I’m on my second line of chemo after a four. 5 year remission. I originally had Paclitaxol/ Carboplatin followed by two years on Olaparib.
I’m extremely anxious as after my third session I seem to have become allergic to Carboplatin followed by.
My Oncologist is going to try me on Cisplatin for the last two cycles.
Has anyone else had an allergic reaction like this?
Denise
Yes, I did. Where I get treated (Dana Farber in Boston) they have a desensitization unit with a protocol that is used somewhere in the UK because I read about it. Basically they gave me many premeds and then the give the carbo very slowly. At first the solution is very weak. Every 15 minutes they increase it and they check your vitals frequently. It takes 6-7 hours for the whole process. But hopefully the cisplatin will be okay for you and they will probably give you extra premeds.
That does sound better. I was given my slow dose on week 3 over 1.5 hours after an immediate, first violent reaction and was absolutely fine but the following week after a slow initial infusion of half an hour they stopped it due to reaction starting gradually.
I was hoping they’d just slow it more but I guess it was getting late. I’d previously had three hours of Taxol too.
I was so gutted.
this is what I’ve been prescribed but not started yet, it’s good to see it’s working so far but a shame you’ve now got to change. I’ll keep an eye on your progress but good luck with the new drug xxx
Thank you so much, I’m so anxious as when I had Carboplatin before, ( 5 years ago ) was absolutely fine!
Hello and yes. I have had carboplatin in the past, and it worked very well. Most recently I had one treatment of it and developed a hive. My oncologist immediately discontinued it. My understanding is there is a desensitization process involving a slow drip infusion over a nine hour period. I think I will opt for this since carboplatin was so successful at dropping my CA 125 dramatically. Just something for you to think about and maybe discuss with your oncologist. But hopefully, the Cisplatin will work for you! Best of luck to you!
Hi Denise , sorry to hear that you are back on chemo after being in remission for so long . I remember when I was on Carbo/Taxol back in 2019 the Carbo was given to me over 90 mins at first & then eventually it was given to me for 60 mins . I never had an allergic reaction to it . I was on it again in 2020 with Gemcitabine & no allergic reactions either. I recurred again last Feb & I started on Carbo/Gem/Avastin . This time I was told the Carbo was now been given over 30 mins , not sure why it was changed . For the first & second infusions of Carbo I was fine but on the third , after 20 mins into the infusion I started getting an allergic reaction, my hands were stinging, were bright red & then very itchy. They said it was only a mild reaction & that the next time I was having the Carbo they would give me an antihistamine before I started to see if it would help. Unfortunately it didn't & exactly 20 mins in the reaction started again . For the 4 th the allergic reaction was even worse , as well as the hands I had a terrible pain in my lower back , my BP was low & I was so nauseous I thought I was going to be sick. The Carbo was stopped for awhile so I could be given anti sickness meds. Once I started again I was fine . I asked would they try slowing it back down to the 60 mins for the fifth one as I really wanted to see if that worked . I was worried that if I ever needed chemo again my oncologist wouldn't give me Carbo because of the reactions I was having . I respond so well to it that I still wanted the option of having it if needed. They did slow it down & I got to 20 mins in & no reaction. I had no reactions of any kind & the same for my sixth infusion so I was thrilled that I proved my point & if I ever need it again it won't be off the table . I can't blame you being gutted , I wonder if they gave you the Carbo first at a slow rate & before the Taxol & see how you got on. It might be worth asking . Good luck going forward & sorry for the long reply 🫣
Hi there,
Thank you so much for your response. I will ask the Oncologist about taking a longer infusion after all as a few people are mentioning this!
My second reaction ( 4th treatment of 6 )was much slower and I feel, given more time, I might have a better chance on a Carboplatin which was zapping the CA125 right down! Or like you say, ask for it first!
I’m definitely going to enquire.
Denise xxx
Yes. I had a grade 3 anaphalactic shock on Carbo (grade 4 yr heart stops). Cisplatin is just bit harsher than Carbo but doable. Good luck x
Hi Katmal, I’m so sorry you went through that but it does actually help to know you had experienced this too and that Cisplatin was doable, thank you for this!
I hope to find another longer term Olaparib trial later o n too. I’m sure it’s why I had such a first long remission.
Happy Christmas!
Denise xxxxx
Have a good Christmas, I hope yr treatment goes well x
Pain in the neck
Rising CA125
Has anyone else had this?
Another first post
