Terrifying first chemotherapy treatment - ovarian cancer battle Cancer vlog #5 September 2, 2022

As I prepared for my first chemotherapy appointment, I tried to pack anything that I thought I would need and went into the session optimistic that we were going to be killing a lot of cancer cells.
Shortly after my first treatment of Taxol began, I began to have a serious reaction. While in the midst of the reaction I felt like I was going to die, with pressure/pain in my chest, abdomen in excruciating pain and finding it very hard to breathe.
Dana-Farber immediately took all steps to stop this awful reaction and put me back on course. I am grateful for their actions in saving my life.
Despite this terrifying experience, I remain committed to my treatment plan and hitting this ovarian cancer with everything that I can. I trust in the doctors, nurses and Dana-Farber to put my best interest first.
#cancer #ovariancancer #taxol

[@bobbiegambarini1056]

God Blesd You. I had four months of Taxol and carboplatinum (sp?) in 2004 for 3rd stage uterine cancer. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. But 18 years later, I'm still here, age 85. Good luck to you. I'm praying for you.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I love reading this. I will use your experience to draw hope and keep my focus on a positive outcome. I am so happy treatment has worked so well for you ❤️

[@carolinaherera8138]

congratulations!!!

[@jenniferrobbins8439]

Bobbie I have stage 3 Uterine Cancer and my treatment is beginning in a few weeks I will be having radiation and Chemo, Cisplatin is the one I’m getting, the radiation is because the uterine cancer came back in my vagina, I had a hysterectomy for Stage 1 in 2020. Now it’s in my lymph nodes in my pelvic region. I’m scared to death of the treatments, I’m 61 and I’m not ready to go yet…

[@bobbiegambarini1056]

@@jenniferrobbins8439 You'll get through this. You, too, are a warrior and will beat this. I was angry at my cancer so I was determined to beat it. That thought was with me and helped me stay strong. You can do this! Prayers for you Jennifer. Please let us know how you're doing.

[@jenniferrobbins8439]

I’m going to be going through Chemo and Radiation in a few weeks, I’m watching all of your videos so I can see what I’m up against. You are a beautiful strong lady, I love your attitude, I know you will beat that damn Cancer🙏🏼🙏🏼👏🏻👏🏻👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Best of luck to you with your treatment. I can't imagine having to do radiation at the same time as chemo. You've got this and we will both beat it. F#@! Cancer

[@nsmccoy2345]

I’m so sorry for your experience! I am retired now but at one point in my nursing career, I was an Oncology Certified nurse! It was the most rewarding area that I ever worked in! Praying for all those nasty cancer cells to die! Keep your positive attitude! It does make a difference 🙏🏻❤️

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

The nurses make such a huge difference to me and really help me through such a challenging time. I have so much respect for you and the work you did prior to retirement. It truly is lifesaving.

[@ralex3697]

Sadly this lovely lady passed

[@shetlandsheep3081]

Oh you poor lady - I feel this so much - I have OC and had an extreme hyperallergic Taxol reaction the moment it hit my vein for the first chemo (I was having Paclitaxil and carboplatin for ovarian cancer). I thought I was going to die, it was so frightening. They had to give massive adrenalin and antihistamine down the IV. The reaction was so bad that they decided they couldn’t retry it at all, not even slower (it seemed to be that the back pain I had for a long time was a worry to them) so I only ended up having platinum - and even started reacting to that on the 3rd treatment. So I really do empathise with you completely! But I get it - it is SOOOOOO scary. My oncologist said that if the cancer came back they could try taxol with a different carrier (not the pacli version - doclitaxil) - that wouldnt be the general UK licence so would be a special request but she was confident she could get it for me. Might be different in different country, but hope that is useful if your reaction turns out to be the same hyperallergic type. Sendinh love and solidarity from Scotland xxxxxx.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I’m so sorry you also had that experience. I don’t know everything they pumped in me when I had the reaction but I have a vague recollection of also getting the EpiPen and being surprised it didn’t hurt. Hopefully you are cancer free or NED at this time - I will keep that in mind while fighting this - it’s possible!

