Taxol

The third and last pre-treatment just started. It is Diphendrydramine and will drip for about thirty minutes. Diphenhydramine is frequently ordered for cancer patients to minimize the toxic effects of the Taxol.

Taxol is next and it is the first chemotherapy treatment drug administered today. When you hear about all of the side effects of chemotherapy, taxol is the drug that causes them. Taxol can also cause serious (rarely fatal) allergic reactions during administration. In addition to helping to manage side effects after chemo, the pre-treatments are meant counter the possibility that Ma has an allergic reaction to Taxol.

Bottom line: Taxol is a double-edged sword. It is bad because it causes all of the side effects experienced and weakens her immune system, but it kills the cancer cells.

The Taxol should be starting at about 12:05 p.m. CST.