Taxol advice?

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AngieD
AngieD Member Posts: 493
in Esophageal Cancer #1
Larry starts on Taxol (and possibly a Phase II Antibody) on Tuesday. I have 3 more weeks of Adriamycin and Cytoxan and then will have 12 weeks of Taxol. So, any tips, hints, etc would be greatly appreciated!
Angie

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  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #2
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  • preacherchad
    preacherchad Member Posts: 60
    #3
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    Whew
    Both going through it at the same time, whew, I know you will be glad when it is all over.

    I tolerated it pretty well. I was able to work everyday, but did have my teenage son drive me around. (I was still very weak from surgery). Dehydration was my biggerst issue, I ended up in the hospital 3 times for it. They, the oncologist team, started giving me fluids every three days to prevent that from occuring. So drink twice as much as you think you need and be careful.

    Sherri has some good advice.


    chad
  • JReed
    JReed Member Posts: 428
    #4
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    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Taxol - nausea
    Don is also taking Taxol (and carboplatin) - he is finding it necessary to start nausea meda (compazine) the night of chemo and stay with it for at least 3 days. Also doc started Don on IV fluids 2 days a week - he gets one the day of chemo (Wed) and the second on Friday after his radiation. Again, the odors are quite bothersome to him and we don't know if it is from the chemo or radiation or combo of both.

    Judy
  • JaneO
    JaneO Member Posts: 40
    #5
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    Bad reaction to taxol
    I hope you and your husband's treatments go well. Jack began a new treatment plan of cisplatin/taxol today. They kept reassuring us that most people tolerate Taxol fine. Well, unfortunatly, within five minutes Jack turned red,and had horrible pain and dry heaves. They gave him Benedryl for over a half hour to stop the bad side effects. It was pretty scary! He was in so much pain. The medical staff were so professional and stopped the IV immediately. We will try a different one next time. They said only 3% have a major reaction. Leave it to Jack to be in the 3%!! Prayers to both of you!
  • jgwright
    jgwright Member Posts: 242
    #6
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    JReed said:

    Taxol - nausea
    Don is also taking Taxol (and carboplatin) - he is finding it necessary to start nausea meda (compazine) the night of chemo and stay with it for at least 3 days. Also doc started Don on IV fluids 2 days a week - he gets one the day of chemo (Wed) and the second on Friday after his radiation. Again, the odors are quite bothersome to him and we don't know if it is from the chemo or radiation or combo of both.

    Judy

    Stuff Stinks
    Yeah, there are a lot of odors that have become offensive to me. In the hospital Bistro today, someone had roasted green peppers, and they made me nauseated, even though I'd taken my anti-nausea medicine.

    My wife suggested I put a small dab of Vicks under my nose. (I understand putting it IN the nose can be dangerous...) Don't know how that'd work, but it wouldn't be offensive food smells, anyway.

    --Jerry
  • JReed
    JReed Member Posts: 428
    #7
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    JaneO said:

    Bad reaction to taxol
    I hope you and your husband's treatments go well. Jack began a new treatment plan of cisplatin/taxol today. They kept reassuring us that most people tolerate Taxol fine. Well, unfortunatly, within five minutes Jack turned red,and had horrible pain and dry heaves. They gave him Benedryl for over a half hour to stop the bad side effects. It was pretty scary! He was in so much pain. The medical staff were so professional and stopped the IV immediately. We will try a different one next time. They said only 3% have a major reaction. Leave it to Jack to be in the 3%!! Prayers to both of you!

    Oh My Word
    JaneO

    That must have scared the dickens out of you. How awful for you and Jack. I'm glad they are aware of this reaction and are prepared to handle it immediately - a friend of some that I work with has cancer and his first chemo landed him in the hospital for 7 days. It is scary. I was even nervous for Don's 2nd chemo because I know that sometimes people don't show a reaction until 2nd exposure.

    Hopefully Jack won't have the nausea and smell issue since he's already been through enough. Let us know what they use next time.

    Thank you for the prayers!

    Hugs,
    Judy
  • JaneO
    JaneO Member Posts: 40
    #8
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    JReed said:

    Oh My Word
    JaneO

    That must have scared the dickens out of you. How awful for you and Jack. I'm glad they are aware of this reaction and are prepared to handle it immediately - a friend of some that I work with has cancer and his first chemo landed him in the hospital for 7 days. It is scary. I was even nervous for Don's 2nd chemo because I know that sometimes people don't show a reaction until 2nd exposure.

    Hopefully Jack won't have the nausea and smell issue since he's already been through enough. Let us know what they use next time.

    Thank you for the prayers!

    Hugs,
    Judy

    Thanks Judy!
    I am amazed when I go chemo with Jack and watch all the couples with their loved ones (or the parent with their grown children). They seem so brave sitting there having their IV treatments. I try to imagine what it would be like if I were sitting there. I know it is hard for us as caregivers, especially when they are in pain or are sick, to watch them suffer. But the strength they have to fight this thing is unbelievable. It was hard for me to sit and watch the medical staff tend to Jack and not be able to do anything. I am glad we have changed oncologists and I trust this new clinic. I know everyone will have different reactions with all the various combos of chemo drugs. Having the right professionals there with you are key. I feel like it gives me the strength to help him when I know I can call them or ask them anything, anytime. I also appreciate learning from all of you guys some of the issues that may come up. I definately feel more prepared. Prayers for all our heroes going through these treatments!
  • paul61
    paul61 Member Posts: 1,391 Member
    #9
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    JaneO said:

    Thanks Judy!
    I am amazed when I go chemo with Jack and watch all the couples with their loved ones (or the parent with their grown children). They seem so brave sitting there having their IV treatments. I try to imagine what it would be like if I were sitting there. I know it is hard for us as caregivers, especially when they are in pain or are sick, to watch them suffer. But the strength they have to fight this thing is unbelievable. It was hard for me to sit and watch the medical staff tend to Jack and not be able to do anything. I am glad we have changed oncologists and I trust this new clinic. I know everyone will have different reactions with all the various combos of chemo drugs. Having the right professionals there with you are key. I feel like it gives me the strength to help him when I know I can call them or ask them anything, anytime. I also appreciate learning from all of you guys some of the issues that may come up. I definately feel more prepared. Prayers for all our heroes going through these treatments!

    So glad your were there for Jack
    Jane,

    Just think how frightening that would have been for Jack if you had not been there. When I had my chemo my wife came with me to all of my treatments and even though I told her each time that I was in capable hands and she could leave me with the nurses. She always sat next to me and read a book while I dozed on and off. I have to admit it made me feel much safer with her there. I am sure that Jack feels that way too.

    Thanks for being there for him.

    Best Regards,

    Paul Adams
    McCormick, South Carolina

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