unable to stand and must have help with just about everything. I have severe head pain and double vision as well.. I have had to hire a full-time care-giver and must use a wheelchair.. of course, I am happy to be alive but the quality my life is so poor. I feel angr[Show More]I share the same experiences, Linda.. The use of Taxol in my treatmentn has left me with neuropathy in both hands and feet. I am unable to stand and must have help with just about everything. I have severe head pain and double vision as well.. I have had to hire a full-time care-giver and must use a wheelchair.. of course, I am happy to be alive but the quality my life is so poor. I feel angry and a sense of loss that sometimes is difficult to get past.. Reading your posting and many others as well, I've come to believe that few of us were advised of the possible consequences of our chenotherapy.We expected to be better after treatment and we are worse. Doctors should do a better jolb of explaining the possible consequences of treatment so patients can give an informed consent, It is a year since your posting. I hope things are better for you now.
LindaMarch 28, 2014 at 4:26 am
I was diagnosed with malignant breast cancer and had a partial mastectomy in October, 2012. I had four rounds of chemo with Taxol and the side effects have been horrible. I was unable to work for a week after each treatment and kept telling my oncologist that I was dizzy, feeling weak, and just did not feel like I was recovering as I should. When the symptoms kept coming like a recurring ca[Show More]I was diagnosed with malignant breast cancer and had a partial mastectomy in October, 2012. I had four rounds of chemo with Taxol and the side effects have been horrible. I was unable to work for a week after each treatment and kept telling my oncologist that I was dizzy, feeling weak, and just did not feel like I was recovering as I should. When the symptoms kept coming like a recurring case of the shingles, a loss of vision in one eye and other issues, I was met with a laugh from the nurse practitioner and told I was fine. Now my symptoms are so bad that I have lost most of the sensation in my right hand and my quality of life is going down every day.
geraldJuly 5, 2012 at 4:16 pm
Medical Malpractice based on Carboplatin Chemo over dose. My wife Joan Kaiser was diagnosed as having Small Cell Lung Cancer in February 2011. The oncologist prescribed 455 mg of Carboplatin… in 21 day intervals… Carboplatin dosage must be regulated to accommodate a patient’s age; height and weight… there are set formulas from calculators to regulate dosage. Joan age 72 of slight frame should ha[Show More]Medical Malpractice based on Carboplatin Chemo over dose. My wife Joan Kaiser was diagnosed as having Small Cell Lung Cancer in February 2011. The oncologist prescribed 455 mg of Carboplatin… in 21 day intervals… Carboplatin dosage must be regulated to accommodate a patient’s age; height and weight… there are set formulas from calculators to regulate dosage. Joan age 72 of slight frame should have been given no more than 200mgs in 30 day intervals. The over dosage is the direct cause of Joan’s devastating damage to her nervous system… 12 month’s hospitalization on and off ventilators, and paralysis of her hands and arms. The side effects related to proper dosages of Carboplatin are relatively mild and tolerable. Six three day cycles of Chemotherapy was prescribed… Joan drove her car to attend the first two sessions. At the conclusion of the third session she stopped the Chemotherapy. The over dosage caused her to be bedridden and incapable of swallowing, she was fed through a tube place in her stomach; she had a Tracheotomy and breathed with the aid of a ventilator. Although Joan was diagnosed as having Small Cell Lung Cancer in February 2011… subsequent tests over the ensuing 12 months found her to be cancer free… we were very suspicious of the initial diagnosis being a false positive… however, subsequent new opinions confirmed the findings. Joan experienced excruciating pain and suffering for 12 straight months which was the proximate cause of Carboplatin over dose, as above described. Joan passed away on February 18th 2012 from coronary arrest, ostensibly caused by too fast of an infusion of Vancomyicin. She didn’t die from cancer.
danAugust 18, 2011 at 12:17 am
Personally, I do not feel that the neuropathic pain is solely limited to woman with breast cancer. I underwent chemo and radiation, 6 months after the cessation of chemo I began to notice tingling sensation in my feet and hands. I also have severe pain in my neck with muscular spasms, my cancer was in my upper glottis. My oncologist used both Taxol and Carboplatin in his treatment protocol. Over t[Show More]Personally, I do not feel that the neuropathic pain is solely limited to woman with breast cancer. I underwent chemo and radiation, 6 months after the cessation of chemo I began to notice tingling sensation in my feet and hands. I also have severe pain in my neck with muscular spasms, my cancer was in my upper glottis. My oncologist used both Taxol and Carboplatin in his treatment protocol. Over the last 2 years the pain has become so unbearable that my doctor has begun treating it with narcotics which causes even more problems.
TrishaJuly 29, 2010 at 11:54 pm
I began synthetic Taxol treatment in late summer of 2000. For the first time, after years of disbelief and disdain, a doctor said to me... "you have Taxol-related neuropathy." I suffer from chronic and significant pain that sometimes disables me. As a single woman of middle age and self-employed, this has been financially, emotionally and mentally debilitating.
JoanJuly 29, 2010 at 11:45 pm
I received †axol after undergoing a mastectomy for breast cancer and thereafter received chemo. Shortly after, I experienced numbness in my feet which continues to this day. I can hardly walk and use a cane. I have all my hospital records while I receiving taxol.