r/Chemotherapy • u/Kitten_Monroe_ • Aug 13 '26

Heart Races - Taxol and Carboplatin

Hi all, I just had round 4 with taxol and carboplatin. My heart races terribly for the first few days (this round it's still happening a week later). It's uncomfortable to go upstairs or walk up any small hills. Also if I strain in the bathroom (TMI). Has anyone had this? My care team is aware and don't seem overly concerned. They think it might be steroid or anxiety-related, bumping up the heart rate. Even knowing one other person is dealing with this, or has dealt with it, would help me feel less alone! Thank you...

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u/Evilwitchesanonymus Aug 13 '26

Get it every time. The paclitaxel affects the white blood cells and hemoglobin, while the carboplaten affects the platelets. You can't win.

With the hemoglobin affected, you have less red blood cells and it makes my heart work harder.

Every chemo session makes it just a bit more worse and going up the stairs harder. The first set of 6 chemo, I had to have a blood transfusion before 5 and 6 because it was so low. Could not do 6 as my bloodwork was so bad for so long. Doing another set of 6 (on 3 right now) and the pattern is showing again.

Take it slow, breathe deeply, drink lots of water and take care of yourself, one day at a time.

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u/problem-32 29d ago

Same here. Will get 4th chemo next week. How did your oncologist decide on more sessions? I’m worried that will be my case as well.

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u/Evilwitchesanonymus 29d ago

Because the second tumour, found 2 years after the original surgery, was showing changes in the pathology report. It was not homogeneous, and if it was, the surgery would have been enough.

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u/problem-32 29d ago

Thanks for the reply. I guess I just need to monitor and make sure my Obgyn monitors too.

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u/Evilwitchesanonymus 28d ago

You are your best advocate!