Desensitization vs different chemo drug

barnyardgal

I had two strong reactions during my first taxol/carbo treatment this week. I ended up just finishing the carbo. The doctor did a blood test to see if I'm actually allergic to the Taxol itself or the additive they use. The oncologists are saying they are considering desensitization vs. trying a different drug. The other choices of drugs they mentioned were either gemzar or doxorubicon. They will talk with me early next week to decide which way to go, but I'm wondering whether the Taxol is so much better than the other drugs available. I'm a little wary of the desensitization process and trying Taxol again after that reaction. 

CheeseQueen57

I had a reaction to my first taxol treatment. After that, they dosed me up with steroids the day before and I was fine. Each week we were able to reduce the amount of steroids. What the steroids did to me, can’t answer. Bone density sucks but that could be from the radiation. I had a tremendous amount of energy and baked different types of muffins for the infusion staff every week. Hope you find your solution. This process is never easy. 

DebiR

I also had a reaction to the

I also had a reaction to the taxol on the first treatment.  They stopped the drip, gave me more Benadryl and then continued.  When it happened on the second treatment they wanted to change chemo drugs to Adriamycin (aka Red Devil).  Since I was also part of a study I wanted to continue on with the standard course of treatment and found the Cleveland Clinic Desensitization Protocol for Patients Experiencing a Second Hypersensitivity Reaction After the Reinstitution of Paclitaxel.  My oncologist agreed to give it a try and it worked for me.  I don't remember the exact details but it was taking the steroid starting the day before, slowing down the drip and diluting a small amount of it at the beginning.  I did post about it here: https://csn.cancer.org/node/285413.

Debi

CheeseQueen57

DebiR said:

I also had a reaction to the

I also had a reaction to the taxol on the first treatment.  They stopped the drip, gave me more Benadryl and then continued.  When it happened on the second treatment they wanted to change chemo drugs to Adriamycin (aka Red Devil).  Since I was also part of a study I wanted to continue on with the standard course of treatment and found the Cleveland Clinic Desensitization Protocol for Patients Experiencing a Second Hypersensitivity Reaction After the Reinstitution of Paclitaxel.  My oncologist agreed to give it a try and it worked for me.  I don't remember the exact details but it was taking the steroid starting the day before, slowing down the drip and diluting a small amount of it at the beginning.  I did post about it here: https://csn.cancer.org/node/285413.

Debi

Desensitisation

The unfortunate thing about your story is that you yourself had to find the protocol. That’s what’s wrong with this whole picture. 

barnyardgal

Thank you all. The allergy

Thank you all. The allergy test they ran came back negative for an allergic reaction so it may have been a strong infusion reaction. I think we'll probably do the desensitization route but want to talk over with my husband and decide. He was the one who really got to see that reaction,and it scared him! I have to say that my doctors have been really pro active, but I know ultimately we are our own best advocates.

My CT scan came back clear, so I'm ready to enjoy the upcoming holiday. 

barnyardgal

I just talked with my Dr and

I just talked with my Dr and they would like to do doxil/cisplatin rather than try Taxol again as my reactions were so quick. This combo scares me a little but the Dr said she is too concerned about another reaction to the Taxol. Trying to take deep breaths here. Gemzar was not good in my situation.