Allergies schmallergies

Fortunately, my tumor is shrinking! It’s down in size by almost a full cm (using the very technical method of a measuring tape – this was the doctors method not mine! And also I can feel it getting smaller and changing in density)

Unfortunately, week 3 of chemo has been a real disaster.

The actual chemo infusion on Tuesday went fine, but by Tuesday evening things were on a pretty swift decline. At 6PM my sinuses gave way and released a torrent of liquid like Old Faithful. By 8PM I started running a fever and feeling crappy. By 9PM my temperature was 102.6, I had hives all over my body, I felt like I had the flu and according to my mom, my face looked like Donald Trump after just returning from the tanning booth (swollen, and VERY red-orange).

The on-call oncologist, who I had been in contact with throughout the evening sent me to the Abbott ER once my temp was above 102, and by 9:30P I was admitted to the hospital. After a bunch of IV fluids, steroids, Benadryl and Tylenol, I started to feel a little better but the medical team was afraid that in addition to an allergic reaction to the chemo that I might also have an infection based on my blood results. So they started me on some pretty serious antibiotics and tried to figure out the source of infection.

After poking, prodding, and some X-rays there was no clear source of infection and my vitals (temp, heart rate, blood pressure, etc.) weren’t yet under control, so at 2AM I was transferred to a room at the hospital and admitted for continued monitoring, fluids and meds. By Wednesday morning I was feeling much better and I saw both the on call oncologist as well as the Hospitalist. They both agreed that an infection seemed fairly unlikely and that likely I had an allergic reaction to the Carboplatin (yes, this means I’m allergic to BOTH of the chemo drugs I’m taking). About 20% of patients have an allergic reaction to Carboplatin, but less than 1% have a reaction prior to round 6. So, basically, I’m a really special sunflower.

While my vitals were under control by Wednesday morning, I still had full body hives and so the doctors decided it would be best if I spent one more night at the hospital. While spending 36 hours in the hospital was not part of my plan this week, it meant that I got constant IV fluids (great for keeping chemo symptoms at bay), and discovered a new anti-nausea medicine that works better than the other stuff I’d been trying.

So now, the chemo plan will likely need to be adjusted a bit. Unlike the reaction to Taxol, Carboplatin reactions are progressive (they get worse over time) and have greater potential for severe results. Early next week (before round 4) I’ll meet with my oncology team and will figure out the go forward plan. My goal is to keep going with the Carbo/Taxol combo if at all possible – cause it’s working! But we’ll see what the doctor thinks is the best path forward.

Unfortunately, hospitals are boring, the food sucks, and the dry air makes my cough that much worse.

Fortunately, the hospital got me back in action – and is chock full of really nice nurses, doctors, and technicians. As I type this on Thursday morning I’m just waiting for the IV team to remove my port access and then I’m free to go home!