doxil side affects

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461ocean
461ocean Member Posts: 9
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
new to message board, 6 years with OC, stage IIIc , surgery twice, Taxol/Carbo twice, starting Doxil next week. Any info with the side effects of this chemo would be greatly helpful to me... Dr. says less invasive then Taxol with very few, if any, side effects, possible skin reactions but not always , but I am still nervous about a new chemo, any advice or experiences with Doxil would help me deal..your stories and messages of hope help me from crying myself to sleep everynight and I am soo glad I found this website.. God Bless you all..

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  • Lauracec
    Lauracec Member Posts: 101
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    welcome
    Hi and welcome, i am also probably starting doxil next week as well. there is alot of info on here about it. hopefully Bonnie will answer this and tell you all about it or I will try to find the post she just wrote the other day. God Bless and Hugs, Laura, (I found it. go down a few post to doxil is scaring me and see what Bonnie has to say and others)
  • JoanC
    JoanC Member Posts: 231
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    Welcome
    Welcome...you will find lots of support and help here
    Hugs,JoanC
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
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    Welcome
    Hi 461, welcome to the board, we are glad you found us too. :-) You will find this group of amazing teals warrior to be a wonderful source of information, encouragement and support.

    Here is the list of what I posted earlier.. I cheated I copied and pasted. :-)

    For the side affects just follow the instructions on heat and wearing things that rub. Also, go to the store and get yourself epsom salts and original Eucerin creme for your hands n feet. Or to the pet store and get instant ocean, Yes Pet Store :-) Eat ice during infusion and use cold backs on your hands and feet.

    Doxil takes a couple treatments so dont' worry it is isn't working right away. Just like many of the drugs, some work for some of us and not for others. The positive note on Doxil is for some reason most women lose weight. Other than hands and feet I felt pretty good too.

    Now the following is right from the web, I followed it for a full week and it does make a difference.

    To help control HFS after administration, follow these guidelines for at least 1 day before and 3 to 5 days after each treatment: I actually followed this for a week and it made a world of difference.

    Managing and Preventing Hand-Foot Syndrome

    Things to Avoid:

    Avoid repetitive or friction-causing activities (e.g., avoid rough towels, sexual activity, sweeping, or typing)

    Avoid heat, including hot water or steam, on your skin (e.g., take cool, short showers or baths; avoid washing dishes)

    Avoid the drying out of the skin on your hands and feet by using plain, mild skin lotions or creams for itching that do not contain irritants such as perfumes

    Try not to put pressure on your skin (e.g., don’t kneel for long periods, sit on hard surfaces or lean on your elbows)

    Avoid using adhesive bandages

    Don’t chop hard foods such as raw vegetables

    Things to do:

    Wear comfortable, well-ventilated, low-heeled shoes or slippers (great advice)

    Wear sunblock (SPF 15 or higher) every day on all exposed skin; avoid using sunblock that contains irritants such as perfumes

    Stay in cool places and out of direct sunlight

    Use mild soaps and pat skin dry after bathing; don’t rub

    Check hands and feet, between fingers and toes in particular, for signs of irritations
    Apply gel ice packs to your hands and feet or soak them in cold-tepid water when possible
    Wear loose clothing

    Drink plenty of cool or room temperature liquids; suck on ice chips or sip cool beverages as often as possible

    Hope this helps :-)

    Prayers ♥ Hugs Bonnie
  • LPack
    LPack Member Posts: 645
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    Welcome
    Welcome! You will find a wealth of information on this message board. AND lots of different stories.

    These ladies have been an inspiration to me and will for you too.

    Libby
  • ladyjogger31
    ladyjogger31 Member Posts: 289
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    Welcome
    Hi and welcome to this wonderful board. I was on Doxil for 5 treatments , unfortunately it didn't work for me. It got my ca 125 down to 34 then it started to rise. Bonnie has given you the best advise, I had followed what she had told me and it worked. Praying that the combo works well for you. The women on this board are full of knowledge, encouragement and hope. Sending you positive thoughts through your journey. May God walk with you during this difficult time.
    Hugs, Prayers and Love, Terry
  • 461ocean
    461ocean Member Posts: 9
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    BonnieR said:

    Welcome
    Hi 461, welcome to the board, we are glad you found us too. :-) You will find this group of amazing teals warrior to be a wonderful source of information, encouragement and support.

