HER2+ Rash with T/H

Patrithia

Has anyone gotten a horrible rash with Taxol/Herceptin?  I've had it for 5 months (3 months during the treatments and 2 months after treatment).  I've been to a derm. and allergist.  They think it is related to the chemo (after biopsy).  Not sure if it was the Taxol or the Herceptin.  I need to start on Herceptin alone this week (it's been one month of waiting due to the rash).  Yes, I had the pre-meds with all treatments and I was also on several steriods packs.  I'm suffering so much with this rash; it has taken over my life (soaking, creams, pills, not sleeping, etc.).  I would love to hear from you and want to know who long did it last?  The "half life" of taxol is 17 days...so it takes about 85 days to leave your system..anyone have experience with this?  Help!  Patricia

doxie

Patrithia - I need to learn patience from you.  

I had horrible hives that came and went over a 5 week period.  First we attributed them to anti-nausea medication, then I got them again one day after my 3rd TC infusion and hours after the Neulasta shot.  At the urging of another dr, I called the oncology pharmacist who suggested it was the Neulasta.  My MO was still concerned it could have been the taxotere, so he gave me the option of not doing the 4th round.  Went ahead w/o the shot.  Still have the hives 4 weeks after the Neulasta shot, but they are tolerable.  Only one week out from the infusion, still looks like it was the shot.   But with the length of time taxol stays in the body, I wonder what the half life is on Neulasta in comparison.  I'm concerned how soon these will leave, or if I'll get another crop even from the taxotere.  At the worst taking steroids and Benadryl simultaneously couldn't keep me comfortable.  

Has an experienced oncology pharmacist been consulted?  They see more patients than an MO or a derm or allergist.  

One option is to take a chance with Herceptin and see if it gets worse.  Hopefully it will only be the T.  T is quite possibly the problem.  Can't speak for H since I didn't need it and haven't done any research there.  

I wish I could help you more. 

Patrithia

Hello Doxie,  

Thank you for your post.  I may take your advice and check with a oncology pharmacist (they probably have one at Mayo).  I'll try anything at this point!  You have helped alot and I appreciate it.  

Patricia