I don't know how to search this site for subjects, so maybe someone has experienced this. I have developed a rash from Taxol and it is driving me crazy!! The prescription gel they gave me is not helping. I thought maybe someone may know of a cream or something to help. I'm listening!

thanks

Linda

 

Taxol is made from the Pacific Yew - but the preservative they use (cremophor is an elixir made from castor oil)

 

Having suffered from allergic reactions...I know how terrible you must be feeling.

 

They usually given a steroid and Benadryl a half hour before, and then very slowly infuse the Taxol to check for reactions.

 

Do you have any Benadryl? - They give this for allergic reactions - or the generic is diphenhydramine or Alledryl. You could take a capsule of this - (will make you sleepy).

 

You can also buy Benadryl cream....or a very mild hydrocortisone cream to take the itch out....(do not apply on broken skin).

 

And if it does not stop...or gets worse you may need a tapering dose of prednisone for the allergic reaction.

 

I hope you can get some relief.

 

Connie

 

 

 

 

Thank you! This was my third treatment. For the first one, they gave me 10 mg of steroids before Taxol. Second treatment, 4 mg, third treatment...nadda. SO...during treatment it started feeling like bees stinging my hands and my arms were turning red and hivey. She waited until AFTER the treatment to order Benadryl, which did help at the time. But on Thur, the day after treatment, my neck and chest started to break out and they ordered a gel called.. Clindamycin (sp?).. so it helps at first then nothing.. so I'm going to get some Benadryl like you suggested and some cream. It's driving me absolutely nuts and I want to scratch it with a fork or something really sharp! (don't worry, I won't).

thanks again for the help,

Linda

 

each treatment with Taxol you should be treated with premedication before the Taxol infusion.

 

I double checked everything that was written and the second time I had no premeds ordered....and I waited until the nurse got an order. I asked each time whether everything was there.

 

If you have ZANTAC or ranitidine (generic) you can take this because of the H2 blocker which blocks allergic reaction - They give this for stomach conditions - but they also give 2 tablets of this plus 2 tablets of Benadryl for moderate to severe itching rashes - allergic rashes.

 

I gained all this knowledge from going to emergency rooms...with allergic reactions.

 

Clindamycin is an antibiotic given for skin infections and dental infections - or in a gel to put on zits (Dalacin).

 

You sound like you had a typical drug reaction - why would they give you antibiotic gel?

 

 

I came home and read about the Clindamycin too. No wonder it only helped at first, because the gel was soothing, but an acne med? I was thinking ok they must know something that I don't, but I'll save it for my teenage son!

I did check the order before treatment, as well, and it only had the 10mg for first week, 4mg for second, and none for 3rd. The nurse came in with a steroid tablet for me to take but I refused it because it wasn't on the order. It was late in the evening so she coudln't call my onc. I'm seeing her on Wed tho before my next treatment, so hopefully we'll get this straightened out. I'd rather take Benadryl if it's just as effective.

I appreciate your knowledge. Sorry, tho, that you found out thru ER visits. We have a hurricane heading our way now, so I want to get everyrhiing in order in case we hve to evacuate. ggrrrrr

Linda

Do I take that before I go in for treatment? One or both? If possible, I'd like to avoid the steroids.

thanks

Linda

 

Connie

I'm getting 156 mg over 1 hr once a week for 12 weeks. Wouldn't it depend on the mg?

thanks

 

I wish I would have had it weekly...(I asked and they would not do it) - they found 12 weekly Taxol to be more effective.

 

I am happy they are finding better ways to treat us...

 

Connie

Question?

 

Kerry had her 10th round of weekly Taxol today. She has had a red rash on the knuckles of both hands for the last 2 weeks.  Last week the onc said it was dry skin, so she applied lotion. This week he gave her a rx of Methylpred    It is getting worse , hope the meds work.  Did anyone have the same problems.  Good news is that she is almost finished with the 1st half of chemo.

 

Thanks

Brad 

Donna and anyone taking FEC,

 

Thanks for answering Brad about the methylprednisone.  I just took my first dose this morning before breakfast.  Hopefully it will work.  My rash is on the tops of my hands and starting down the side of my right arm.  The odd thing about the rash is, that it does not really itch.  I find myself putting lotion on it all the time--so it is really smooth!  