    Here is the list of what I posted earlier.. I cheated I copied and pasted. :-)

    For the side affects just follow the instructions on heat and wearing things that rub. Also, go to the store and get yourself epsom salts and original Eucerin creme for your hands n feet. Or to the pet store and get instant ocean, Yes Pet Store :-) Eat ice during infusion and use cold backs on your hands and feet.

    Doxil takes a couple treatments so dont' worry it is isn't working right away. Just like many of the drugs, some work for some of us and not for others. The positive note on Doxil is for some reason most women lose weight. Other than hands and feet I felt pretty good too.

    Now the following is right from the web, I followed it for a full week and it does make a difference.

    To help control HFS after administration, follow these guidelines for at least 1 day before and 3 to 5 days after each treatment: I actually followed this for a week and it made a world of difference.

    Managing and Preventing Hand-Foot Syndrome

    Things to Avoid:

    Avoid repetitive or friction-causing activities (e.g., avoid rough towels, sexual activity, sweeping, or typing)

    Avoid heat, including hot water or steam, on your skin (e.g., take cool, short showers or baths; avoid washing dishes)

    Avoid the drying out of the skin on your hands and feet by using plain, mild skin lotions or creams for itching that do not contain irritants such as perfumes

    Try not to put pressure on your skin (e.g., don’t kneel for long periods, sit on hard surfaces or lean on your elbows)

    Avoid using adhesive bandages

    Don’t chop hard foods such as raw vegetables

    Things to do:

    Wear comfortable, well-ventilated, low-heeled shoes or slippers (great advice)

    Wear sunblock (SPF 15 or higher) every day on all exposed skin; avoid using sunblock that contains irritants such as perfumes

    Stay in cool places and out of direct sunlight

    Use mild soaps and pat skin dry after bathing; don’t rub

    Check hands and feet, between fingers and toes in particular, for signs of irritations
    Apply gel ice packs to your hands and feet or soak them in cold-tepid water when possible
    Wear loose clothing

    Drink plenty of cool or room temperature liquids; suck on ice chips or sip cool beverages as often as possible

    Hope this helps :-)

    Prayers ♥ Hugs Bonnie

    thank you so much, info on Doxil
    Thank you Bonnie for the suggestions on Doxil , I will follow them and keep all of you fine women updated on my progress. I do reside in South Florida , where the sunlight can be very strong but the good news is everything is air conditioned so I will do my best to avoid long exposure to the sun. I will apply the strongest suncreen possible before leaving the house. I do remember eating ice pops when on Taxol and that did help with the mouth sores , I will do the same with Doxil... Thank you for keeping me in your prayers, as you are in mine ! 461Ocean
  • newhopechurchli
    newhopechurchli Member Posts: 126
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    Welcome
    Hi and welcome to this wonderful board. I was on Doxil for 5 treatments , unfortunately it didn't work for me. It got my ca 125 down to 34 then it started to rise. Bonnie has given you the best advise, I had followed what she had told me and it worked. Praying that the combo works well for you. The women on this board are full of knowledge, encouragement and hope. Sending you positive thoughts through your journey. May God walk with you during this difficult time.
    Hugs, Prayers and Love, Terry

    Hello
    My name is Tricia and I just wanted to saying "Greetings" I hope all goes well with your new treatment. Many women on this site have gone through so much and are still doing well many years later so try and Stay Strong ! :)
    God Bless You.
  • JanQ
    JanQ Member Posts: 236
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    461ocean said:

    thank you so much, info on Doxil
    Thank you Bonnie for the suggestions on Doxil , I will follow them and keep all of you fine women updated on my progress. I do reside in South Florida , where the sunlight can be very strong but the good news is everything is air conditioned so I will do my best to avoid long exposure to the sun. I will apply the strongest suncreen possible before leaving the house. I do remember eating ice pops when on Taxol and that did help with the mouth sores , I will do the same with Doxil... Thank you for keeping me in your prayers, as you are in mine ! 461Ocean

