Question about Oxlaplatin

beetree2
beetree2 Member Posts: 11
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I don't post very often, but I have a question. Has anyone had an asmatic reaction to Oxl. I had one during treatment and I had one this time after i got home from the infusion. Should I see if my onc would cut back on the oxl,I need some suggestions.Especially if someone has experienced the same reaction. Very scary!! I was diagnosed with stage II colon ca, and from what they told me, I was on the border whether I needed chemo or not. So I would think they could cut back on the dose. Im I wrong in thinking this way, and why is 12 treatments the magic number? Just asking I just had my 5th treatment and I am more worried about what its doing to my good cells, because it has probably already killed any bad ones if there were any. It had gone through the wall but 18 nodes were clear,and no mets. I will appreciate any suggestions. Glenda

Comments

  • Limey
    Limey Member Posts: 446 Member
    I had an allergic reaction to my chemo and Oxlaplatin was part of my cocktail drug. First I broke out in severe hives and the next time I lost the ability to breathe on my own. My Onc prescribed some pre chemo meds that did the trick. I hated taking the whole shebang of crap but I am NED for at least 60 days now and am happier than a fart in a newly working colon. So…. I would suggest you call your Onc ASAP and discuss.
    Always enjoy today as it is yours to enjoy.
    Limey
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    I don't know, Glenda...I had 8 treatments, cisplatin and 5 FU... both pre op...I had stage III rectal cancer. dx 11/04. Surgery 5/05 showed no nodes, no evidence of carcinoma in any of the frozen sections (rectum and sig colon, abdominal wall, all gyn stuff).
    But, then with the breast cancer (I was on the 2-for-1 special, sigh), the Taxol was administered VERY SLOWLY...could have a severe allergic reaction...maybe if you go on, they could slow the infusion down...my Taxol ones took 4-6 hours, but never had a reaction...
    Hugs, Kathi
  • pepperdog
    pepperdog Member Posts: 96
    My husband was dx with rectal ca, had surgery and is currently taking Oxipalatin (folfox, he's had 3 of 12 treatments). His older sister had the same dx a few months earlier. At her 2nd chemo treatment, she had an allergic reaction, much like you describe (shortness of breath, difficulty breathing), and they administered some type of antiphalactic (sp??) drug. Before my husband took his first chemo (& before each subsequent treatment) they give him pills (benedryl, decadron, which is a steroid drug and Kytril for nausea). He has had no problem with this allergic-type reaction. Ask your doctor; I'm sure this can be prevented with awareness.
    Terry
  • lfondots63
    lfondots63 Member Posts: 818 Member
    Hi Glenda,

    Hopefully JADot will reply. She had the same problem and they have stopped her Oxiplatin (and yes I'm jealous as I type with tingly fingers. LOL) Sometimes premeds work also. Like others said, call your onc. I haven't had the issue (knocking on the closest wood) and I'm on #10 this week and only 2 more to go after that. HUGS and Take care.

    Lisa
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    Hi Glenda, Some people do have an allergic reaction to Oxaliplatin. I had minor allergic reaction but it can be serious so you certainly shd discuss with your dr. As others have said, they can give you meds to reduce the chance or reaction. They may want to reduce the dose or administer more slowly. As to why 12 is the magic number. I think that is just what they have done most of the research on. You can ask your dr. about this. I was upset when I couldnt' complete my last dose (I did 11 out of 12) and my docs said that prob wouldn't make a difference -- but no-one had really studied that. Good luck and best wishes.
  • nanuk
    nanuk Member Posts: 1,358 Member
    this drug is a very toxic metal, and has many side effects, both transitory and permanent..I had tightness in my chest, and extreme nausea, etc. You also have to look at all the other drugs they are giving you for nausea, etc. - each has it's own set of side effects, and often it may be one of these drugs that are causing the problem. Go to Drugs.com and research ALL the drugs they are giving you, and thier side effects. Question, Question, Question your providers, the pharmacist,
    nurses, etc. until you get all the answers needed. In my opinion, they will tell you as little as possible to minimize the questions-be a PIA, take charge of your treatment. There are no stupid questions, and bottom line it is your body,
    your choices, and your consequences.
    If you have doubt, you are likely right. Listen to your body, and make your decisions based upon what it is telling you.. Nanuk
  • rejoyous
    rejoyous Member Posts: 259
    Hi Glenda,

    It's great that you're asking these questions. Stay focused on getting the information you need, to the extent that it's out there--but it's true that they can't do extensive research on every permutation. I am certain that five treatments is a powerful dose.

    My oncologist has been helpful to me in weighing questions like this. Good luck.

    --Ellie