Doxil- round 3

• By AMG
• Posted June 25, 2009 at 9:35 am
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Hi Okeedoakee,
I'm also having ongoing rashes from Doxil. I thought it was from the pain meds (narcotics) I take. So far, I've had 3 Doxil treatments, and may or may not continue with Doxil depending on results of an upcoming PET scan. I have peritoneal cancer which looks and behaves like ovarian cancer. I also think I am getting little blisters along with the rash. I use calomine lotion, and utter cream (provided by a Doxil kit) to sooth my skin. I even think I had a blister under my tongue! My hands and feet hurt initially after a treatment, but so far nothing long lasting. I had horrible abdominal pain for the first 2 days after my 3rd treatment (which didn't happen after the first or second treatments). I guess it's safe to say that side effects vary from person to person. You may want to ask your doctor about pain medication to ease your discomfort. The bottom line is whether or not the Doxil is working on your disease. All chemo will have side effects which are worth going through if it brings remission. How is your doctor tracking your cancer's response to Doxil?

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• By okeedoakee
• Posted June 25, 2009 at 9:51 am
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Hi AMG- I am Becky to my friends.
Yes, I am sure the side effects are varied. I also have some small blisters on my labia, what a strange place to have them! O well...
My Doctor does blood work after each treatment and checks many functions including, liver, platelettes, hemoglobin, and CA 125. The pain I get from hand and foot syndrome is tolerable but it does hurt to walk much. Ice does help alot.
I have an ointment that the nurse gave me called Biafine. It is a free sample product and helps alot with the fever in my hands and feet. I really over do it with working in the garden and being on my feet too much so I have to be careful how much I complain to my husband or I get no sympathy (chuckles). Also for the extreemly dry skin I have found Bath & Body Works, True Blue Spa, Look Ma New Hands Lotion is really terrific. Try it out if you are having very dry skin.
Thanks for your response. Is this your first go round (with cancer)?

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• By JC1945
• Posted July 3, 2009 at 1:55 pm
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There's a good chance I will be switching to Doxil soon. I have heard that while receiving treatment I should hold on to ice packs (hands and feet) and chew ice chips to help with hand and foot. I heard that I will be on steriods for several days, too. Does any of this make sense?

Judy

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• By okeedoakee
• Posted July 3, 2009 at 7:56 pm
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Hi Judy,
If you go on Doxil, most likely your Doctor/nurse will give you a whole package of information and other items that will help with the Doxil therapy. Indeed there are gel packs which are inserted into holders included that will help with the 'fever' in your hands and feet. Also, I have found that getting a gel pack that is a little larger is great to put on the floor and put your feet on it. The ice really helps. Also, follow the directions of your nurse and stay out of HOT water and don't wear a bra or anything that is tight anywhere since the pressure is what get the Doxil rash started.
Hope you do well with it. I have had 3 treatments now and my CA 125 Marker has dropped from 97 to 56. It was only after the 3rd treatment that the marker dropped so don't be alarmed- that is normal.
All my best wishes, Becky

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• By AMG
• Posted July 3, 2009 at 8:53 pm
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Hi Becky
Thanks for your input. Very glad to make a connection with you. To answer your question; I was diagnosed with stage 3b peritoneal cancer in 03/95 (14 years ago). I had chemo for 18 months initially in 1995-96. This is my 3rd reoccurrence for which the doctor's say I'll need chemo for the rest of my life. Doxil is the 3rd attempt at finding a drug to control the cancer. (Check out my profile). ~AMG

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