Doxil & Exercise

[abrite1]

I began Doxil this week for my first recurrence. The patient education literature states that the restrictions to prevent hand/foot syndrome are for 3-5 days AFTER each chemo treatment. I lead a very active lifestyle and my favorite activities all seem to involve some kind of pressure on my hands and feet...ballroom dancing, hiking, bike riding, bodyboarding which requires a tight wetsuit and swimfins. I also have a trip to Palm Springs in another week and had planned on going to a waterpark. Does anyone have experience with Doxil and these types of activities AFTER the 3-5 day post treatment window? I don't want to risk problems but I also want to continue enjoying life as much as possible. Although, I don't post very often, I feel a special connection with many of you as we share the same journey. Thanks so much.

[abrite1]

Great ideas. I didn't think about Crocks. Will buy some and also try my running shoes. Happy exercising ladies!

[Helmar]

Hello again.... can you buy Crocks where you live? They are wonderful for the Summer... open...like sandals, but made of rubbery material... very comfortable and you can wear them anywhere. They come in various colours, and I lived in mine during our Summer. Around the house in Winter, you can wear them with socks too. :-) Great for the beach or for shopping...whatever, and there's no laces or tightness to worry about. Here's a site....
http://www.backcountrygear.com/manufacturers/crocs.cfm?code=gaw03

Hope it goes well for you... and the Doxil works too. :-)....Hugs...Helen...

[rmarie]

I wear my asics sneakers the vast majority of the time, actually when I am working on doxil, I wear my business clothes and did not have a problem.  The key is avoid friction, rough material is not good, that is why I leave the jeans off for a full week.  good luck

[abrite1]

Thank-you all so much for your insights. When you are walking, exercising etc., do you wear regular athletic shoes or something else? Best of luck to each of you...think I'll go shopping today for a few Hawaiian muu muus!!!

[Helmar]

Hello... I had 4 shots of Doxil, and I'm an active person... love to walk a lot, and continued to do this right through the 4 treatments. I didn't alter my ways while on the drug, but it's important to wear loose fitting clothes and shoes. If you wear anything tight, it will leave marks on your skin, or you get a rash. I didn't have any problems with my hands or feet, but did get huge, sore mouth ulcers. This was the only side affect that I had, but they were really awful. We are all different in how the drugs affect us, so there is every chance that you won't get the sore hands or fee either. Another little tip... no hot showers or hot food/drinks. I hope it works as well for you, as it did for me. Wishing you all the best...hugs...Helen...

[Kimchi]

Have had 9 chemo treatments and developed a rash one time..Have been wondering why I got that rash and why only one time...Now I know, the time I developed the thigh rash was when I wore a pair of pants (too tight due to weight gain from steriods),,,Thanks for sharing that..btw had to through out that pair caused they riped along the inner seam. lol

[rmarie]

I work out for an hour plus (ellipical and circuit wieghts 3 X a week) 5 to 6 days a week, it would be every but chemo cuts it back alittle.  I have followed the directions of  not exercising 1 day before and 3 days after.  I have chemo on Monday's, so it is Sunday to Wednesday off, every month.  So far so good.  My right hand is alittle dry and flaky, but that is all.  I did have a problem, got a rash, wearing my jeans too soon, so now I don't wear them for a full week, not until Saturday or Sunday.  I bought scrub pants, in different colors and look reasonable.  I do use lots of sunscreen and wear a sun hat because of the problems one can have with the sun.  Good luck with it, my 4th treatment is a week from Monday.
Marie