anxiety about taxol

MicheleS

Hi everyone,

I had my 1st taxol (of 12) last week and found it to be soooo much easier than AC.  However, I had a slight reaction during the infusion (red face and felt really hot).  The nurse disconnected me and gave me more benadryl.  She restarted the infusion at a slower rate and everything was fine. However, now, I'm totally paranoid about having a bad reaction the next time... I just can't get it out of my head.  I've managed to get myself really worked up over this to the point that I can't think of anything else...

HELP!

Michele

crazy4carrots

Michele -- Your IV nurse should ALWAYS start the infusion at a very slow rate, to check for any reaction, and you should remind her of that. Don't be afraid to speak up; sometimes they forget!!  too many patients to look after etc.

Then, after 10 minutes or so, the drip rate can be increased.

Good luck with the next eleven!

Best, Linda 

cp418

Yes, exactly as Linda described - start slow.  Also, Taxol was easier for me compared to the red devil AC. Good Luck!!

kfinnigan

Michele-I finished dose dense AC and then 12 weekly Taxol on 1/15/09.  I too had a reaction at the beginning, but then they adjusted and all was good.  They will note in your flow chart and the next time they will start differently.  They were pretty careful with me each time. It is so much better than AC.  

MicheleS

Thanks everyone... I feel a bit better about it after reading your responses.  It would really suck to die from the treatment itself, much less the cancer. ick.

rosesinwinter

Michele-

I had TCH over a year ago...but I had this same reaction.  Many people do well with the slowing of the infusion rate. But I had the entire reaction with Taxotere after only 3 drops on the 2nd treatment. However, there IS another form of Taxol that they CAN change you to if you have a reaction. Apparently the allergy reaction is from the solvent for the Taxol which is called Cremophor.  The newer drug, Abraxane, is a form of Taxol delivered with microalbumin particles instead. As it is more expensive, you have to have failed Taxol or Taxotere before your physician makes the change, I think. I got through all of the remaining treatments with Abraxane. I don't know but it may help with your worries if you know that there is another option that can be pursued if necessary.  Hoping that it all works out for you and sending you a hug!

sftfemme65

I had that problem with A/C so I was very scared when I did Taxol.  I didn't end up having any issues but they gave me iv Ativan before each treatment...1mg.....that with the benedryl gave me the best nap I ever had every monday for 12 weeks and no anxiety....so worth it.  Ask for it, it will help you so much.

Teresa

domenique

I had to take Taxol at a slower rate...I had a severe reaction.  They gave me Benadryl prior to treatment after that.  Also, I was taking steroids to help.. they can really make you wired though.  Taxol is still much better than Adriamycin as far as my oncologist is concerned.

Deb-from-Ohio

My oncologist nurse told me that for the pre-meds it should take 1/2 hour, for the Taxol, one hour...no quicker.  I did get flused, but it was from the steroids..........

Deb

LittleFlower

hey Michele,

i can really relate to the fear. Though i never had a reaction to speak of, i did have an episode of my heart racing, and like someone else said, i think it was the steroids, so they ran everything slow and the rest of the infusions went well.  I remember sitting with there, praying the rosary throughout the infusion, looking at my husband asking him, "Am i ok?" and him telling me, "yes you're fine"  i'd get myself so worked up, and all 12 infusions went fine.  still, right to the end i did worry.  I guess my point is, once the infusion was slowed down and it went well, i should have relaxed a little LOL.  Hoping the rest of your treatment goes well.....

LittleFlower