Doxorubicin

I’ve on my second round of chemotherapy sice I was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer in February 2024. I have been put on doxorubicin this time around. I have had one session so far. 
The problem is that I was allergic to the carrier of the paxitacel I was given during the first round of chemotherapy last year (7 sessions) and I had a bad anaphylactic reaction to the first round of doxorubicin this time. 
I know I have to have chemotherapy to keep the cancer at bay but I am nervous about the doxorubicin because I had such a bad reaction to it. 
Any advice for me going forward ?

  • Hello and thank you for your post.

    I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis and that you are having chemotherapy.

    I can appreciate your concern that this could happen again. However, so will the nurses and doctors involved in giving your treatment. You will be given a premed before the treatment starts and the treatment is likely to be given over a slower rate for some time. Remember, you are in a hospital so you are in the best place if a reaction occurs, but hopefully, now it will not.

    Before, you start the treatment you may get to see your hospital doctor so do let them know about your worries. On the day of the treatment, the nurses will go through what they are giving you and answer any questions you have.

    I hope it goes well. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.


    Take care

    ​​​​​​​Caroline 

  • Thank you for the advice and well wishes