Flushed after chemo treatment

[cribbit]

I’ve just had my second chemo treatment (carbopactol and taxol) for endometrial carcinoma) . The day after I wake up to red flushing on face and neck sometimes extends to chest. After second treatment it lasted into second and third day. Nurses on triage line said to take Benadryl. That did help a little but did not really clear it up. Anyone else experience this? It’s a minor side effect in relation to some of the others you all have posted. Also wondering if this is just the beginning,? I have 4 more treatments to go.

[Merma Moderator]

Time to talk to the dr.- especially if your reactions are getting more severe. The Cremophor in the Pacitaxol is the usual culprit. It is a combination of chemicals that protect your body from the yew wood in the taxol. For me, I had instant anaphylaxis and had to change to abraxene. There was a Dr. Fellow at my allergist’s office that was working on helping patients with reactions to chemo. Maybe an allergist might be of help here too.

Best wishes.

[Supermary]

HI

Sounds like an allergic reaction

I would definitely reach out to your oncologist

Do they a cancer dermatologist where you are ?

basically a derm whoose focus is cancer patients

If so a visit with them I would think would help

Keep us posted and keep your spirits up

Margaret

[PMint]

I usually have a flushed face after chemo but doesn’t last long. Try to keep cool, moisturise and avoid direct sun. Always worth checking with your oncology team if it worries you though. I just don’t put blusher on on those days! Please check though as it seldom extends beyond cheeks and I have had 10 chemos. Good luck! xx

[blondiec]

I only took 3 taxol chemos and 6 carbo chemos but every time I had flushed cheeks and a rash too. Sometimes it went down my neck to my chest. It wasn’t itchy I just made my oncologist aware of it. I then was put on Keytruda and lenvima and basically everything I take gives me a rash and flushed cheeks. God Bless you for a speedy and full recovery. I wish you all the best. Reach out to me anytime if like you can speak with me also.

[SariKexp]

Hello and sending good energy to you. I had a full body rash after my first chemo treatment (also Carbo + Taxol) that was red, itchy, and pretty miserable for 3-4 days.

Benadryl, Aveeno, cold packs, and over-the-counter hydrocortisone ointment helped calm it down, and it did not come back with subsequent chemo infusions. Interesting that yours appeared after the second round and agree with the others' advice to report to your oncologist what's happening. Different over-the-counter antihistamines (other than Benadryl (such as Zyrtec or Claritin) may bring relief. But be sure your care team is aware of what else you are taking for relief.

I wish you well, and love your cool wildcat avatar! 💚

[Sunnyrainbow]

Yes as Merma mentioned talk to your doctor. I was in complete agony after 3rd day with reference to my legs, felt like they were being crushed. They only changed the treatment on the third lot. I did tell the oncologist, but it was COVID times and it wasnt until she actually saw me that she realised how bad I had been. (I did feel let down by her to be honest). Take some photos as evidence too. On a positive note, I am through it now, two years on, and been back at work for a year. Just struggling to lose belly fat, but hey I am here. Good luck with your treatments, its all for the good. Sending positive vibes and love.

[Whatifitallworksout]

I wanted to second calling your doctor or whomever is on call to get their help determining the line between normal and allergic reaction. They might be able to give you different pre meds or complement meds during your infusion next time that can help too. I was always flushed but it only lasted a day or two and was never itchy. I also had an instant anaphylactic reaction to Taxol the first time I had it which my doctors successfully desensitized me to over the course of my subsequent treatments so there are very good paths forward for you if you are allergic. I wanted to share that because I was worried they wouldn’t be able to get the meds into me when I had such a strong reaction and they were able to no problem. Turns out it’s quite common. Good luck!