 

 Other than that, Taxol has not really bothered me much and I take it weekly.  I must admit that I do get really tired a couple of days after having the infusion.  That could be because I do not sleep much at all the night that I have Taxol.  That is even with a sleeping aid.  It seems like I have a ton of energy.  Then I am wasted for a few days. 

 

  TWO more weekly doses and I will be half way finished with my treatment!!  The next is 12 weeks taken every 3rd week of FEC.  Does anyone out there know much about this combo??

 

Kerry

I am so sorry to hear you are having not so good time with this rash.

I did 12 weekly cycles of Taxotere, I was given 100 mg over 1 hour.  I had a benadryl push before my Taxotere as part of the premeds given to me. Have you asked about getting benadryl as part of the premeds?  And of course, Decadron (Dexamethasone) the night before, morning of, and more as premed.  I was given Tagament throught IV but the last 2 or 3 treatments was given another drug because Tagament is not being intravenously anymore.

 

Thanks,
Rosie. (lives New Zealand, Mum in Spain.)

 

Has your mom talked to her doctor regarding the rash on her head?  If she has an allergic reaction the benadryl may help.  I just worry that it is on her head and with pus.  She should check with her doctor because it could be a number of things.  During chemo the immune system to a hit and can get sick much easier.  I'm not a doctor, although I know that sometimes people get a rash on their head from shingles.  I am not saying it is I just know someone that had shingles and had a rash on her head. 

 

I would have your mom go to her doctor to let him/her take a look at it and decide what to do.  It may be chemo rash that got bad.  But just have to check with her doctor. 

 

Even though I do not know your mom, she will definitely be in my prayers.

 

Sincerely,

 

Christine

Thanks!

 

What a great handle to use. Kerry wanted to use it but decided not to. Kerry's treatment plan came from M D Anderson.  Kerry did take 12 weekly taxol treatments first. She was going to take 4 treatments of FEC, 1 every 3 weeks, following the taxol but our onc in Tulsa said she could shorten her treatments 1 month by taking the A C 4 times every 2 weeks. We talked to her Dr. in Houston and she said the change would be fine. No brainer for her.  She has finished the A C and spending the week with our first grandchild. Keelyn was born on 6/26/10, 3 weeks early, with the cord wraped around her neck twice. Mother,Baby and Grandmother all doing fine.

 

 

Brad   

They told me there was nothing to do.  Just stay away from people and don't get sick.  I will ask about that shot.  Thanks.  How are you doing?

Thanks.

Lee in Denver

 

I also asked about my hair - which is coming out fast and furiously.  Again, they said that it was "just thinning", and that I shouldn't do anythng drastic like shave my head just yet....  But it seems too much coming out to be just thinning.  I've ordered a wig, and will see my hairdresser next week upon her return from vacation.  We'll decide then how to proceed.  I'm OK either way!  (The "they" was actually the physician's assistant, BTW.)

 

What a journey!  But how wonderful to make it with all of the great folks who are on this site.

 

Peace,

 

Deborah.

Taxol will make your hair fall out.  By the time I got to Taxol after AC, there was no hair left to think about.  I did shave my hair and felt much better for being in control.  I was lucky that the Taxol never got my counts down too low for chemo.  They were low, but not too low.  So, there was no plan to take Neupogen.  That's what my doctor uses instead of Neulasta.  My oncology PA is a wonder and I love her to death. I was on an Avastin study and had no problems with it.  I didn't even know I was on it for sure til they told me at the end.  It's not quite a year since my diagnosis, mastectomy and chemo.  I have a journey in front of me, too.  Praying that you get back on the Taxol next week and get some Neulast/Neupogen to keep your counts up.

Lee in Denver

Why would my onc not offer the shot routinely?  I feel like I am wasting time.  What is the cancer is secretly growing back?  And, I am trapped at home, in my own office, trapped.

I took the plunge and had my head shaved this morning.  Tears again.  Every new thing is a stab in the heart.  I have cancer.  Can I have a glass of Cabernet?  Does it bolster blood or dilute it?  I have nmot had wine in months.  I feel fairly decent except for low wbc and a bald head...  Someone wrote about the shots and vicodin.  I read somewhere that the shots are painful.  Anything on that? How do you make your dx appear on the bottom of the page?

Lee in Denver

Lee in Denver

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Got my head shaved today.  Very wierd.  Time to learn about the art of tying scarfs. Got a sheet from American Cancer Society with examples.  Not sure about going to church tomorrow. Bald + low wbc...

