Had 1 and 1/2 Chemos Alergic reaction TC

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dec14
dec14 Member Posts: 7
edited April 2015 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

I started with TC (Taxotere and Cytoxin) part way through the 2 cycle I had chest and throat compressions to making it hard to breathe and then I ended up with a rash.  This happen last Wednesday Jan 28th, 2014.  Now my doc is looking at switching me to AC.  Has anyone else had this issue and is there anything I could do to help the chemo do its thing???  Pretty freaked out but really want to get this behind me.  Trying to read up on different foods, herbs, etc...  Seems like one says yes and the other says no.

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited February 2015

    Taxotere and Taxol cause allergic reactions quite frequently.  It is definitely not uncommon.  When you start either of those drugs, most chemo nurses will tell you that they watch you like a hawk to see if you are having a reaction.  My chemo nurse told me 1 out of 10 has a reaction.   I had minor reactions, but they were able to control it by upping the Benadryl.  I still had rashes.  But I did not have the chest and throat compressions.  Obviously, that can be extremely dangerous.   The best advice I can give is listen to your Oncologist. 

    I'm sorry you had to go through this.  It is quite frightening. Sending my best wishes.

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  • Beatmon
    Beatmon Member Posts: 1,562
    edited February 2015

    thinking of you!

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  • MidLifeCrisis
    MidLifeCrisis Member Posts: 68
    edited February 2015

    Dec14 ... i had a very similar reaction on all 3 of my taxotere (&cytoxin) treatments... I didn't have a 4th for unrelated reasons. Similar to the first poster here, my treatment center has patients on taxotere in a separate area where they can be closely monitored for a reaction. Each time, they quickly stopped the infusion, added benedryl and flushed my vein for about 30min, only to start the process over again at a slower drip rate. Each time I had zero issues on the 2nd go around. They were prepared for any more severe reaction, but it seemed the compression in my throat, chest (also, my face would flush instantly) would go away as soon as they stopped the treatment. Not sure why I was fine on the 2nd try each time, but they indcated that is "typical". Trust me, I was VERY hesitent to let them try a 2nd time each time!!! It was nerve wrecking. Also, i remember them saying that some patients, for whatever reason, don't have a reaction on the 1st tratment but do on the 2nd - that's why they watch them closely for the first 2 treatments... if no reaction on either, they aren't as concerned. I have not heard of any foods/herbs that will help prevent this, but I suppose anything is possible. I'm surprised your treatment center switched you so quickly, as it seems this is not all that uncommon and quite manageable. My guess is you won't have this problem on AC though. Sending positive energy your way ..



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  • dec14
    dec14 Member Posts: 7
    edited February 2015

    Thanks everyone for the well wishes.  So now I am to start the A/C protocol next Wednesday (Feb. 18).  I had a heart scan on Monday and  a port put in on Tuesday. Today I am very sore.  Something I have read about and will try is loading up on probiotics and protein with ginger.  I am hoping this will help me metabolize the chemo better and rid it from my system faster with fewer side effects.  I have now taken to writing all the things I put in my mouth so I can see if there is something in my diet that is helping or hindering my progress.  Good thing is I will only have to do 3 cycles (if all goes well).  This means I will only be set back by a week with chemo therapy and then its time to get healthy again and do rad. therapy.  I'll let you all know how it goes.  I have to say thanks to all who are out there reading and contributing to these blogs....it has been the most stressful, unknown, scary time and by reading others it has been strength building and easing to my fears.  THANK YOU

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  • dec14
    dec14 Member Posts: 7
    edited February 2015

    Hi everyone,

    So I had the first A/C and it seemed to go off with out a hitch.  Starting getting sick about 3 that day and finally threw up at 11:00 that night.  This allowed me to sleep.  So went in the next day for the WBC shot and after waiting the 15 minutes I got up to go and ended up blacking out. I guess I dehydrated.  So now that I have all the nurses running around (not what I wished for) I am going to try and be more hydrated before next round and more careful.  Hopefully I will be done March 18th!  Will keep you all apprised.  Oh and the Claritin before the Neulasta shot has worked for me!   So far no pains and aches.  My thoughts to all!

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  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited February 2015

    I had 4 a/c, waited a few weeks, then Taxotere. They said it would be easier on me. It went in my port just fine. While I was checking out my mouth started to feel like cotton. Silly me! I thought I was dehydrated.

    The allergic reaction was so bad my MO stopped any further chemo. I didn't get the chest pains, but swelled up all over. It was horrible, then I peeled from the top of my bald head to the soles of my feet.

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  • dec14
    dec14 Member Posts: 7
    edited April 2015

    Hey everyone, I have finished my chemo!  Am looking forward to getting stronger and getting rid of the side effects (I have had a fever since Mar 22).  Currently frustrated with not knowing what is causing my fever but today at least I can do something other then sleep drink take temp, repeat!  Anyway good luck to all.  My last chemo was 3/18/15.

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