Carboplatin and Taxol Side Effects

[Ang80]

What are the normal side effects from this chemo combination?

Mum had her first (2nd line treatment) on friday and today has been weak and red rash all over.

Thanks

[Hazel30]

Hi there, yes the rash may indicate there is an allergy to one of the drugs.  Most likely Carbo, but if the allergy is not too severe keep insisting that she receives the drug because these are the best drugs out there especialy since it gave her a remission of 2+ years.  My Mother had a very bad allergic reaction on her second session to carbo to a point she felt like she was on fire so they had to stop Carbo, but her first session was similar to your Mom just feeling red rash.  She also started to have a red rash even with just taxotere but was managable so they kept her on taxotere.  Thank God for that, it seemed to work well for her.  I pray to God  both of our mothers can achieve long remissions.
take care

[rmarie]

Didn't your mother have Carboplatin and taxol with her first round of chemo?  It is the first line of drugs used following the orginal surgery and debulking.  Because she had a long recurrence they would go with it a second time.  The rash may indicate that she has developed an allergy to one of the drugs, so you should call the doctor, they may switch medications.  Good luck to your mom.

[Angie_Lou]

Yep, me too on the hair loss.  Started extreme shedding after the first Chemo.  I did not wait for my hair to completely fall out and suggest she gets a buzz cut.  It will feel funny for the first week, but is so much better than seeing all your hair on the pillow case every morning.  Buy her some pretty scarves and/or hats.  I purchased a wig, but only wore it for two special occassions. Mostly wore scarves and caps.

The only plus about Chemo; didn't have to shave my under arms or legs.  Eyebrows and eyelashes did not fall out until after the 4th session for me.  But everything is back in full force and although I'm happy not to be on Chemo, dread the daily shaving again.

Make sure your mum's tooth brush has soft bristles to avoid bleeding her gums while brushing.  No cutting of nail cuticles or anything of the sort that could get infected from a cut.

Although no one likes to talk about this, it is very important that your mum is having her regular bowel movements.

Your mum's doctor should have a booklet on what to expect.  And, contact the oncology nurse with any questions you have.  They can tell you alot.

Did your mum have any surgery or is she just on Chemo?

Angie

[Angie_Lou]

I guess I forgot to tell you that my diagnosis was at the end of April. Full hysterectomy and removal of pelvic omentum on 24th of April.  My first Chemo on 10th of May and my last one was 23rd of Aug.  Keep strong.  My prays are with you.  Angie

[vegas2cr]

My side effects were total loss of hair, lowered red blood cells, and neuropathy in my hands and feet.Yes I was also weak but that let up after a few days... loss of appetite for a couple of days also.  after my 4th treatment I needed 3 pints of blood and then again after my 6th treatment... all in all I felt okay... everyone is different and the rash could be from the chemo or from the drugs they use before giving the chemo... best wishes to your mum... Ronni

[Angie_Lou]

I had 6 sessions of same drugs every 3rd week.  I did not have an 'all over rash' (however, itchy hands in my 4th session), but the red rash may indicate an allergic reaction.  Call the doctor and see if he/she wants to prescribe a medication for this.  While on the Carboplatin bag at the time in my 4th session, the oncology nurse had given me an additional dose of Benedryl because she saw me rubbing my hands and that my palms were red.  She knew right away it was an allergic reaction.  The weakness could also be part of the allergic reaction...not sure.

As far as my weakness, I was fine the night of my chemo and the next day (probably because I was also on steroids during my chemo treatment), but then really crashed the next three days.  Everyone on chemo reacts differently.  Make sure your mum is eating good foods and has the necessary vitamin supplements.  My doctor was not against any of the supplements I was taking, but some doctors are adverse to supplements.  I live in the States, but you should have the same type of supplements in your country.  I'm visiting with my sister right now and forgot to bring my supplements with me, but some of what I took (and still do) follows:

A Liver Health supplement with main ingredient of Milk Thistle.  This keeps the liver healthy which is very important while on Chemo.

A probiotic complex; this helps with digestion.

Glutamine powder mixed in 8 oz of a juice (cranberry, orange or whatever your mum likes).  This keeps the muscles strong and helps relieve numbness your mum may feel in her hands or feet.

Ginger tea will help with nausea.  Even ginger cookies are good for this too, and at least your mum will have something to eat if her appetite dwindles.  Ginger is the key and if your mum likes the pickled ginger that is served with sushi, get it for her (not the sushi, just the ginger.)

The vitamin supplement I take is in powder form and actually listed as a food supplement.  There are two powders you shake in 8 oz of water or again, in juice twice a day and drink.  It is sold by distributors only and the web is http://www.reliv.com/.  I took the 'classic' but the 'reliv now' is sweeter in taste.  The second powder is called innergize and comes in lemon or orange flavor. The two powders (either classic or reliv now with theinnergize) contain all the minerals and vitamins.  Again, if your mum's appetite is low, at least she will be getting nutrients in her body with this.  I'm not a distributor so, I make no money offering this to you.  I only know that I did very well during my sessions.  Your mum could take this four times a day if it will help.

Lastly, if her blood hemoglobin or platelettes should drop, she needs more iron/protein in her diet, otherwise, they will not let her have Chemo and she may need a blood transfusion.  To avoid transfusions, try serving 3 oz of either (cooked/prepared) clams or oysters on a daily basis or every other day.  I know not many people care for clams & oyster, but either one will give the minimum daily allowance women need in their bodies.  Once a week or more, add fish to the diet too.  But, stay away from raw fish until her Chemo is completed.

I hope some of this will be helpful to you.  My best to your mum (and you!) thru this ordeal.  Tell your mum to remain positive and she will beat this.  I just had my second follow-up (today) with my doctor and happy to report that I'm still in remission.  She will get there!  Angie