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Jaci's avatar
Jaci
Member
13 years ago

TAXOL REACTIONS ANYONE

Had my third weekly treatment with Taxol yesterday and shortly into it had a sudden feeling of tightness in the chest, flushing feeling up through nect and into face and dizzyness.  Being the strong silent type I am I first thought this is not happening just breath slowly and calm down it will go away.

Of course it did not and I couldn't see anyone to alert in the chemo unit until the lovely young lass that does our bookings etc walked by and realised I was having an issue - she reacted immediately and help was there in a minute.

Wondering if anyone else has had this happen and if so does it persist or was it just a one off.  I had had a bad couple of days emotionally leading up to the treatment and wonder if this low may have contributed.  Or is a sensitivity of some sort happening.

A quick shot of phernagan did the trick and treatment was re-commenced in about a half hour and completed successfully.  Feeling fine today.

Help anyone else who has had this or a similar experience!!

2 Replies

  • magicmum's avatar
    magicmum
    Member
    13 years ago

    I haven't reacted at all to 4 treatments BUT the nurses in my unit watch for the first 15 minutes every time regardless because you can react at any point. They told me it can happen to anyone, and they are watching and waiting in case.

    Next time be sure to make them stay with you, you don't need that added stress.

    Gooduck

    magicmum

  • serenity11's avatar
    serenity11
    Member
    13 years ago

    I have been lucky with my Taxol and although I have a bit of  flush any other reaction is controlled with my pre meds.  However I am always given the "panic button" at the start of my treatment in case.  I understand that some of the other ladies who are on Taxol have phenergan as a premed.

    If you have concerns talk to you medical team.  I did.  I had read some awful stories about Taxol reactions so was quite nervous about it.  The nurses where great, they didnt dismiss my fears but walked me through what would happen in the most severe cases and how it would all been controlled.  I also took my ipod and book to distract me from it all. 

    My Oncologist has reduced my Taxol dose twice now due to my reactions and it seems to have helped.  I have one more Taxol to go (11 completed). 

    I hope your next chemo goes better.  Be gentle on yourself.  You can do this. Take care