Taxotere Reaction

[gah_70]

Just when I post an answer on a thread further down below that Taxotere hasn't caused any side effects, I have developed a severe rash across my knuckles.  It is moving towards the insides of my fingers and the palms of my hands, too.  Part of it looks as if it is about to blister, and it feels like a really bad sunburn.  Fingers on my left hand were too swollen to bend, but I believe that is improving.  I have heard of ladies on Doxil getting this type of reaction, but was wondering if anyone had experienced it on Taxotere.  I also have thrush.  My entire mouth, lips, and even going up towards my nose is inflammed.  I have meds for that, but nothing for the rash.  Any suggestions?   I've also heard of women using cold packs during the infusion to help lessen these effects.  Have any of you tried it?

Thanks for your help.

Gail

[Mary 53]

I just wanted to say that I am so sorry to hear that you are having a tough time with this side effect....with all this stuff. And, I just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you.

I also had to say that I noted on the "What do  you think of the new format" thread (by the way, I wrote a letter to Medhelp stating that I figured this forum was going to be next and I was very concerned (upset) about that. I stated that even though I use the bio hormones....confusion easily sets in and that change is not necessarily a good thing....  I mean, I was nice about it, and actually got a very kind response. I do agree with you that I know we will get used to it, but I do find change very tedius.  Like, Enough already, you know.  But, I had to laugh....GAIL, do you know how many posts it says I have put on these boards?   Are you ready?????   565!  (Ok...now 566!)

Good night my dear, and I hope you are feeling better soon.

Love, Mary

[gah_70]

Thanks for your comments, ladies.  I go back to see my doc tomorrow and will ask if we can try the cold packs during infusion.  This is one of the reasons I asked for different therapies other than Doxil...because I was afraid I'd get the hand-foot syndrome...and then I end up getting it anyway!  Oh well.  I appreciate all the information,  I am heading out for some cortizone cream here in a little bit.  

Hope you all are doing well!

Gail

[SimplyStar]

forgot to add    they cut the dosage for leslee from 80 to 60, she has been ok since then, no futher breakouts, but it was a long time healing.

[SimplyStar]

sorry this is so long  but it is a good reference

Hand-Foot Syndrome
You may experience a skin reaction called hand-foot syndrome (HFS), also called palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE). See Managing Side Effects for hints on how to manage and help prevent symptoms.

Hand-foot syndrome usually occurs on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. However, it can also occur on other parts of the body where your clothes may be tight or where friction, pressure, rubbing, warmth, and/or sweating occur.

You or your caregiver should check regularly for signs of skin irritation and hand-foot syndrome. If you already have peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling in the hands and feet) from previous treatment or other conditions, you may not notice the symptoms as easily.

Common signs and symptoms of hand-foot syndrome may include:

Redness
Rash
Pain or tenderness
Swelling
Tingling, burning, or itching
Flaking or peeling of the skin
Small blisters or sores

In most patients, the reaction is mild and improves in one to two weeks without a delay in therapy. However, hand-foot syndrome can become severe in some patients and may require either delaying or stopping therapy.

At the first sign of any of these symptoms, please tell your doctor or nurse immediately. They may have specific suggestions to help you reduce the severity of hand-foot syndrome. Because its frequency and severity are usually associated with the chemotherapy dose and/or schedule, hand-foot syndrome may be treated with a delay and/or reduction in therapy until the symptoms are resolved. A delay or reduction in dose typically does not reduce the effectiveness of treatment.

Stomatitis
Another skin-related reaction is stomatitis, a mouth irritation characterized by inflammation or sores. Stomatitis may be prevented by avoiding certain foods and beverages. Your doctor or nurse can provide you with specific guidelines to help prevent stomatitis. For example, you might be told to suck on ice chips or sip cool beverages as often as possible.

Some common symptoms of stomatitis include:

Mouth sores
Dry, swollen tongue
Pain or burning in the mouth

[SimplyStar]

Leslee got the foot and hand syndrome with doxil and it was a terrible reaction for her, since then they use the ice cooling bags  during infusions, avoid doing dishes , cool showers, limit exercize a few days before and a few after treatments,  she used many different balms on her hands and feet, bag balm, hydrocortizone creame,  there is a good discription of this side affect on the doxil web site, it tells how to treat it . avoid hot spicy foods.

[nyc lady]

So sorry that you are having this reaction.

Thinking about you.
Pam

[newlifegal]

Hi Gail, when I was getting taxotere they had me soak my fingers in an ice bath during the infusion to discourage nail damage.  That wasn't very pleasant but it seemed to work.  It's hard to say why you are having this rash.  Sometimes is hard to know the origin.  I've been dealing with a rash on my legs and feet that they thought was due to Gemzar but that's been discontinued yet I still have the rash, usually in the evening.  I guess nobody is too concerned since they are basically ignoring it.

Christa

[Helmar]

Hi Gail... I'm currently doing Taxotere/Carbo... 3rd time in 4 years, but haven't had the rash, although my Oncol. did ask me when I saw him last Friday prior to my 4th.treatment, if I had any rashes, so it seemed to me to be a side affect of this. I get swollen ankles and wrists from the retention of fluid, and hair loss, or course, but that's about all. My Oncol. gives my Fungilin lozenges to suck after breakfast and after the last food at night, and that stops the thrush. I also rinse my mouth in warm water and sea-salt crystals, and I think that helps also. As I've not had the rash you speak of Gail, I'm sorry I can't shed any light on something to help with that. Did you, by any chance have Doxil just prior to doing Taxotere? Just wondering if there is an 'overflow' from the Doxil, as that does cause rashes for some. I had my 4th. treatment on Friday, and on Friday night.... for the first time very with this drug combination... I did have 'nervous legs, and hot feet'. I got out of bed, and got an ice-pack out of the freezer...wrapped it in a towel, and wrapped around my feet. It's Summer here at the moment, so maybe the hot conditions have caused this. Just wondering if anyone else has had this... hot feet/nervous legs'....
I hope you will soon be feeling better Gail, and that your Oncol. can get you something to relieve that awful thrush stuff. Best wishes and hugs...Helen..