[@annettepurtle3757]

Hi Maria 👋 I had the same experience as you did, I had stage 4 esophageal cancer, and yes it was very scary situation! I to thought I was going to die. They gave me big doses of benedryl. But I’ve gone through many scary situations of my journey. The cancer returned 10 years latter which left me with physical disabilities but you know what I’m alive to be able to love and enjoy my family and friends. I beat mine and I know with prayers you will too. So Maria stay strong willed and positive thoughts ! Hugs and prayers 😀🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼💪🏻

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

That's great - congratulations on beating the beast. I'm going to do that too!

[@annettepurtle3757]

@@MyCancerJourneyMaria God bless you and I believe you will! 😀🤗🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼💪🏻

[@KariMoon3568]

❤ CONGRATULATIONS 🎉 I LOVE HEARING THIS .HUGGS AND BLESSINGS!!

[@nokuthulaxaba698]

Thanks so much you know these vidios are so informative and very much important to ease anxiety. Keep it to help cancer patients.

[@dorisirving2270]

Sending prayers your way, your strength is amazing. I’m so glad you have such a great team working with you. 🌷🇨🇦

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you so much 😊

[@letitbesummer6536]

I can empathize with you very much. When I was getting my chemo, after a few times, I suddenly I had a bad allergic reaction and it hurts so much. Benadryl was given and it helped almost immediately. 🤗 ❤🇨🇦

[@barbarameehan113]

How scary. What a great team you have. My prayers are with you. ❤

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you so much! Hoping for an uneventful second chemo infusion.

[@nationalduo4945]

You are very brave..God Bless….I’ll pray for you..much love from Canada ❤

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you so much ❤️

[@ritaconnell41]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I hope that modifications can be made to make this doable. I start next week. Praying for you!

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Best of luck to you next week!

[@roxie5273]

Love the hair! I send love and sincere well wishes.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you- I cut it short when I knew I would be starting chemo.

[@victoriawatson4538]

So happy you are feeling better and things are working better for you. Keep the FAITH and keep fighting. God is with you, so you got this. I’m a witness 🙏🏾🙏🏾💖

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I have so much to live for so I will definitely keep fighting. Thank you so much for your support.

[@gwynethgrove772]

I’m so sorry you has such a scary time, sounds like you have a great team. Btw your lovely dog looks like my own dogs twin… I was shocked when I saw how much he/she was like man. You’ve got great spirit, sending best wishes.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you! Doodle twins!

[@rhondablake3829]

Prayers 🙏🏼

[@jarendagarner9488]

Bless your heart ❤️

[@margueritemunoz3265]

You got this. And yes your going to Beat this. 👍🏼. Sending you ✌🏼❤️🙏🏼 with Gentle Hugs.

[@flightangel9746]

She's been resting peacefully since February Still praying for her family.

[@kimnixon4969]

So glad to hear you are okay and feeling better. I am happy to be one of your followers and part of the fan club. God's got this! Sending up prayers that the treatment plan is figured out soon and your body handles it well.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you so much. Should have some answers in the next few days!

[@lolainma3218]

Dana Farber is World Class. I’m glad you had good care while going thru all this. Rest In Peace. I pray.

[@Alwayslearnimg]

Prayers. Much love to you.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you 😊

[@abbykuusisto6417]

@@MyCancerJourneyMaria Kick Cancer’s Butt!

[@fran1395]

Praying for you ! ❤

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@Amy-li5uv]

I just came across your vids. Happy I did. Thanks for taking people with you on your journey. I have been diagnose with stage 4. Lung cancer and doing great. I have been in treatment for almost 3 years (just finished the 42nd cycle) wishing well. I am gonna watch more of your vids. Peace 🤪

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis but I’m so happy that you’re doing so well after three years!

