doxil - rash on hands

[sheri938]

finished my 3rd treatment  3 more to go.... i just started having  a small tiny blister like itchy rash, on the top of my hands-  it is having a postitive effect on the ca 125 numbers,and yes i  now understand what tight  clothing can do-i got a rash  on my back from the tight wasit on my clothing-- been using the baking soda and warm water to use   for the blisters in my mouth -one would think i'd loose some weight,

[gah_70]

I'm certainly no expert, but the theory behind ice chips for the mouth, and cold packs for the hands and feet is to slow the blood circulation to those areas while you are getting the infusion.  That is supposed to help lessen the possible irritation for which Doxil is so famous from setting in on your hands, feet, and mouth.  It's been 3 years since I had Doxil, and it seems the pack they give you before you begin may have changed since then.  I didn't get the gel packs to put in my shoes, but I did get the gel packs for my wrists and ankles.  I actually just left them in the freezer that is in the kitchen in the chemo room at my Oncology Center.  I also kept a box of frozen fruit bars there, too (the nurses put them in a Ziplock bag with my name on it), so I wouldn't have to bother with bringing it all from home.  But in 3 years, things can change a lot, so perhaps a little more research has shown keeping the cold packs on your feet after treatment may be better.  Probably a good idea if each of you talk to your doctor at your next visit and get their input.

Whether it worked or not can't really be proven, but I never got the rash on my hands and feet.  I did have thrush, however, that my dentist helped with more than my Onc.  He gave me a prescription for cough medicine (I cannot remember the name) and told me to rinse my mouth with it, but not swallow.  It helped with the irritation on my gums more than taking Diflucan.

I hope you all are doing well and dealing with it as best you can.  I'm thinking about you and praying that no matter what side effects you may have, it will do the trick and put an end to need for chemo altogether!

Gail  

[jane65]

Hi Gail,
I've been wondering the same things that yrrek asked you.

I'll be taking those all fruit pops with me, I don't know how much ice chips they'll have at the oncologist's office.

I got the purple Doxil bag from my onco. nurse and it has gel things to freeze and put in the shoes.
What about the hands?

Thanks again for your tips.
Jane

[yrrek]

Completely agree with Jane, always jump in, I appreciate anything you can add to help.  Do you recommend that we have cold compressions on our hands, feet and have ice chips to chew on during treatment?  Thanks Gail for that cute story, I am smiling right now:)

[jane65]

Hi Gail,
Please don't ever feel you're "jumping into a discussion".  We respect your opinion and any information you can give us, especially since you've been through Doxil .

I enjoyed that story, I can understand that patient's concern and curiosity.

Jane

[gah_70]

I feel like I'm jumping in the middle of your conversation, but I just wanted to say that Doxil actually works by breaking the cancer cells apart...so yeah, I would say that would probably be considered inflammation!  That's also why your CA125 may actually go up after the first few treatments.  It's breaking the cancer cells apart, so your body sees it as more cancer...it's "counting" the pieces.  

One funny story I'll share with you..

My chemo nurses would always tie the cold packs to my wrists and ankles before the Doxil treatments.  During one treatment, the chemo room was full, and I was the only one getting Doxil.  The nurse came to tie the cold packs on, and I noticed another patient eyeing me funny.  A little later, the nurse told me he'd asked her why I was being restrained!  Apparently, he was worried that whatever I was getting was going to make me lose it!

Sending you all good wishes that your treatments will go well, and you won't have bad side effects...and that you won't lose it! :)

Gail

[jane65]

You poor kid, you really have a rough time and I know that in the long run, it will be worth it.

I'm going to be getting one Doxil treatment every 3 weeks, my oncologist said that's the closest they can give this chemo drug. That's ok with me, considering the side effects we have to deal with.

Does he automatically schedule you for the neulasta shot the day after chemo, or does he test your blood to see if you need it? My oncologist had me cancel the shot after my treatment, and come in the following Monday to check my wbc level. It was normal but maybe that was because he gave me a lower dose to start with.

That's very interest that your oncologist said the tumors can be inflamed by Doxil, I hope that means it's just burning them away! I hope it starts reducing the induration, it's really painful.

My oncologist said my treatments are open ended, no time frame and I guess we first have to know if it's working for me.

I also look forward to talking with you and Gabby, maybe we should think of sending private messages, then our computers will alert us when we've responded to each other.

My niece is coming over late morning on Sunday, for a late breakfast. Our sons live far away and we won't be with them.

What are your sons cooking for you, that's so nice and I know you're looking forward to whatever they make.

