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