Thanks for writing me back.  This TNBC has been so scary to me.

Michele in southern ALabama

 

Thank you for the information - I agree, my hair is too far gone to be just thinning!  Hopefully Thursday I'll get chemo - or want to know the resason why!  (I also secretly fear the cancer is being given the chance to "regroup"...) 

 

God Bless, everyone!

 I got some pre-tied scarves from HeadCovers.com.  I wasn't brave enough to go outside bald, plus it was winter!  I didn't care about being bald at home.  I was delayed one week once on AC and that was due to being really anemic.  I got 2 units of blood and back on schedule.  The Neupogen shots weren't bad.  I don't know about Neulasta.  I gave myself the shots in my thigh.  If you let the syringe warm up a bit -20 to 30 minutes - it wasn't so cold and hurt less.  I would get neutropenic (low WBC)  even the first few days on Neupogen.  It took the 10 shots daily to bring things back up.  I don't know why my onc preferred Neupogen to Neulasta.  I would have only gotten it if I had failed on Neupogen.  I was devastated to find out I wasn't going to be allowed to finish my Taxol treatments.  I had emergency 4 1/2 hr gall bladder surgery when I had 5 treatments left.  They said I'd lost the snowball effect of the chemo and wouldn't gain anything by finishing.  That's when the real fear of the cancer regrouping came.  It took several months for that to lessen.  The onc and the wonderful PA convinced me that with all I'd already done to kill off the cancer, I'd be ok.  Some days I believe and some days I don't.  It doesn't consume me anymore, however.  Good luck in your treatments.

Lee in Denver

 

Hope you are doing OK now?

 

Peace,

Deborah.

I just know your counts will be good this week!  Get an answer about why you aren't being given Neupogen or Neulasta to get those counts up!  You don't want to be behind schedule on your chemo if those shots will make sure to have your counts where they belong.  Extra prayers for you on Thursday.

Lee in Denver

 

Could you please give me some hope abbout this drug,  I am so scared I am considering not taking it at all. 

 

I know each of us will have a different effect, but it sure sounds grim.

 

Thanks so much

 

Cathy

 

We will all respond with our particular body so don't let internet reading frighten you.  I did have bad leg pain with Taxol but my daughter only had mild discomfort and continued to work thru her treatments.  Many women say they find the Adriamycin to be the worse of the two.

 

http://www.chemocare.com/bio/taxol.asp - http://www.chemocare.com/bio/taxol.asp

 

Let us know how you are doing,

Hi, I'm responding a little late but....Once my hair started coming out in clumps, I had my husband shave it.  I just couldn't stand it falling out everywhere.  That was after my second treatment of A/C.  I wear the wig when I go out and then either a hat/scarf or go bald around the house.  It works for me.

 

My treatments have been going pretty good I think.  I do get the neulasta shot the day after my A/C treatment along with the fluids they give me to help with nausea.  I haven't had any problems so far with low wbc...but hold your breath on that one as I'm getting my labs done hear in about a half hour, so cross your fingers that I'm good to go with the 3rd treatment today.

 

How are you doing?

Lee in Denver

 

Best regards,

Deborah.

Lee in Denver

 

I'm just glad they have something to give us - and something to help with the side effects.

 

And I agree with you, about the hair falling out everywhere.  It is such a mess. Today I wore a "cute pink" baseball cap to work - it looks so much better than the skimpy strands that are left on my head.  Thursday I'm seeing my hairdresser, to have the rest shaved off (one thing hubby doesn't want to do), and to get my wig styled (I hope).  I am frequently in meetings at the office, where I'm the only female present, and though it might be vain, I just can't sit through them with a bald head.

 

So, onwards and upwards!

Lee in Denver

 

And yea I hear you on the work stuff....I used all my sick time for the surgery and appts.  so now my checks are a little smaller...but were making it thru for now.

 

No chin hair here...but I heard somewhere the facial hair sticks around a little longer as not everyone will lose their eyebrows and lashes.  Good luck!  I'm thinking about you!

 

I'm thinking about you today and hope that ankle is doing better.  Sounds painful!