Take it easy, and yes rest when you need to.

Jane

[yrrek]

Thank you for writing.  Well my lips returned to normal within a couple hrs of finishing the infusion.  My pre-meds right before infusion were 8mg.of zofran (pills), emend (another anit-nausea pill) and a steroid, dexamethasone. When my lips started feeling that way they gave me a benedryl.  I then take emend in the am for the next two days along with the steroids.  I take zofran and benedryl and pain meds as needed.  I really throw up easy so I am grateful all the anti nausea pills.  So far so good.  No nausea, no shortness of breath, no rash, I did feel like my face felt a little sunburned but it didn't look red.  I got a neulasta shot day after treatment and that is giving me lots of bone pain.  I have a colostomy and it doesn't seem to be bothering that.  I am tired, just sleep when I want.  I am rinsing my mouth with water, baking soda and salt quite a bit to try and prevent mouth sores, putting creams on my hands and feet to help prevent rash.  Jane my treatments are 28 days apart and you said yours are 21?  Also my Onc says I will have 4 treatments.  We will get this done!! Happy Mothers day to you too.  My Sons are cooking for me.  Please let me know how you are doing.  I look forward to hearing how you and Gabby are doing.  I know one of my tumors on my left side is hurting more but my Onc said that the Doxil at first can inflame the tumors causing some discomfort.  I will be thinking of both of you and praying for healing, comfort and laughter.  Kerry

[jane65]

Hi,
I'm glad they knew just what to do when you had the problem with your Doxil infusion. Slowing it down after a brief stop is what the information sheet said they do. How long until your lips went back to normal?

This Monday will be my 2nd Doxil treatment, the first was 3 weeks ago and I got a reduced dose run over 90 min. I get a pre med IV infusion to prevent allergic reaction and n/v. He has me take a Zofran in the evening to prevent n/v and thankfully that works for me.

My oncologist is planning to do the normal dose this time, he wanted to see how I tolerated it first.

My only side effect has been some sores in my mouth, did you have any problems since your chemo treatment.

Take care of yourself, and Happy Mother's Day!
Jane

[jane65]

Hi Gabby,
I'm sorry that it's taken me a few days to respond, I've been very fatigued and in pain from the induration.
I'm glad to hear that your doctor increased the pain med. I'm sure that once the tumor shrinks the pain will decrease. Let me know what the blood work shows.

Monday I'm having my 2nd Doxil treatment, and a repeat of my CA125, so far the only side effect has been some mouth sores.

Good luck to you, and Happy Mother's Day!
Jane

[jolene8106]

Ask your doctor to prescribe DMSO cream - it has to be formulated @ the pharmacy and really helps w/the blisters.  I was only able to tolerate 2 treatments w/Doxil, so you are doing great!  Good luck!

[yrrek]

I had my first treatment yesterday of Doxil.  They were trying to run it in in an hour.  We were almost done, when my lips started feeling numb and puffy.  So we stopped for a bit, called the dr.  cont. running it slower.  So next time they will run it in in a slower rate.  I have treatment every 28 days and the nurses yesterday said I would only have 4 treatments?  I assumed 6.  I will check at the clinic when I get a neulasta shot today.  I appreciate all the advice from Jane's post.  I started rubbing "aquafor" on my hands and feet before I go to sleep.  I am on Emend, deximethosone, and zofran for Nausea, since I am a puker lol.  It seems to be working for me.  One day at a time ladies.  Thank you all

[gabby55]

ji jane its gabby,2 weeks now since first round of caleyx,,,really tired and had to go for blood work today dr gave me stronger pain meds as my upper part below my breast area has been causing me alot of pain this past 4 days ,,dr said it is the tumor pressing on a part and that is causing thepain...glad to hear the doxil is going good for you....prayers of healing for us all in JESUS name ,,,sweet dreams...fr gabby in canada

[jane65]

Hi Sheri,
I've only had one chemo treatment with Doxil, and so far no problems. I guess that will come with future treatments.

A couple of weeks ago, I had posted asking the ladies for advice and tips regarding Doxil treatments, and got several replies.
If you can't locate it, I'll check it out for you.
I know about having tepid showers, and no hot water washing dishes, or things on the stove. The literature also said not to eat or drink anything hot.

My oncology nurse recommended "Udderly Smooth" to keep the skin soft and moisturized, especially the palms and soles. She also said to drink cold drinks, and eat ices.

I believe there's a cream for the rash on your hand, ask your doctor the next time you check in.

I hope we can keep in touch and exchange our experiences with Doxil. Take care of yourself.
Jane