allergic reaction to chemo

[mistycappella]

has anyone had a very bad allergic reaction to thier chemo treatments? on my second drip of Carboplatin I started to experence blured vision first, then my whole body felt like it was on fire mostly in the groin area, At that point I called the nurse and had her stop the treatment. It even got worse after that....I couldnt breath, my heart felt like it was beating really fast ,then my bowls let loose.....and I started to throw up...SO scared at this point. I thought I was going to die !!!!!  after about 15 mim It started to leave my system.  

[jane65]

I've had chemo for almost 2 years and I've been given an IV drip of Benedryl and Decadron for 1/2 hour before the chemo drug is started. I also get a saline IV drip during the chemo procedure. Luckily I haven't had any problems, but that had to have been a very scary situaion for you. I hope things go more smoothly from now on, you're going through enough stress dealing with the cancer, good luck with your treatments......Jane

[mariebean]

I had a really severe reaction to my second dose of taxol and had all the proper pre-drugs administered.  Sometimes your body does not agree with certain things.  My onc was so nervous about me continuing with chemo that they gave me a "pretest" of carboplatin under my skin before my third round to make sure I wouldn't have a reaction to that as well.  Might want to give it a try.  Good luck!

[mistycappella]

Thank you so much for your help....I had told her that my Chemo a year ago that they did give me a drip before my chemo She didn't seem to know what I was saying. next time I will make sure she understands...I made a copy of your letter to help explane to her......thanks again Carol

[Teresa222]

It's a very common occurence.  I'm sorry it happened to you. It happened to me two or three times. It's something that can be controlled by the proper application and timing of the drugs PRIOR to the chemo being started.  You must have Benedryl in your IV about 20 minutes prior to the other drugs being started.  I also got Attivan in my drip because the Benedryl made me hyper....really hyper.  When I had my second reaction it was because the nurse did not listen to me about the Benedryl.  She wanted to give me a similar drug, but in pill form.  Sure 'nuf, I had another reaction. They had to start over with the Benedryl via drip, then the chemo drugs.  The first time it happens, it is a learning experience for the chemo nurses.  After that, all they had to do in my opinion was give me the drugs in proper sequence, amounts and times. IOW, don't be afraid. I've seen several women here panic so much that they don't want to continue with those particular drugs. I am convinced that the chemo nurses can control the reactions. That is what several of them told me.  Furthermore, my ONC's reaction also worked to convince me it was nothing to worry about. The reactions are scary, but all you have to do is let the nurse know as soon as you start feeling flushed.  They rush in and stop the drip, slow it down..but first giving you more Benedryl.

[marie3B]

Were you pre treated with decadron and benadryl I/Vs??  I am sorry that this happened to you.  It must have been very frightening.  Marie