taxol side efftects

[dammie]

Two weeks ago I completed chemo (4ac and 4 taxol)  I have had problems with my legs (pain and pins and needles) since taxol. The pain is not as severe as the first fews days after tx but it is still there.  My oncologist has suggested glutamine 1500mg 2x a day.  What is your feeling on this?  I want to mention that I had a bad allergic reaction (chest pain, difficulty breathing) to my first dose of taxol which was reversed with stopping the infusion and giving my benadryl and decadron IV.  After I was stabilized I was re-challenged with the taxol and I was fine. The next three doses I had to pre-medicate with decadrom 20mg 6 and 12 hours prior to tx. Since I was hypersensitive to this med, could it have a result on long term effects?
     In addition, I have had allergic reactions out of nowhere since I started the taxol.  I get itchy and a pins a needles feeling all over and feel like I want to crawl out of my skin.  It has happened a few times usually about 1 week after taxol.  It resolves with 50mg of benadryl.  It cannot be connected with any change in food, clothing, detergents, environmental factors, etc.  My oncologist is aware and has no explanation for it.  My last attack was yesterday.  Can taxol have a delayed allergic effect?  I am having a mastectomy in two weeks and am concerned that an unexplained allergic reaction may interfere with anesthesia.  Any advice would be appreciated.  Thank you.

[lenlar]

A related discussion, numbness and tingling in feet and toes since chemo was started.

[sheil224]

A related discussion, what kind of chemo i need. and the side effects? was started.

[dammie]

Thank you for your prompt response and for such a wonderful site.  Your dedication and valuable information that is provided is greatly appreciated.  I do intend to speak with the anesthesiologist prior to surgery.  Hopefully the symptoms will resolve shortly.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear dammie, Glutamine has been tried to treat various types of treatment induced side effects including prevention of peripheral neuropathy associated with high-dose taxol.  Whether it will be helpful in this situation there is not enough data to predict.  As regards to toxicity or serious side effects of glutamine there are none reported.  The dose suggested is within the dosage range that has been reported.

Allergic reaction to taxol is almost always seen within the first hour of infusion.  As taxol would be out of your system a week after treatment what you are experiencing is unlikely an allergic reaction.  Itching and rash are very rare side effects of taxol reported in less than 1% of the patients during clinical trials.  If this reaction is an effect of taxol, it is likely the further from treatment it will subside.  Regarding your concerns with anesthesiology - discussing your concern with the surgeon and/or anesthesiologist would be most appropriate.