Hello and thanks for your post,

I am sorry to hear about your situation. This must have been very alarming when you had the reaction to the chemotherapy.

I am sure the doctors will be very wary about the reaction you had to the drugs, and will try and take measures to stop this happening again.

I am not sure which drug caused this reaction but the doctors may not give this drug again or reduce the dose or give it with a premedication such as steroids which you can sometimes have before the chemotherapy is given.

In the first instances they sound like they want to do the echocardiogram first to see if there has been any effect on the heart.

Reactions normally happen whilst the drugs are being given in hospital rather then at home. The nurses may take the added precaution of monitoring your BP and pulse at regular intervals during the infusion. They may also give the drugs very slowly.

I hope this helps.

Do give us a ring back if you want to talk things through with the helpline nurses. the nurses are here Monday to Friday 9am to 5 pm and the Freephone number is 0800 0808 4040.

All the best,

Catherine