I had an acute hypersensitivity reaction to paclitaxel during my first infusion but I fortunately recognised what was happening and was treated accordingly. I don’t know if it would have progressed to anaphylaxis but I can imagine how overwhelming and frightening that must have been for you. I had premedication with antihistamines and steroids for my remaining 11 infusions and was fine . Did you continue with your treatment and what are you experiencing now ?
they stopped the infusion and gave me hydrocortisone and other things. That worked after a while.
I felt very unwell, skin went red and hot, very fast heart rate, temperature went up, breathing was somewhat difficult. Felt strange and I was anxious and crying.
They said I will be switched to Abraxane. I can’t tolerate steroids well (medical history of serious asthma steroid problems).
it was my third Paclitaxel after two which were fine.
I am ok now just tired. I didn’t sleep.
I’m glad your treatment continued and you were ok.
Not surprising you didn’t sleep after an episode like that plus the steroids. You shouldn’t have any lasting physical problems and what you describe is a very accurate description of symptoms of anaphylaxis. Your thoughts after such an event and the intense feeling of impending doom you likely experienced at the time will take some time to sort out
yes it was very intense. The matron and chemo nurses were great, luckily. There wasn’t a Dr there yesterday, but they dealt with it perfectly without.
I am struggling now with everything so emailed my nurse and GP. So much has happened during my treatment so far including reactions to medications, them forgetting tests, giving things in the wrong order, etc
But they saved my life yesterday and were wonderful. Nurses and matrons are amazing. I can’t say the same about oncologists.
Hi GarageYoga , just came across your thread and wanted to say how sorry I am you experienced this awful reaction. Thank God the amazing nurses saved your life and I hope things get better for you after all your issues. My heartfelt thoughts are with you at what is an incredibly difficult time . You are super brave and inspiring.
Matron said on Friday she would phone today, but hasn't yet. I don't know if that means a change of plan about Abraxane.
If it happens in the 1st or 2nd infusion, apparently it isn't an allergic response but some other type of thing (that can present like allergic anaphylaxis though).
Later, it can be a standard IgE anaphylaxis.
No idea which mine will have been, but presumably IgE given all my IgE allergies and pre-exposure in infusions 1 and 2.
Would I also react to Abraxane? Who knows.
I am really scared, I have to say. I don't know if any of the Marsden doctors know yet about Friday.
