Three weeks ago, I started weekly infusions of Abraxane (Paclitaxil protein-bound). I read all the manufacturer's listings of side-effects, talked with my oncologist, and did some other research, so I was pretty clear on what was listed.
Last week, I started getting small nose bleeds, really broken capilaries in my nose which, well, sorry to be gross, made for some very colorful Kleenex. I also had heart burn for three days, starting three days after the treatment. The nose-bleed issue had never come up, and the closest thing to the heart-burn was "nausea" and it WASN'T nausea.
So, at today's appointment, I brought both of these up to my oncology nurse. She said the nose-bleeds were probably because of the loss of hair in my nostrils which had served to protect my nose a tad and that it could be dryer air (however we have only just gotten into the heating season at my house and have a whole-house humidifier which works well). Hmmm.
The heart-burn she said was because when I got Taxol, they used Tagmet or Priolosec in the IVs, but with Abraxane, it wasn't used as it wasn't usually seen as necessary. Simply getting Prilosec OTC would take care of it. I am starting that tomorrow, and am going to discuss both of these issues further with my oncologist, even though usually the nurses know more about the "in the trench" stuff. I also need to find out if I stay on Prilosec for the while time (it is usually a 14 course of treatment), stop taking it on Wed., which is my normal first day of no heart burn and commence again on Friday, or what.
If you have things which are abnormal, please discuss it with your oncologist AND your oncology nurse. You might find that there is a simple "fix" and that you don't have to muddle through. In addition, your oncologist may think differently than mine.
But...just a heads up, you probably aren't falling apart....it's just the drugs.
Lisa Quintana aka Michigoose, or lately "Better Living Through Chemistry" kid
Better living through chemistry - indeed! You have a good point - NEVER "suffer in silence." No one wants you to be in pain or experience discomfort; but unless you speak up, no one will know, and you won't get any help. Also, everyone's side effects are personal - some may match the recognized side effects, but others may be yours alone. I hope you'll settle in to the Abraxane, and find ways to cope with the side effects, whatever they may be... Take care, Lisa. PJH
Thanks, PJ, I do feel that it is working and it really isn't bad. Taxenes are amazing drugs and I only have CAF and Taxol to compare to the Abraxane. The biggest problem which was FAR WORSE initially with Taxol was extreme bone pain (I was getting 24 hour infusions by pump once every three weeks). I felt like my shins had shattered and I wanted to crawl. However, a quick call to the oncologist and he perscribed Elavil. Who would have thought that an old anti-depresent would have made all the difference in the world? No problem at all once that was taken care of.
Personalized reactions is true....but as more people use these drugs, we may find that there are additions to the lists of possible side effects. I almost always find that I'm in the "rare 3 %"...
Lisa
http://michigoose-longtermbcsurvivor.blogspot.com/
Think of yourself as rare and special, Lisa... you are.
PJ