Taxol

Can you briefly explain how taxol works?  Is is time released?  I have been receiving it for the last year every week.  Sometimes through the week I feel like it's working in my body.  Some days I feel extra tired and other days I feel good.  Thank you.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Vermont, Taxol has various mechanisms as to how it attacks the cancer.  One way is that it interferes with the cancer cell as it goes through it's cycle.  It is not a time released medication.  When the taxol is given it not only effects cancer cells but also effects some of the faster growing cells in the body, such as the hair, lining of the mouth, stomach, intestines, and some of the blood cells such as white blood cells which help to fight infection, red cells that carry oxygen to our tissues and organs, and platelets that help to clot the blood.  Normal cells have various rates at which they recover or replace themselves.  It is not unusual to have days where you are more tired than others, and is not an indication of whether or not the chemotherapy is working.