[@popcornboxing369]

Holy cow 🐄! Glad you were ok! Must have been scary.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

I'm sorry you had that experience. I'm a new subscriber and I'm praying for you. Aloha

[@Activities4life]

Thank you so much. My oncologist did advise me that these types of reactions were possible but they were prepared to reverse it. Admittedly I wasn’t thinking of it in the moment but while it was terrifying, I am confident that they can handle any future reactions.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@Activities4life It sounds like you’re in good hands. Healing vibes sent your way

[@rhondawhatley1591]

Chemo is accumulative so the more treatments you get the worse the symptoms get. Sorry that was so blunt just want you to prepare for it. To help with nausea you should try small meals throughout the day.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I have heard that. I’m hoping that even if the side effects from chemo get worse, some of the effects of the cancer like the ascites get better. ❤️‍🩹

[@ultimaforsan1]

I was told that, too, before receiving carbo/taxol chemo. For the record, and much to my surprise, that was not the case for me. My first treatment was the hardest and the side effects decreased with subsequent infusions. I did, of course, lose all my hair. It’s probably best to be prepared for it to get worse as infusions continue, as apparently it often does, but that’s also not always the case. I say this in case this may be encouraging to someone.

[@chrissers25]

I was diagnose with ovarian cancer January 2022, stage 1A clear cell. I had the same reaction to taxol only 2 minute in to it. I was able to get the carbo with no issues, but then they switched taxol to docetaxel my next round and no issues with change.

[@cat-annechats5362]

Sounds horrifying!! I had a similar experience when I had a chemical stress test. They acted like I was being a baby. I use to do physical stress tests, which I can't do anymore. I'm glad they took you serious!

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

It was pretty easy for them to take me seriously, as my oxygen levels dropped, my face turned beat read and my blood pressure wasn't good. Their preparation for such an event was definitely key!

[@ericaaubie860]

I like your positivity!

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I have to remain positive. If I allow myself to indulge in the negative, I think my treatment would suffer. It’s not always easy but I definitely feel better with a positive outlook than if I just laid in bed all day and looked at google statistics. I have also noticed that when I move more, I definitely feel better. My activity level is no where close to what it was but I am just focusing on what helps. It’s those little things that I focus on.

[@ericaaubie860]

@@MyCancerJourneyMaria I just thought I would tell you this. When I go through things I turn to God in prayer. I find having a friend knowing He is always there for me really helps. I just thought I would tell you that.

[@crystaljackson9148]

Hey iam new to you your channel. I am so sorry that you is going through this i will be praying for you and your family🙏🙏👍🙏🙏

[@PCT6566]

I just had the same reaction...for me the pain started in my stomach and within seconds, my mouth was all tingling and i felt like I was about to faint. Then came the chest pain, I could barely breathe and then I felt the heat dissipated from my stomach to my ankles. The nurse stopped the treatment immediately, gave me the oxygen and treated me with more antihistamines and saline. My oncologist then slowed the treatment even further, to 30ml an hour for 30 minutes, then moving it up 10ml every 15 minutes, (it was originally 60ml/hr.) The nurse told me that it's actually not an allergic reaction but rather a hypersensitivity. That's how my first chemo took 12:30 hours 😂. Luckily, I have no symptoms with carboplatin and avastin (which I'm told usually causes problems for the third chemo upwards --- not too thrilled about that 😓)

[@doctork1708]

They did their job, and did it well. Relativity common reaction and completely appropriate response. Good luck. Calm down.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

They did do their job very well.

[@donnamariedunn3944]

I am sorry you went through that. I know what it feels like. I had a bad reaction on my first Chemo from taxol. It was horrible! I had pain in my chest. And the worst pain of my life going down my spine and across my lower back. I couldn't move. They kept giving me benadryl and it took forever. At one point I ask if I was having a heart attack. My husband thought I was going to die. He said my face was bright red. My oncologist somehow changed the taxol by having the synthetic taking out. I had ovarian cancer. Last chemo 3-24-22. I made it through all 6. Adjustments here and there. Nulasta onpro helped with the low white cells. In case that is an option. I will be praying for you. You are strong and will get through it too. ♥️

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you so much. It was the scariest experience of my life. My husband said I also turned beet red too. I expect to hear what the plan is later this week for treatments but your experience gives me hope ❤️

[@heidi1651]

I also had a strong reaction to taxol the first time. Benadryl helped well enough the following times and it worked out fine. I think it’s a big shock to the body the first time especially. 💛

[@Activities4life]

@@heidi1651 that’s great news. I expect to find out today how we are going to address the reaction going forward. I know taxol is such a big drug to fight ovarian cancer, so if I can take it safely, without reaction, I’d like to try.

