Doxil chemo

[Trisha58]

Anybody taking Doxil chemotherapy?  What kind of side effects are you or have you had?  I may be starting this one next week.  My other choice was Taxotere (the spelling may be incorrect).  Any response will be appreciated.

[ConnieJ208]

I was on Doxil for 6 treatments, your CA125 will increase after the 1st dose ( this is expected ), unfortunately, mine kept increasing so I was just recently put on a Topotecan/Thalidomide Combo.  However, while I was on Doxil, my symtoms were negligible....I stayed away from the hot showers, hot water for handwashing and dishes, spicey foods and repetitive motions like chopping carrots and typing.  I did lose my taste, which wasn't listed as a side effect.  I lost about 10 lbs. while on this drug, don't know if it was the lack of taste or what caused it, since I was still making myself eat.  The Dr. suggested sucking on ice chips to keep chemo drugs from going to my tongue and that helped.  I did not have a problem with the hand/foot burning, but I would occassionally hold an ice pack between my hands for 30 seconds to a minute on the day after chemo. Dry skin is a problem, just keep a good body lotion on.  I also didn't have a problem with the binding/friction.  My chemo nurse says the worst symptoms seem to hit those that are extremely fair skinned, such as red heads.  I would be fatigued the 3rd day after chemo, where I just didn't want to do anything, but other than that it was pretty much a breeze after the Carbo Plattin/taxol drugs that I did the 1st time around.  Hope yours goes easy also!

[Teresa222]

I am currently undergoing Doxil treatments for a recurrence of Stage II, Clear Cell Ovarian Cancer. The first four treatments were a breeze.  I had my fifth treatment two weeks ago. I've been sick since then. I am very weak, slightly nauseated and just generally sickly. (as in mild case of the flu) Hot flashes are continuing to increase.  I've found if I do not use much body lotion, they lessen At the beginning of the 5th treatment, my CA125 went up a couple of points.  My ONC said he wants to watch that closely.  Needless to say, that did not put me in a happy mood until I can get the next one done and see what's going on.  I've not been very happy this month. I try to read as many books as I feel like reading so that I can escape the obvious.  Then I feel guilty that I've been trying to escape the obvious.  My feelings are that I should "EXPERIENCE" as much of life as I possibly can right now.  There's no time for escapism.
Taking all this into consideration, I still worry on a daily about my sisters here.  Wouldn't it be a great thing If we could hear of an actual HEALING from this terrible disease? Oh what joy!!

[ladyjogger31]

Hi Trisha,
I was on Doxil for only 5 treatments, unfortunately it didn't work for me. I've heard good results from other women and that Doxil had given them a long remission. Beware though not to wear anything tight, do not take hot showers, watch out for any type of friction. I developed a severe sunburn affect under my arms that had blistered. I also had a raging rash on my thighs. I didn't wear a bra for 5 months. I also iced my wrists and ankles during infusion to prevent the hand and foot syndrome. Also Ice sucked on ice chips to prevent mouth sores. Good Luck. I hope you get good results from this drug and it puts you in a long remission.
Love , Terry

[Lance0531]

Hi Trisha,

My wife, Nanette, had liposomal doxorubicin or Caelyx (Doxil in the USA) for 6 months (equivalent to 6 treatments). She developed superficial ulcers during this regimen. In addition, her red blood cells and hemoglobin went down for 4 out 6 cycles. Kindly watch out for PPE /  hand and foot syndrome also, although Nanette didn't have this. This is one of the more popular side effects of this drug. You may want to talk to your Gyn Onc about PPE prevention and management. You can also visit the different chemotherapy websites and check out the DO's and DONT's while on Doxil.

I hope this drug works for you. It stabilized my wife's clear cell carcinoma before it stopped working. Thank you.