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Good morning Teal Sisters,

I see that word is getting out about Abraxane, an alternative for those who have experienced a severe reaction to Paclitaxel.  After my initial cancer diagnosis mid-2021 I was prescribed 6 cycles of Paclitaxel and Carboplatin.  During my first infusion I had an immediate negative reaction - stage 3 anaphylaxis.  Paclitaxel was stopped and for subsequent chemo cycles I was admitted to hospital for at least one, if not two, overnights for a very slow infusion over 12 hours.  Thankfully there were no further negative experiences, but I worry about the potential damage caused by the extended time period that the drug was being administered.

More recently my Oncologist removed a 10 cm mass on left ovary.  With pathology indicating cancer recurrence, he has recommended me for a further 6 cycles of chemo.  Due to my severe reaction 4 years ago I am "eligible" for Abraxane in place of Paclitaxel.  My first cycle is Wednesday, May 28th.  My fingers are crossed that all goes well, as the infusion period is 30 minutes and can be administered as a day patient.

I have also dusted off the two Ovarian Cancer Canada guides - By Your Side and Still By Your Side.

I am very grateful for everyone in the medical and research community, as well as my supporters near and far.  Together we are making things better for all women who are diagnosed with this disease.

Be strong!

- Wendy

WEMK  What an awful experience you had four years ago.   I had a reaction for the very first one in 2020, but not nearly as severe as yours.  Extra doses of steroids and Benadryl settled it down, the dosage was slowed and I finished that treatment.  The next five went without a problem.

This time, the plan was for the dosage to be slowed and it went fine for the first treatment, but on Thursday, I recognized the first sensation right away and called the nurse.  Abraxane wasn't available in 2020, according to the pharmacist, so this time there is an alternative and I went back on Friday for that.  It actually took 45 minutes for the infusion and, then, an hour for the Carboplatin, which also has to be administered more slowly, since this is my 3rd time taking it.

The after effects seem to be about the same, except that the pre-meds are one steroid and 2 anti-nausea tablets so I wasn't feeling as loopy when I was done Friday afternoon as I get on Benadryl.  I have my 'preventative' collection on my night table -- Tylenol, Tums, Imodium, and the anti-nausea medication prescribed by the pharmacist.  So far, so good.

Good luck with it all, Wendy.  

Good morning Teal Sisters,

I see that word is getting out about Abraxane, an alternative for those who have experienced a severe reaction to Paclitaxel.  After my initial cancer diagnosis mid-2021 I was prescribed 6 cycles of Paclitaxel and Carboplatin.  During my first infusion I had an immediate negative reaction - stage 3 anaphylaxis.  Paclitaxel was stopped and for subsequent chemo cycles I was admitted to hospital for at least one, if not two, overnights for a very slow infusion over 12 hours.  Thankfully there were no further negative experiences, but I worry about the potential damage caused by the extended time period that the drug was being administered.

More recently my Oncologist removed a 10 cm mass on left ovary.  With pathology indicating cancer recurrence, he has recommended me for a further 6 cycles of chemo.  Due to my severe reaction 4 years ago I am "eligible" for Abraxane in place of Paclitaxel.  My first cycle is Wednesday, May 28th.  My fingers are crossed that all goes well, as the infusion period is 30 minutes and can be administered as a day patient.

I have also dusted off the two Ovarian Cancer Canada guides - By Your Side and Still By Your Side.

I am very grateful for everyone in the medical and research community, as well as my supporters near and far.  Together we are making things better for all women who are diagnosed with this disease.

Be strong!

- Wendy

Good morning Teal Sisters,

I see that word is getting out about Abraxane, an alternative for those who have experienced a severe reaction to Paclitaxel.  After my initial cancer diagnosis mid-2021 I was prescribed 6 cycles of Paclitaxel and Carboplatin.  During my first infusion I had an immediate negative reaction - stage 3 anaphylaxis.  Paclitaxel was stopped and for subsequent chemo cycles I was admitted to hospital for at least one, if not two, overnights for a very slow infusion over 12 hours.  Thankfully there were no further negative experiences, but I worry about the potential damage caused by the extended time period that the drug was being administered.

More recently my Oncologist removed a 10 cm mass on left ovary.  With pathology indicating cancer recurrence, he has recommended me for a further 6 cycles of chemo.  Due to my severe reaction 4 years ago I am "eligible" for Abraxane in place of Paclitaxel.  My first cycle is Wednesday, May 28th.  My fingers are crossed that all goes well, as the infusion period is 30 minutes and can be administered as a day patient.

I have also dusted off the two Ovarian Cancer Canada guides - By Your Side and Still By Your Side.

I am very grateful for everyone in the medical and research community, as well as my supporters near and far.  Together we are making things better for all women who are diagnosed with this disease.

Be strong!

- Wendy

Good morning Teal Sisters,

I see that word is getting out about Abraxane, an alternative for those who have experienced a severe reaction to Paclitaxel.  After my initial cancer diagnosis mid-2021 I was prescribed 6 cycles of Paclitaxel and Carboplatin.  During my first infusion I had an immediate negative reaction - stage 3 anaphylaxis.  Paclitaxel was stopped and for subsequent chemo cycles I was admitted to hospital for at least one, if not two, overnights for a very slow infusion over 12 hours.  Thankfully there were no further negative experiences, but I worry about the potential damage caused by the extended time period that the drug was being administered.

More recently my Oncologist removed a 10 cm mass on left ovary.  With pathology indicating cancer recurrence, he has recommended me for a further 6 cycles of chemo.  Due to my severe reaction 4 years ago I am "eligible" for Abraxane in place of Paclitaxel.  My first cycle is Wednesday, May 28th.  My fingers are crossed that all goes well, as the infusion period is 30 minutes and can be administered as a day patient.

I have also dusted off the two Ovarian Cancer Canada guides - By Your Side and Still By Your Side.

I am very grateful for everyone in the medical and research community, as well as my supporters near and far.  Together we are making things better for all women who are diagnosed with this disease.

Be strong!

- Wendy

Good morning Teal Sisters,

I see that word is getting out about Abraxane, an alternative for those who have experienced a severe reaction to Paclitaxel.  After my initial cancer diagnosis mid-2021 I was prescribed 6 cycles of Paclitaxel and Carboplatin.  During my first infusion I had an immediate negative reaction - stage 3 anaphylaxis.  Paclitaxel was stopped and for subsequent chemo cycles I was admitted to hospital for at least one, if not two, overnights for a very slow infusion over 12 hours.  Thankfully there were no further negative experiences, but I worry about the potential damage caused by the extended time period that the drug was being administered.

More recently my Oncologist removed a 10 cm mass on left ovary.  With pathology indicating cancer recurrence, he has recommended me for a further 6 cycles of chemo.  Due to my severe reaction 4 years ago I am "eligible" for Abraxane in place of Paclitaxel.  My first cycle is Wednesday, May 28th.  My fingers are crossed that all goes well, as the infusion period is 30 minutes and can be administered as a day patient.

I have also dusted off the two Ovarian Cancer Canada guides - By Your Side and Still By Your Side.

I am very grateful for everyone in the medical and research community, as well as my supporters near and far.  Together we are making things better for all women who are diagnosed with this disease.

Be strong!

- Wendy