Pretty bad hand/foot syndrome on Doxil

[Tricia Valles]

I have had two infusions of Doxil, and just a few days ago started to get the hand/foot syndrome side effect really bad. Can feel the raw burn just sitting around, let alone walking or trying to make a fist or grip something. I am using a very good lotion that is thick (like vaseline almost), Aquaphor(?) and which I used during breast radiation, but other than that, any suggestions? I guess I best keep those ice packs on my hands during the next infusion, as I see that really does lower the chances of getting this syndrome. I am sure my oncologist may look into lowering my dosage a little, as I see her first before my next infusion in a week. Just wondering if anyone else has any other suggestions or tricks once it does come on?

Thanks, Tricia

[Gracie]

Tricia, On another site I have seen that a lot of girls use Udder Cream...I think it was called Udderly Smooth..it is cream that you put on a cows udder...you get in a drug store...I will go check on the other site for its name to make sure I'm right. I have been following your care pages. Keep hanging in there!! Hugs and love, Gracie in PA

[Gracie]

Tricia, Here are the suggestions I got from my other friends. Do not rub your feet when drying. Pat them. Gently apply lotion. Do not take hot baths or showers. Use frozen bags of veggies for ice packs for some relief. When sleeping or sitting around prop legs on pillow so that feet aren't touching anything. Especially your heels. Limit walking. It is Udderly Smooth bought in pharmacy. There is other brands but they are extra greasy and smelly. Also good is anything with at least 5 to 10% urea in them. If your feet are cracked open Neutrogena Norwegian Concentrated Formula is excellent. Hope this is helpful. Take Care of you!! Gracie

[Debra the Bassplayer]

Dear Tricia,
I'm sorry to learn you are in this discomfort. Another product that is made by the same company as Aquaphor is called Eucerin. People with painful feet and hands from diabetes use it, but it can be bought over the counter. I use it on my feet just to keep the skin supple and to keep the callouses from running to a minimal. Perhaps this would help...it is very rich and soothing.
Love to you...and thinking of you.
Debra

[Linda Lou]

Tricia,

So sorry to hear you have to deal with this on top of everything else. Dosage adjustments will most likely be necessary when the hand/foot symptoms are severe. Meanwhile do your best to avoid any pressure on your hands or feet. No turning door knobs, opening jars or lifting anything heavy. Stay off your feet, keep rotating cold packs on your feet and hands for pain relief.

When I had hand/foot syndrome while taking Xeloda I used a cream called Barielles Total Foot Care Cream. You can find it on Amazon.com. It won't really stop the progression of the syndrome as long as your dosage is the same but it does help a great deal to soothe, moisturize and heal cracked, sore, inflamed skin.

I tried to stay off my feet as much as possible but when I could't I used a pair of oversized soft slippers which I had stuffed with that memory foam (like the kind in pillows and mattresses that shape to your body) and then I also put a pair of those cut-out gel pack shoe soles inside after popping them in the freezer just until cold. They looked horrible but the foam distributed the pressure on my feet so each step did not hurt as much and the cold gel pack soles helped the burning.

If your feet and hands are starting to slough off skin and peel, try to keep a little neosporin type ointment on the raw areas and then moisturize them, put on soft cotton gloves and socks and then apply the cold packs.

I hope your symptoms get better soon. Hang in there.

Sending good thoughts your way,
LindaLou

[rosie]

Dear Tricia, I had pretty bad hand foot with Doxil as well. I was travelling with my son near the North Pole at the time it was worst, wearing his shoes and socks because mine wouldn't fit. This is what helped along the way. I read an article about using 90% DMSO gel, slathered it on several times a day, kept my hands covered in soft cotton gloves and feet in white cotton socks. This helped alot plus if you go to the Doxil web site, there are lots of other suggestions, like not wearing tight clothes, not exposing your skin to the sun or heat for at least a week after Doxil. We did reduce the dose just a bit from 40 mg/m2 to 35 mg/m2 and increased the interval from 3 weeks to 4 weeks. All those things made it tolerable, not gone, my fingers were still like sausages, but tolerable for the number of months it worked.

I wish you the best of luck.
Rosie