 

Let us know what your tests reveal,

 

Best wishes

 

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156337.php - http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156337.php

 

http://www.cancerandcareers.org/women/working/ - http://www.cancerandcareers.org/women/working/

Michele

Lee in Denver

 

Well, WBC down again today.  So, they have changed my chemo schedule from weekly for 3 weeks and 1 week off, to every other week, both Taxol and Avastin.  But they did give me 1/2 dose of Avastin today, no Taxol.  I go back next week, to start the 1st day of cycle 2.  Hmmm, I'm going to have to re-do my calendar now, to keep up with this change.

 

When I asked about the Neulasta, etc., I was told that Neulasta had to be given a specific number of days apart, and the weekly schedule did not allow for that, so thus the change.  They gave me Neuprogen today, and four more to do myself.  Then from next week I get the Neulasta.  Not looking forward to the side effects, but better that, than no treatment!

 

I believe I read that Claritin helps with the Neulasta-induced pain?  Also I read somewhere on this Forum something about warming the syringe beforehand - but can't remember if it was the Neulasta shot?

 

As for the ankle, thanks for the good wishes!  It is taking time to heal, which is sooo inconvenient.  But hubby is doing an excellent job of getting me around.

 

Had the rest of what was left of my hair shaved off this evening - and got my new wig.  Hubby likes it, I have to get used to the new look.  But it feels quite comfortable, and I'll be so happy not to wake up to a hairy pillow every day.

 

BTW, I got copies of my Scan & MRI disks today - can't make heads or tails of what I'm looking at!  Wish I had a radiologist (or whoever) to explain what the images mean...

 

So all in all, quite a busy day.

 

I really appreciate this Forum, and all the folks who contribue to it.  Just wish I could remember what I saw where!

 

God Bless us, everyone.

 

Peace,

 

Deborah.

I was told to warm up my Neupogen syringes a bit and it didn't hurt as much.  I only had to take the shots when I was on AC and Avastin.  Taxol didn't seem to knock my counts down nearly as much.  Wish I had known about the Claritin thing for the achy pain.  It went away before the next chemo would come around.  Glad you like your wig!  Chemo may make your ankle slower to heal, but who knows for sure!  Everytime I would print out my schedule for a good amount of time, it changed!  Sleep well tonight.

Lee in Denver

 

Wonder why in the world they didn't give you a written report with the disks?  You can always arrange to get a copy of the written report.

 

Sorry the ankle is taking a long time and yes chemo will do that.  I' so glad you've got a good helper to assist in getting you around.  Also sorry about the hair but remember it will grow back.  Glad you like your wig.

 

You know I never one time had any problems with Neulasta.  Many women complain so maybe I'm the oddball.  Hope it doesn't bother you as well.

 

Good to hear from you,

 

I, too, did not have a problem with Neulasta.  I had A/C every 2 weeks followed by Neulasta the next day.  I was very fortunate though that I did not to have all the side effects during chemo you hear about. 

 

Yes, I lost my hair, and yes it does grow back, Deborah .  When I was done with the A/C, I had 12 weeks of Taxotere and was not sure if I should shave my 5 o'clock shadow (which I had for about 2+ months).  I decided not to shave it again to see what would happen since there was a chance I would not lose it with the Taxotere.  And I didn't.  It grew back, curly, of course.

 

Hopefully, Deborah, you won't have a problem with the Neulasta and it keeps your WBC up.  It worked really good for me.  That was one thing I worried about and having to delay chemo until they were up.  I pray for you that it works great for you to keep everything on the path going forward.

 

I am getting ready to start more chemo in couple of weeks.  I will be on Gemzar and Cisplatin.  My doctor spoke to a special board and they recommended more chemo and radiation as a back up plan since I had TNBC.  I just had bilateral mastectomy surgery May 18th with reconstruction.  Unfortunately, I had gotten a skin infection and had one of my tissue expanders removed June 21st.  But I will be able to get it back in December.  I'm looking forward to it as a Christmas present

 

 

 

Interesting you are getting more chemo as a back up plan because of the TNBC.  In your signature I don't see that you have mets.  Three years ago during my second diagnosis I would have definitely taken more chemo if given the chance, wish they had offered.

 

I'm happy to hear Neulasta didn't bother you, I'm not alone!  Yet still an oddball I reckon since even though I got the shots after Taxotere I still landed in the hospital, usually the same night of the shot with Neutropenia atleast 4 out of 6 times.  I was a sick dog that year!

 

I am so happy for you looking forward to such a wonderful Christmas present!

