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

Пікірлер: 102

  • @bobbiegambarini1056
    @bobbiegambarini1056 Жыл бұрын

    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

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

    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

    @carolinaherera8138

    Жыл бұрын

    congratulations!!!

  • @jenniferrobbins8439

    @jenniferrobbins8439

    Жыл бұрын

    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

    @bobbiegambarini1056

    Жыл бұрын

    @@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.

  • @nsmccoy2345
    @nsmccoy2345 Жыл бұрын

    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

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @jenniferrobbins8439
    @jenniferrobbins8439 Жыл бұрын

    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

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

    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

  • @ralex3697
    @ralex3697 Жыл бұрын

    Sadly this lovely lady passed

  • @shetlandsheep3081
    @shetlandsheep3081 Жыл бұрын

    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

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

    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
    @annettepurtle3757 Жыл бұрын

    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

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

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

  • @annettepurtle3757

    @annettepurtle3757

    Жыл бұрын

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

  • @KariMoon3568
    @KariMoon356811 ай бұрын

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

  • @ritaconnell41
    @ritaconnell41 Жыл бұрын

    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

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

    Best of luck to you next week!

  • @nokuthulaxaba698
    @nokuthulaxaba69811 ай бұрын

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

  • @dorisirving2270
    @dorisirving2270 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much 😊

  • @letitbesummer6536
    @letitbesummer6536 Жыл бұрын

    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. 🤗 ❤🇨🇦

  • @kimnixon4969
    @kimnixon4969 Жыл бұрын

    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

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

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

  • @rhondablake3829
    @rhondablake3829 Жыл бұрын

    Prayers 🙏🏼

  • @chrissers25
    @chrissers257 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @barbarameehan113
    @barbarameehan113 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

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

  • @victoriawatson4538
    @victoriawatson4538 Жыл бұрын

    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

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

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

  • @jarendagarner9488
    @jarendagarner948811 ай бұрын

    Bless your heart ❤️

  • @lolainma3218
    @lolainma3218 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @nationalduo4945
    @nationalduo4945 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much ❤️

  • @gwynethgrove772
    @gwynethgrove772 Жыл бұрын

    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

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you! Doodle twins!

  • @roxie5273
    @roxie5273 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

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

  • @margueritemunoz3265
    @margueritemunoz3265 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @flightangel9746

    @flightangel9746

    11 ай бұрын

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

  • @popcornboxing369
    @popcornboxing369 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @fran1395
    @fran1395 Жыл бұрын

    Praying for you ! ❤

  • @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you 🙏🏻

  • @PCT6566
    @PCT6566 Жыл бұрын

    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
    @doctork1708 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

    They did do their job very well.

  • @Amy-li5uv
    @Amy-li5uv Жыл бұрын

    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

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

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

  • @Alwayslearnimg
    @Alwayslearnimg Жыл бұрын

    Prayers. Much love to you.

  • @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you 😊

  • @abbykuusisto6417

    @abbykuusisto6417

    Жыл бұрын

    @@MyCancerJourneyMaria Kick Cancer’s Butt!

  • @MarilynMayaMendoza
    @MarilynMayaMendoza Жыл бұрын

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

  • @Activities4life

    @Activities4life

    Жыл бұрын

    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

    @MarilynMayaMendoza

    Жыл бұрын

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

  • @crystaljackson9148
    @crystaljackson9148 Жыл бұрын

    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🙏🙏👍🙏🙏

  • @cat-annechats5362
    @cat-annechats5362 Жыл бұрын

    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

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

    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
    @ericaaubie860 Жыл бұрын

    I like your positivity!

  • @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

    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

    @ericaaubie860

    Жыл бұрын

    @@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.

  • @donnamariedunn3944
    @donnamariedunn3944 Жыл бұрын

    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

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

    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

    @heidi1651

    Жыл бұрын

    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

    @Activities4life

    Жыл бұрын

    @@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.

  • @rhondawhatley1591
    @rhondawhatley1591 Жыл бұрын

    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

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

    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

    @ultimaforsan1

    Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @robynfedalen1777
    @robynfedalen1777 Жыл бұрын

    ❤️✌🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻. You can beat it!

  • @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you ❤️

  • @sylviarosario6503
    @sylviarosario6503 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you- I am ready to fight!

  • @stardustdreams234
    @stardustdreams234 Жыл бұрын

    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
    @butter300 Жыл бұрын

    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
    @JG-cj4db7 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @Rahel8811
    @Rahel8811 Жыл бұрын

    God bless you 🙏🏽

  • @sunnyklampe7773
    @sunnyklampe7773 Жыл бұрын

    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

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

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

  • @sunnyklampe7773

    @sunnyklampe7773

    Жыл бұрын

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

  • @sarhamills584
    @sarhamills584 Жыл бұрын

    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

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

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

  • @sharonanderson9584
    @sharonanderson9584 Жыл бұрын

    ❤❤you Got this GOD has you 🙌

  • @pamelabaker3029
    @pamelabaker3029 Жыл бұрын

    It happens a lot

  • @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

    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

    @bettyboo8214

    Жыл бұрын

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

  • @robertdabbs2606
    @robertdabbs2606 Жыл бұрын

    Sounds like a party to me!😃

  • @lorraineowens9547
    @lorraineowens9547 Жыл бұрын

    Taxol 😮

  • @viorelscrob6391
    @viorelscrob6391 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

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

  • @viorelscrob6391

    @viorelscrob6391

    Жыл бұрын

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

  • @viorelscrob6391

    @viorelscrob6391

    Жыл бұрын

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

  • @viorelscrob6391

    @viorelscrob6391

    Жыл бұрын

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

  • @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

    @@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.

  • @bobbipetty7411
    @bobbipetty74118 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @shellcshells2902
    @shellcshells2902 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

    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
    @cindymaulden2226 Жыл бұрын

    How old are you??

  • @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

    I’m 52.

  • @cindymaulden2226

    @cindymaulden2226

    Жыл бұрын

    65

  • @cindymaulden2226

    @cindymaulden2226

    Жыл бұрын

    You look way younger

  • @igorkaczmarski7794
    @igorkaczmarski7794 Жыл бұрын

    chemo kills

  • @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    @MyCancerJourneyMaria

    Жыл бұрын

    Cancer cells I hope!

  • @jennilopez1984

    @jennilopez1984

    11 ай бұрын

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