allergic reactions anyone?

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wendy_21
wendy_21 Member Posts: 30
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi there. I am doing FOLFOX 6 (5-FU, leucovorian and oxalyplatin) plus avastin every two weeks for Stage III CC.
Monday was a rountine chemo until they started the push of 5-FU...then the nurse noticed I was breaking out with a bright red rash on my upper chest and neck. She went to get the dr and by the time the doc came in (3 mintues) the rash was gone. It did this several times. The doctor gave me a large dose of benedryl and a steroid, but the rash kep on coming and going. The doc seems to think it is a reaction to the oxalyplatin, and the nurse seemed to think it was the 5-FU. I thought I was on my way home, but they kept me there for over 1 hour after taking all the steroids and then she had me admitted to the hospital for overnight observation. The doctor was worried that an allergic reaction could escalate and send me into shock. The doc is also debating whether to admit me to the hosp. for the next round of chemo or to let me try it outpatient again but with more pre-chemo drugs to hopefully stop a reaction.
Anyone have similar experiences? any suggestions?

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  • omee
    omee Member Posts: 8
    #2
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    Hi wendy, My husband is taking the exact chemo as you are. Hes on his 6th treatment and he said the only thing he feels is the cold and his fingers tingle. Do you have allergies normally? He is not allergic to anything so maybe thats why he doesn't have that reaction. I did notice yesterday when I came to pick him up his chin and checks and nose were a little red but its gone now. Do you take the 5-fu pump home or do you do it there? He brings his home with a pump and it stays that way for a full day and part of the next day or until its gone. Sorry I couldn't help with your problem.
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #3
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    I just finished a course of FOLFOX (no Avastin). My understanding is that allergic reactions to oxalyplatin are possible. I wouldn't say frequent -- but well-known and documented. My onc. actually lost one patient (complicated story) so he was very paranoid about the possibility. One of the reasons I had to have my chemo as an in-patient. I got swollen lips with the chemo and he put me on antihistamines. I don't want to scare you but I think it is worthwhile taking this very seriously.
    Tara
  • kangatoo
    kangatoo Member Posts: 2,105 Member
    #4
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    taraHK said:

    I just finished a course of FOLFOX (no Avastin). My understanding is that allergic reactions to oxalyplatin are possible. I wouldn't say frequent -- but well-known and documented. My onc. actually lost one patient (complicated story) so he was very paranoid about the possibility. One of the reasons I had to have my chemo as an in-patient. I got swollen lips with the chemo and he put me on antihistamines. I don't want to scare you but I think it is worthwhile taking this very seriously.
    Tara

    Hi Wendy.the following link will take you to a site helpfull in explaining symptoms of oxalyplatin. The site also is usefull for other drug and medical related info.
    http://www.medicinenet.com/oxaliplatin-injection/article.htm
    Ross and Jen
  • Fishgirl61
    Fishgirl61 Member Posts: 1
    #5
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    Wendy,

    My Mom did her first 37 rounds of chemo with what you are taking minus the Avastin. She always got quite flushed in the face and the neck area. It didn't come on suddenly, but rather progressed till she looked like she had a nasty sunburn. Her vitals never changed when this happened. But it did happened every time she had treatment.

    Becca
  • wendy_21
    wendy_21 Member Posts: 30
    #6
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    omee said:

    Hi wendy, My husband is taking the exact chemo as you are. Hes on his 6th treatment and he said the only thing he feels is the cold and his fingers tingle. Do you have allergies normally? He is not allergic to anything so maybe thats why he doesn't have that reaction. I did notice yesterday when I came to pick him up his chin and checks and nose were a little red but its gone now. Do you take the 5-fu pump home or do you do it there? He brings his home with a pump and it stays that way for a full day and part of the next day or until its gone. Sorry I couldn't help with your problem.

    Yes, I generally have allergies to other things such as grass and pollen and I am sensitive to metals -- so it makes sense that I would react to the oxalyplatin. I'm glad your husband isn't having that reaction!
  • timlou
    timlou Member Posts: 60
    #7
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    Wendy,
    My husband was on the same treatment as you, he had no reactions until number 10 when his feet and hands became permanently numb they said that was from the oxaliplatin he's been through with chemo for 11 months now, his finger tips are still slightly numb and his feet and legs are always fatigued. My best friend coincidently was on the same treatment and had an allergic reaction after session 4 to the 5fu it made her face swell and her hands swell she was hospitalized and missed several doses while they got it under control she continued on with sessions 5-10 with slight reactions each time. They quit early. Let's face it this stuff is poison and the Oncologists are very leary to say exactly what the cause of the allergic reactions are because their goal is success and not setbacks. Be a very good advocate for youself make sure they give you antihistimines prior to all chemo and steroids if necessary stay the extra few hours for observation and by all means if they want to hospitalize you for treatments go for it. It is better than sitting home and wondering if you should call because something doesn't seem right. Good luck to you, the good news is that oxaliplatin in the first go round seems to be hitting the cancer nail right on the head so anyway do not stop or postpone your treatment unless you must. Good luck keep us informed and we will keep you in our prayers. Louise and Tim

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