anxiety about taxol

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 

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.  

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!

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.

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