Anyone have a bad reaction to docetaxel?

Sheri-CT

I had a bad reaction to my meds today. This was my 2nd round. The first round went okay, but I did had a horrible rash in both armpits for about a week after the meds. They did my premeds today and then started the docetaxel, but they didn't realized the bag was clamped. We sat there for 60 minutes getting no meds. The nurse finally realized it and turn the meds on . Within 5 minutes my throat started to close and I couldn't breathe. I've never been so scared. They tried again 90 minutes later, but I started getting the same feeling. Has this happened to anyone else?

Sheri

gamergirl

Ugh. Taxotere was started on me, and after about 3cc's, I went into anaphylactic shock. Stopped breathing, 911 was called, etc. A week later, after I recovered, I was switched to A/C, which I endured well enough. Then they tried Taxol. Got about 3cc in..... And the throat closed, same reaction. This time they were more prepared, so they didn't have to haul me off in an ambulance. After much soul searching, and anti anxiety meds, we waited a week for me to recover, and tried abraxane. No reaction at all, other than the typical side effects.

I am so sorry. I remember just how horrible and scary it was. Chemo is supposed to prevent death, not cause it. Taxane drugs need help breaking through the cellular wall, and the chemicals that carry it through can cause massive allergic reactions.

Hang in there. It is scary enough to have cancer, and it is worse when the cure tries to kill you. There are other options out there. Researching helped me understand. Ativan helped me stay the course. In the end, 4 and a half years out, it was worth it.

Sheri-CT

Gamergirl- thank you for the response. How scary! I am so freaked out about trying another med. I am meeting with my MO tomorrow and will ask about abraxane. Did you take it weekly or every 3 weeks?

gamergirl

I did dose dense every 2 weeks for 8 weeks. It was tough, but doable. I was a complete wreck the morning I tried abraxane. My family, Oncologist, all the nurses, just stood around me and watched. Much high fiving went on when I kept breathing. I believe there are much less allergic reactions with Abraxane. I had some pretty severe pain as the worst side effect, but pain meds helped. And it did make me lose ALL my hair, even the hair in my nose. My skin felt so smooth :