Chemo Reaction

[dawnsnyder]

I just had a reaction to Carboplatin during Chemotherapy consisting of Taxotere and Carboplatin.  It was during the Carboplatin.  The nurse said I could NEVER have Carboplatin again.  This was chemo for a reoccurance.  Last year I had Taxol and Carboplatin with no problem with the exception of Neuropathy.  I was told they were using Taxotere as it didn't cause Neuropathy as bad.  I have still had an increase in it.  Question is, will I ever be able to have Taxol and Carboplatin again and should I now look to have a maintenance Chemo.  Thank You...Dawn Snyder

[Kimchi]

I did have what I call an itching attack...but not hives, just itchiness on arms and legs..don't know what my bp and pulse was but I know my heart was beating fast as well..will be having another cycle this Friday and not sure what to expect as my doctor tells me that I did not have "classic symptoms of hypersensitivity"!!!

[crecco]

I also had a reaction to carbo during my initial treatment of carbo/taxol, and was told I wouldn't be able to have carbo again. But my reaction was a little different, as I broke out in hives all over my arms and had some difficulty in swallowing. Thank goodness I had just left my treatment and was just a few minutes from the hospital (as the clinic where I had recieved treatment had just closed) So I went to the ER where I recieved an IV for about an hour of Benedryl, Decadron and I don't know what else. The worst part is that I told my onc that I thought I had the inital reaction from the taxol as when it first started dripping I did get very light headed and nauseated. So the next month they cut the taxol and went ahead with the carbo, keeping a very close eye on me. Towards the end of the treatment the hives started but this time on my face, neck, chest and arms. Since I was right there they were able to start Alg dose of Benedryl and what ever and counteract it before it got worse. Thankfully this happened on my last round. But onc has said no worry there are plenty of other drugs out there.

[dawnsnyder]

No, my problems were a little worse.  My heart rate went to over 200 BPM and Blood Pressure shot right off the boards.  I only remember parts of all that went on as it took about an hour of counter medications to stop the reaction and it was quite dangerous from what I understand.

[Kimchi]

I, too, have started some kind of reaction to Carboplatin since my 2 month gap between chemos..got very light headed and vomitted but after 5 minutes, things when back to normal...Is this the same kind of reaction you had??? I asked to slow down the drip but was told that if it is too slow, the chemo goes into the bones? Anyone hear of this? Don't want to change meds as I can handle the side effects of taxol/carbo...now going on one year of chemo

[dawnsnyder]

Thank you so much for this information.  I have been a little upset as the Dr. pretty much told me I could have NO more chemo and this round has dropped my CA125 below 20, I didn't even get that low after my first round.  I do have a different Doctor I have an appointment with this Friday (Have a CT scan Thursday).  I just wanted to know if something could be done...so thank you, thank you, thank you...I will ask about desinsitising.  I will keep you in my thoughts and on my prayer list...Bless You...Dawn

[Helmar]

Hi Dawn...Quite a number of women have a bad reaction to Carbo after having had it previously, but you can be de-sensitised, and hopefully be able to take it again. During this, they do the infusion over a much longer period of time, and more slowly, and you are monitored well while undertaking this process. I've had this combination on a couple of occasions, and it's worked really well, so hopefully you will be able to take it again in the future. Apparently if you can take a break of some months in between having the Carboplatin, that seems to make it possible for you to have it again. Of course we are all individuals in how we manage the drugs, so this may work for some,but not others.
Has your Oncol. suggested Cisplatin? That is much harsher according to my Oncol. but perhaps it could work for you?
I hope everything works out o.k. for you in this battle. Hugs.... Helmar.