[@sylviarosario6503]

Prayers go out to you. Don’t give up.👍

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you- I am ready to fight!

[@robynfedalen1777]

❤️✌🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻. You can beat it!

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you ❤️

[@stardustdreams234]

My father was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and his first session was today. Its like more afraid than he is. Im literally worried about any potential crazy side effects. Im.just afraid.

[@butter300]

I have bleeding, but I have the present s of my son and daughter and husband, and God,so I am haven't negative feelings 👌👌👌

[@JG-cj4db]

I just saw this video and it's been about a year and 3 months later but I'm hoping you are doing fantastic. How are you if you don't mind me asking. I'm hoping everything went great.

[@sunnyklampe7773]

Yup! A reaction just like 1000 hot needles poking you my hips! I stopped breathing… from then on I started at 25%, 50%, 75%, then 100%… you are actually reacting to the carrier agent that gets it into your system…. Gets better each time, as your body gets used to it!

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I didn’t have the same reaction again, but my body still doesn’t like the taxol.

[@sunnyklampe7773]

@@MyCancerJourneyMaria no one’s body likes the Taxol, but it works! Prayers for successful treatment and strength to heal!

[@sarhamills584]

i tell you what having the chest port really is a good thing if you can get it that is what i have they do my blood draw an i dont get poked in the hand no more, an they can test my sugar from my chest port also, i love it to be honest at first i was scared when i go to sleep cause i toss n turn, but found out that its a hard plastic an it wont put out, but like i said before ice pack on your belly will keep the heat down helped me so i didnt throw up,,, an popsicles helped me out you can gt the italian ice an that also helps ,, i pray for you

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you so much! I have considered the port and I’m so indecisive. I figured I’d see how the second infusion goes.

[@Rahel8811]

God bless you 🙏🏽

[@sharonanderson9584]

❤❤you Got this GOD has you 🙌

[@pamelabaker3029]

It happens a lot

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

So I’ve learned. I really shouldn’t be surprised given the strength of these medications. I was warned, but in the moment I can’t say I was even thinking about it.

[@bettyboo8214]

It's more common if you have or had ascites apparently.

[@bobbipetty7411]

I've had a hard time with chemo too. Get really sick after for about 3 to 5 days. The meds don't help much. I use CBD and that helps some. Only one more round then onto radiation. Hang in there.

[@robertdabbs2606]

Sounds like a party to me!😃

[@viorelscrob6391]

Hi, and my mom had ovarian cancer. What treatment did you have. ..?

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Right now taxol and carboplatin for chemo. Surgery at a later date.

[@viorelscrob6391]

@@MyCancerJourneyMaria ah ok. Can you help me with something. .?

[@viorelscrob6391]

@@MyCancerJourneyMaria you can ask something there. ? for me. ?

[@viorelscrob6391]

@@MyCancerJourneyMaria Hi. My mother's tratament was carboplatin only, without Taxol, i don't understand why. .?

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

@@viorelscrob6391 I have a tough time understanding everything about my cancer, as I don't have a medical background. I do know that treatments are not the same for everyone, as the profile may be different - such as whether a person is BRCA 1 or 2 positive, HER2 positive or negative, and numerous other considerations. The best person to ask would be your mother's oncologist.

[@lorraineowens9547]

Taxol 😮

[@shellcshells2902]

I know I'm off subject, but are you a pianist? Lovely grand behind you. If you are... would you play for us? ♡

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I’m not a pianist but have been trying to teach myself, although a lot of that has been sidelined during treatment. I’m very much a beginner but I do enjoy playing.

[@cindymaulden2226]

How old are you??

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I’m 52.

[@cindymaulden2226]

65

[@cindymaulden2226]

You look way younger

[@igorkaczmarski7794]

chemo kills

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Cancer cells I hope!

[@jennilopez1984]

Have you been through chemo? If not keep your opinion to yourself