This treatment involves the two chemotherapy drugs Taxol and carboplatin.
The treatment can be given either as an inpatient or as an outpatient. Before you can start treatment you will need a blood test and to be examined by a doctor. If the results are satisfactory the pharmacy will then proceed to prepare your chemotherapy, this may take a couple of hours.

Once the drugs are ready the nurse will put a cannula (a fine tube into the vein) into your hand or arm. You may find this uncomfortable or a little painful but it should not take long. Some people have their chemotherapy given through a fine plastic tube which is inserted under the skin into a vein near the collarbone (central line) or passed through a vein in their arm (PICC line). Your doctor or nurse will explain more about this to you. You will be given anti-sickness medication through your line or cannula. The chemotherapy drug Taxol (a straw-coloured fluid) is administered as an infusion (drip) over 3 hours and the carboplatin (a clear, colourless fluid) is administered also as an infusion over 1 hour. If you are having your treatment as a day patient you can then go home. You will be given a supply of anti-sickness tablets to take with you.

Following this day of treatment there is a rest period for three weeks. This makes up what is called a cycle of treatment. Following the three week break you will then start again with the next cycle of treatment. Usually six cycles of treatment are given in a full course, lasting for about 5 months.

Everybody worries about the side-effects of chemotherapy. Taxol and carboplatin can cause side-effects but the number of problems which occur and how troublesome they are varies from person to person. So while some people will find they have virtually no problems at all other women having identical treatment will have one or more of the following side-effects:

• temporary reduction in bone marrow function: this may reduce your number of white blood cells, making you more at risk of developing infections. It can also reduce the platelets in the blood making bruising and bleeding more likely. As your chemotherapy continues over the months it may also lead to some anaemia due to reduction in your red blood cells. If you develop a temperature above 38oC (100.5oF) or if you feel suddenly unwell, you should contact the hospital immediately (you will be given a contact number in case of problems when you have your treatment). The blood count usually recovers between cycles (this is the reason for the rest interval between completing one cycle of chemotherapy and starting the next) and you will always have blood test before starting your next cycle to make sure that things are back to a safe level.
• feeling sick (nausea) and vomiting: you will be given drugs to prevent sickness when you have your drip and also be given a supply to take in tablet form for a few days afterwards. These drugs are usually very effective at preventing sickness but if you do have problems tell your nurses and doctors and they will be able to adjust the medication and will usually be able improve things. If you do feel sick then fizzy drinks or nibbling dry biscuits or toast can often help.
• hair loss: hair loss almost always happens with this treatment and begins about two to three weeks after the first drip. Hair loss is usually total and often affects body hair as well as the hair on your head. The hair always grows back again once the chemotherapy has been completed. Many clinics offer scalp cooling, using different methods to chill your scalp before and during the drip. This can sometimes prevent or reduce hair loss so do ask if it is available at your hospital.
• allergic reactions: sometimes you can have a reaction to the Taxol. Signs of this can include skin rashes, itching, high temperatures, shivering, redness of the face, dizziness, headache and shortness of breath. The reactions can easily be treated and usually drugs are given before you start your drip to try and reduce the likelihood of them happening.
• constipation: you may experience constipation and abdominal cramps a few days after the chemotherapy. These symptoms can be due to the Taxol itself but are often also due to the anti-sickness medication. These can be easily controlled with medicine but you need to let your doctor know. It may help if you drink plenty of fluids, eat a high fibre diet and take some gentle exercise.
• diarrhoea: you may experience some diarrhoea starting several days after the chemotherapy. This can be easily controlled with medicine but you need to let your doctor know.
• numbness or tingling in hands or feet: some people experience tingling or numbness in their fingers and toes this is due to the effect Taxol has on the nerves. You may also notice that you have difficulty doing up buttons. If you experience this inform your doctor. This usually improves slowly a few months after the treatment has finished.
• aching joints and muscles: some people find that Taxol causes their muscles and or joints to ache for a few days after the drip. Tell your doctor or nurses if these symptoms develop and you can be given some painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication which can usually control the symptoms.
• tiredness: many women feel tired during Taxol and carboplatin therapy, especially during the later months of treatment. If this happens, and it is very common, then try to make time to rest. If the tiredness is caused by anaemia than a blood transfusion can be very helpful.

If you do develop any side-effects discuss them with your medical team and they will usually be able to help you.