Taxotere reaction

Well, in the teaching appointment we were told an allergic reaction to Taxotere is very rare, but it happened within the first few minutes of Denny's first infusion yesterday. He said he was just thinking, "this isn't bad" when the flushing started, then pain in the areas of his kidneys and then chest pain. I told the nurse he was having a reaction and everybody (including two doctors we've never met) came rushing with IVs, oxygen and began trying to withdraw the taxotere from his port. More steroids were given. After contacting his doctor, they decided to re-challenge with an infusion of liquid Benadryl first. (I was not convinced it was a good idea and had packed everything up, but he managed without any more drama.) It's good they tried again yesterday, because waiting a week would have given us enough time to stew on the whole thing and possibly not have another infusion. Nurses said he was the calmest patient ever when having the allergic reaction. At first he thought he was having a hot flash... he didn't want to bother anyone. He's still on steroids and feels good today--I am exhausted!

I'm having a FLASHBACK!

I had six TAXOTERE chemotherapy infusions booked. Full-strength doses, every three weeks.

I was in the first wave of fellows who were offered the "early chemo plan" when clinical trials first indicated a survival benefit. I met my oncologist on a Monday & we started the series of treatments that Wednesday.

All systems GO! It meant something to me to be the very first fellow at my treatment center to embark on this series of treatments.

First treatment went without a hitch! Hooray!

Second infusion? My dad (who stands alongside us here as a fellow prostate cancer patient, as well) noticed I looked flushed, shortly after the infusion. He had accompanied me to the infusion appointment, to keep me company.

I suddenly felt a "wave of warmth" rising up to my chest and my dad later said I literally turned beet red. It happened so suddenly!

My oncologist and the lead infusion nurse BOLTED to my side, stopped the infusion, and immediately began to infuse liquid BENEDRYL.

I had trouble breathing and forming words. I remember it all very clearly.

They stayed by my side for a very long time.

It was a rare - but full-blown - allergic reaction to TAXOTERE.

I became quietly upset, thinking I would never be able to finish the course of treatments.

My oncologist ASSURED me this can happen. They then loaded me up in ADVANCE with a "magic" anti-allergic formulation & then re-introduced the TAXOTERE infusion - but at a much slower rate - drip by drip - and monitored me closely.

From then on, they gave me the initial infusion to counteract the allergic reaction, each time, & I completed the entire series of six infusions without further incidents.

I give thanks, to this day, for the wisdom of my oncologist and my care team.

This reaction is listed on ALL my medical records, as well.

I am thankful that the allergic reaction was fully addressed & a true antidote was found, so I could receive the benefits of TAXOTERE chemotherapy.

Let your oncologist lead you forward ~ but I hope my story will instill a sense of renewed confidence in continuing the treatments.

They know how to address it & I had 100% confidence in my oncologist's exoertise.

Each of the six infusions lowered my PSA, after all six infusions.

When I rang that CELEBRATORY bell at the end of my treatments, my medical team and I had MUCH to be thankful for that day!

With my best to you,
CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University

DYANK ~

You're forging ahead, to be sure!

Thankful that a new treatment plan has emerged!

Make certain the allergic reaction is noted on all medical records, under the category of noted medical allergies.

It's noted on my dental records, as well, so that all my healthcare providers have all the details.

Keep us posted, as the TAXOTERE treatments continue!

CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University