Doxil

jochan
jochan Member Posts: 19
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
I need information on Doxil. A friend of mine is starting on it next week. Thanks.

Comments

  • ellen62
    ellen62 Member Posts: 10 Member
    #2
    Hello! I was on Doxil for three months, then my CA125 went up and I was switched to Topotecan. The good news is that Doxil is pretty low on the nausea/fatigue scale--I felt pretty good. The biggest problem is with your skin. The doctor should give her a list of do's and don'ts that help to alleviate and prevent some of the problems. It's especially important to follow them the day before and for 3-5 days after treatment. They include: avoid putting pressure on the skin--wear loose-fitting clothing (I found fabrics like all cotton and rayon were the most comfortable, especially white, and I wore a lot of hippie dresses), no bra, avoid kneeling, crossing legs, and chopping hard vegetables. The other important thing to avoid is heat: take cool showers, and don't put your hands in hot water when doing dishes or laundry. Also limit sun exposure--even riding or driving in a car and wear sunscreen. It sounds very restrictive, but it's not so bad. Doxil can cause blisters and peeling on the hands and feet, but following the do's and don'ts helps. Also--keep the skin well moisturized, especially the hands and feet (Lubriderm Seriously Sensitive worked best for me, but you have to re-apply it fairly often. Eucerin lasts longer, but it's extremely greasy). I got a horrible rash all over my upper body after the first treatment (keeping it moisturized and using ice packs gave me some relief). My doctor added Benadryl and steroid to my infusion the next two doses and I had no more problems, although my skin stayed somewhat sensitive to anything rubbing on it. Hope this helps and my thoughts and best wishes to your friend! Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions: ellen62@localnet.com
  • jochan
    jochan Member Posts: 19
    #3
    ellen62 said:

    Hello! I was on Doxil for three months, then my CA125 went up and I was switched to Topotecan. The good news is that Doxil is pretty low on the nausea/fatigue scale--I felt pretty good. The biggest problem is with your skin. The doctor should give her a list of do's and don'ts that help to alleviate and prevent some of the problems. It's especially important to follow them the day before and for 3-5 days after treatment. They include: avoid putting pressure on the skin--wear loose-fitting clothing (I found fabrics like all cotton and rayon were the most comfortable, especially white, and I wore a lot of hippie dresses), no bra, avoid kneeling, crossing legs, and chopping hard vegetables. The other important thing to avoid is heat: take cool showers, and don't put your hands in hot water when doing dishes or laundry. Also limit sun exposure--even riding or driving in a car and wear sunscreen. It sounds very restrictive, but it's not so bad. Doxil can cause blisters and peeling on the hands and feet, but following the do's and don'ts helps. Also--keep the skin well moisturized, especially the hands and feet (Lubriderm Seriously Sensitive worked best for me, but you have to re-apply it fairly often. Eucerin lasts longer, but it's extremely greasy). I got a horrible rash all over my upper body after the first treatment (keeping it moisturized and using ice packs gave me some relief). My doctor added Benadryl and steroid to my infusion the next two doses and I had no more problems, although my skin stayed somewhat sensitive to anything rubbing on it. Hope this helps and my thoughts and best wishes to your friend! Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions: ellen62@localnet.com

    Thank you very much - I have forwarded the info to my friend. I have also written you an e-mail. Warmest regards, Jo
  • mirtle
    mirtle Member Posts: 32 Member
    #4
    Jo -- I was on Doxil for quite some time. Please tell your friend to make sure to wear socks or stockings at all times and to use utter cream (from the Walmart) on her hands and feet. I wore a sports bra so that the tight elastic from a real bra wouldn't be so tight. Also, she will be sensitive to heat and cold. If she has any other questions, please let me know. P.S. I had no nausea at all.
  • jochan
    jochan Member Posts: 19
    #5
    mirtle said:

    Jo -- I was on Doxil for quite some time. Please tell your friend to make sure to wear socks or stockings at all times and to use utter cream (from the Walmart) on her hands and feet. I wore a sports bra so that the tight elastic from a real bra wouldn't be so tight. Also, she will be sensitive to heat and cold. If she has any other questions, please let me know. P.S. I had no nausea at all.

    Hi Mirtle, How are you doing? Thank you very much. I will forward your letter to my friend. Warmest regards, Jo

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