    Doxil
    Bonnie is so good. When i took doxil it was in the winter and I did have some problems with blistering. It is pretty weather so wear as little as possible when you can.
    I hope you have great luck with this drug.
    This is a great place to come for answers.
    God Bless, Jan
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
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    Info
    If you want more info than what you got here you can search for information by typing in doxil in the upper right hand corner and find more. I have not had it yet. Saundra
  • maddy123
    maddy123 Member Posts: 2
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    Doxil
    Ocean,

    I'm on my 5th round of Doxil. It is working and it is not so bad. I find I feel the worst ten days after treatment (supposedly when the medicine peaks),but I take a small dose of Ativan and feel better.

    I am hoping this is the magic bullet!
  • kayandok
    kayandok Member Posts: 1,202 Member
    Options
    BonnieR said:

    Welcome
    Hi 461, welcome to the board, we are glad you found us too. :-) You will find this group of amazing teals warrior to be a wonderful source of information, encouragement and support.

    Here is the list of what I posted earlier.. I cheated I copied and pasted. :-)

    For the side affects just follow the instructions on heat and wearing things that rub. Also, go to the store and get yourself epsom salts and original Eucerin creme for your hands n feet. Or to the pet store and get instant ocean, Yes Pet Store :-) Eat ice during infusion and use cold backs on your hands and feet.

    Doxil takes a couple treatments so dont' worry it is isn't working right away. Just like many of the drugs, some work for some of us and not for others. The positive note on Doxil is for some reason most women lose weight. Other than hands and feet I felt pretty good too.

    Now the following is right from the web, I followed it for a full week and it does make a difference.

    To help control HFS after administration, follow these guidelines for at least 1 day before and 3 to 5 days after each treatment: I actually followed this for a week and it made a world of difference.

    Managing and Preventing Hand-Foot Syndrome

    Things to Avoid:

    Avoid repetitive or friction-causing activities (e.g., avoid rough towels, sexual activity, sweeping, or typing)

    Avoid heat, including hot water or steam, on your skin (e.g., take cool, short showers or baths; avoid washing dishes)

    Avoid the drying out of the skin on your hands and feet by using plain, mild skin lotions or creams for itching that do not contain irritants such as perfumes

    Try not to put pressure on your skin (e.g., don’t kneel for long periods, sit on hard surfaces or lean on your elbows)

    Avoid using adhesive bandages

    Don’t chop hard foods such as raw vegetables

    Things to do:

    Wear comfortable, well-ventilated, low-heeled shoes or slippers (great advice)

    Wear sunblock (SPF 15 or higher) every day on all exposed skin; avoid using sunblock that contains irritants such as perfumes

    Stay in cool places and out of direct sunlight

    Use mild soaps and pat skin dry after bathing; don’t rub

    Check hands and feet, between fingers and toes in particular, for signs of irritations
    Apply gel ice packs to your hands and feet or soak them in cold-tepid water when possible
    Wear loose clothing

    Drink plenty of cool or room temperature liquids; suck on ice chips or sip cool beverages as often as possible

    Hope this helps :-)

    Prayers ♥ Hugs Bonnie

    What about rings?
    Bonnie, I was so happy to find this list again. I go in tomorrow for one night into the hospital for my fist doxil. If I don't "blow up", then they will let me go as an out patient next month:)
    I have always been a ring person so wear a few on fingers and toes. Maybe I should take them off?
    Thanks,
    kathleen
  • Cindi Schriver
    Options
    maddy123 said:

    Doxil
    Ocean,

    I'm on my 5th round of Doxil. It is working and it is not so bad. I find I feel the worst ten days after treatment (supposedly when the medicine peaks),but I take a small dose of Ativan and feel better.

    I am hoping this is the magic bullet!

    Have you gotten the leg pain with this drug. I can hardly stand the first week after treatments. And then my legs are very weak all the time. I dont see that anyone else is getting the leg pain. I am on Taxol/Doxil. I hope someone can help.
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    Options

    Have you gotten the leg pain with this drug. I can hardly stand the first week after treatments. And then my legs are very weak all the time. I dont see that anyone else is getting the leg pain. I am on Taxol/Doxil. I hope someone can help.

