Doxil

Does anyone have experience with this drug? I have a friend who is starting on this in June. Thank you. Joanna

I am in my 3rd year of treatment for stage 3 ovarian. my tumor marker climbed back to 80 8 months ago and I was started on Doxil. I had a severe reaction after 2 treatments, i.e., my hands swelling to the point I could not use them - very painful, and some swelling in my feet. The treatments were changed. I'm now on Topotecan (Hycamtin), which is keeping it in check, the marker now down to 41. This is all I can tell you except to know not all experience the same side-effects.

Thank you Marilyn. I am glad this new drug is working for you and that you will be remission soon. Keep in touch. I was diagnosed in May 01, also stage 3. Warmest regards, Joanna

I received Doxil for approximately 10 treatments for Stage 3C ovarian cancer last year. It was one of the most tolerable chemo drugs I have received thus far (for 3 years). Had minimal side effects. Felt great! The only thing I experienced was that my skin was prone to a rash for the first 3 days after treatment...but knowing this, was able to avoid too much of a problem. I would highly recommend the use of this drug as long as your friend is able to tolerate it.

Hi, thank you very much for writing. I was diagnosed in May 01, stage 3. How are you doing? I have forwarded your reply to my friend. Rgds, Jo

Joanna,
My name is Lucy J. Yes I had 3 rounds of Doxil. Within 5 minutes of the first infusion I had an allergic reaction. They discontinued the chemo for that day & scheduled me for the next week. I was to be pre-medicated before each infusion with a cortisone/steroid several hours before each infusion. Had no noticeable problem until I was approaching a week before the 3rd infusion. It looked like prickly heat on the trunk of my body. It didn't itch or bother me in any other way. Two or more weeks after my 3rd infusion of Doxil my entire trunk of my body looked like I had severe sunburn. I felt like it too. Ran a slight fever and was very weak and tired. Was unable to get in touch with my doctor or a dermatologist I use to work for because it was the Labor Day weekend. When I finally saw my dermatologist he put me on a decreasing dose of prednisone and it started helping me recover from the burn. I actually peeled just like with bad sunburn. I also had some funny black dots under my big toe toenails and the toenails started to pull away from the toe. It didn't hurt but for some reason walking was difficult. They discontinued my last 3 infusions of Doxil, gave me a rest for one month til my body healed, then started me on Adriamyicin for 3 more infusions. I was never nauseated because they gave me meds for it during and after each infusion. I have had CT scans every 3 months since and all have been CLEAR.

My cancer is called Leiomyosarcoma, very rare. Only 4 in one million get it. It was a recurrence that started growing on the omentum. First surgery was a complete hysterectomy to remove a fibroid in the uterus & they told me it had a slight leiomyoma in it that required no chemo or radiation. Just follow up visits, Internal and CT scans. Within 3 years it was back with a vengeance. This time I learned how to use the computer and started my own search for knowledge.

Good Luck Joanna to you and your friend. I will keep you both in my prayers. I know they work.

Please send me a message if you need any further help.

Lucy J., ULMS Survivor, 2 years

Dear Lucy,

I am so happy to hear that everything is clear now. I must say I have received more bad news about Doxil than good. I don't want to scare my friend, so I will keep your letter for the time being. She has no bad reaction to it when it went in. I will keep collecting information for her, in case she needs them. Don't you love the internet? I learn so much from it, apart from meeting people like you. Thank you so much for writing. Take care, Jo

Hello again. I am doing fine. I am currently on Carboplatin (just rec'd dose #11). None of these chemo drugs seem to get RID of my cancer, but at least we are able to keep it stable! And eventually, I am sure, we will find a drug that will work for my cancer! Please keep me in your thoughts & prayers. Good luck to you and your friend!! Deb

Hi, Debbie
I have been on many chemos for breast cancer that spread to my lungs. I have been lucky like you that the chemo's have keeped the cancer stable with minamal changes in the past 5yrs. I just started Carboplatin, Taxol and herceptin. I haven't had any test to see if it is working, I see my Oncologist on Wednesday. Do you do Carboplatin weekly or every 28 days? I have heard this is a good drug and as you said they will find something that will work, its just finding the right drug.
I wish you the best of luck...

Donna

Hi Donna, I am receiving the Carboplatin once every 4 weeks. I have only 2-3 days of nausea afterwards, then I do really well. The doctor has offered it every week or every two weeks using a lesser dose to avoid this nausea; however, I would rather go only once a month rather than 2-4 times per month. If there was any benefit for more frequent doses, I would do that in a minute! So far, it is keeping the tumor markers stable with minimal side effects. Good luck with your treatments!! Hope all goes well for you! Please keep me posted how this combination of meds works for you. Debbie