No, my BC was confined in my left breast.  It had not spread.  My family is tripping out that I am having more chemo but I am all for it.  If this is what it takes to help prevent a recurrence, I'm game.  I told them it was for the best.

 

When I looked up the chemo drugs I will be on I did read they are usually given to people who it has metastasized.  My nodes were clear when I had my surgery.  The path report had no description of them other than no cancer was found.  Good no cancer but wanted to know if there was a sign any of them had cancer since I had neoadjuvant chemo.  Oh, well, what can I do?  I'm clear now and gonna have more chemo.  LIke I mentioned I am all for it.  People might think I weird for wanting more chemo but if it helps then you do what you need to do.  I plan on kicking for many years 

 

Christine

 

Pam, how are you doing these days?  We were all very worried for you.  Thank you, BTW, for the links on working women - very helpful!

 

We had a couple, friends of ours, come around last evening - they brought the food, and all the crockery, cutlery, etc., and, a bag full of various hats and scarves from other friends who could not come by.  It was so thoughtful, also somewhat bittersweet, but fun, too - as they had thought up little descriptions of when to wear which headcovering...

 

I've now given myself 3 of the Neupogen injections - and though I really don't like doing it, I must say I haven't felt anything other than some backache.  (Which I'm not sure if it is from the injection, or from the wheechair.)  So, I'm hopeful that I'll join Trip2 and Mudpuppy in the "oddball" club...

 

I agree with you, Mudpuppy - go for the chemo.  In my case, unfortunately, because the pathology incorrectly labelled me as "postive" instead of "TN" the first time around in 2008, and because I had clear nodes, I was not given any chemo - just some radiation.  Two years later, I've gone from Stage "0", to Stage IV, Grade 3, with extensive mets to nodes, too numerous for surgery or radiation.  I'm sure if I had had a correct diagnosis back then, I would have been given chemo, and might not be in this position today.  Nevertheless, if that was the case, I might not have found this site either - so there's some blessings there!

 

Take care, all.

 

Deborah.

No one including our families are going to "understand" why we might choose more chemo.  I love your attitude and there is no doubt in my mind you will kick some fanny!  To understand is to be in our shoes, only members here who have been diagnosed get the drift.  You are no weirdo whatsoever honey!

Loved ones who care for us have their ordeal they go thru at seeing you being diagnosed and hopefully there is much compassion and support.  Thru both diagnoses of mine my hubby has been a huge help but for a very long time if I wanted to talk his eyes would glaze up, I knew to drop the subject.  We are all affected but you have to wear our shoes.

 

Deborah what a fabulous and thoughtful idea of your friend's bringing the meal, dishes and a bag of hats and scarves for you.  I can see lots of support coming from your friends which will be a huge help.

I wonder if your backache could be flaring because of chemo?  You might call your Onc's office and speak to a nurse to see if she has any ideas of what may be causing it in regard to your treatments.  They get alot of input from patients.  Backaches are miserable.  Does a pillow help?

 

You are welcome to join our "oddball" club.

I just don't think the Neulasta did a thing for me, sure didn't keep my counts up.

 

I'm doing ok, stressing over an upcoming PET but can't complain, thanks for asking!

 

 

 

As a result of the Neupogen injections, my WBC was way up, so I could have the "full treatment" of chemo, and did not need the Neulasta shot, after all.  Also, my CA marker #27.29 was down from a pre-treatment high of 866 to 394.  ("Normal" is 0-39)

 

 

Deborah.

 

(Usually I have the chemo on Thursdays, so that I can go to the office on Friday still riding the steroid "high", and then be pooped at home over the weekends.  But this time, having the chemo on Wednesday, I find myself feeling pooped at the office!  Good thing it's Friday...  And yes, this is my lunchtime activity.)

Did you have a lumpectomy/masectomy before chemo?

 

Hi TNBCSucks -

 

Actually, when I was erroneously dx as "ER+/HER2+" in 2008, I had a lumpectomy and radiation but no chemo.  Now they've discovered that the lump in my neck was TN, they are only giving me chemo, as the mets to nodes is too extensive for either surgery or radiation.

 

So, I guess the answer is yes, but not for the same Dx...

 

Good luck with the rest of your treatments - may they all go so well for you.

 

I hope you continue to do well with your treatments. Not everyone has a rough time, we are all different.

Good wishes your count is good to have your next infusion.

 

Keep us updated on how you are doing..