    New post
    You need to start a new topic as this one is back in April, Cindi. I have had doxil one dose on two different occasions. I have had leg pain with taxol/carboplatin. Doxil made me very weak. Saundra
  • misspokey
    misspokey Member Posts: 25
    Options
    BonnieR said:

    Welcome
    Hi 461, welcome to the board, we are glad you found us too. :-) You will find this group of amazing teals warrior to be a wonderful source of information, encouragement and support.

    Here is the list of what I posted earlier.. I cheated I copied and pasted. :-)

    For the side affects just follow the instructions on heat and wearing things that rub. Also, go to the store and get yourself epsom salts and original Eucerin creme for your hands n feet. Or to the pet store and get instant ocean, Yes Pet Store :-) Eat ice during infusion and use cold backs on your hands and feet.

    Doxil takes a couple treatments so dont' worry it is isn't working right away. Just like many of the drugs, some work for some of us and not for others. The positive note on Doxil is for some reason most women lose weight. Other than hands and feet I felt pretty good too.

    Now the following is right from the web, I followed it for a full week and it does make a difference.

    To help control HFS after administration, follow these guidelines for at least 1 day before and 3 to 5 days after each treatment: I actually followed this for a week and it made a world of difference.

    Managing and Preventing Hand-Foot Syndrome

    Things to Avoid:

    Avoid repetitive or friction-causing activities (e.g., avoid rough towels, sexual activity, sweeping, or typing)

    Avoid heat, including hot water or steam, on your skin (e.g., take cool, short showers or baths; avoid washing dishes)

    Avoid the drying out of the skin on your hands and feet by using plain, mild skin lotions or creams for itching that do not contain irritants such as perfumes

    Try not to put pressure on your skin (e.g., don’t kneel for long periods, sit on hard surfaces or lean on your elbows)

    Avoid using adhesive bandages

    Don’t chop hard foods such as raw vegetables

    Things to do:

    Wear comfortable, well-ventilated, low-heeled shoes or slippers (great advice)

    Wear sunblock (SPF 15 or higher) every day on all exposed skin; avoid using sunblock that contains irritants such as perfumes

    Stay in cool places and out of direct sunlight

    Use mild soaps and pat skin dry after bathing; don’t rub

    Check hands and feet, between fingers and toes in particular, for signs of irritations
    Apply gel ice packs to your hands and feet or soak them in cold-tepid water when possible
    Wear loose clothing

    Drink plenty of cool or room temperature liquids; suck on ice chips or sip cool beverages as often as possible

    Hope this helps :-)

    Prayers ♥ Hugs Bonnie

    Doxil
    Hi. When did your HFS take effect? I started the 9th and haven't really felt anything so wasn't sure if will come later or not. Dr and research nurse acted like could or not, sooner or later or whenever. She gave me a list of some cremes to use and I picked Udderly Soft cream. I thought would have to put on all the time and she said once a day was fine. I do that anyway, no problem there to remember but do twice anyway, like lotions. Keep forgetting about sunblock unless plan to be in it. I was out in heat last weekend more and noticed by abdomin was itchy. Nothing showed but before every started treattment seems like it would itch if got hot so maybe wasn't to do with chemo in my case then. So far I haven't had any of the other symptoms I found on the website. The dr and nurse acted like most they've seen here (Willamette Valley Oregon) is the HFS, possible cardiac problems, and white and red cells down. Maybe was the EC145. I get confused which is supposed to cause which. List had several sides listed but not too many have they seen. Also on one of them was the hand and toes numbness/tingling and constipation with the EC. So far that's my main side, other than some aches and pain which could be it or could be weather or sitting wrong, etc. Also feel bloated or something mostly feel full most of time. Once in while feel hungry. I eat but sometimes hard to do when not really hungry. Don't mind the weight loss other than not supposed to with the prescibed amount of chemo, so hopefully don't much with not feeling hungry. Always good to know how others react and their imput on things, thanks