Doxil, Gemzar, Herceptin and Itching

I,ve been on a doxil/gemzar combo, herceptin and aredia, for 3 months, after almost a year on taxotere/carboplatin/herceptin and aredia.

In the past month, I have gotten: a mild degree of palmar-plantar (redness, hardness) on palms of hands only, one toe on left foot a little red, swollen and sore, left elbow with redness, rash, itching, and itching of the skin under the eyes, burning of my eyes like they have sand in them, and jelly-like (plaque-like) in whites of both eyes, like you get with hayfever, itching nose, running nose. Sorry for the long list!

Do these drugs cause irritation of skin and eyes. Dr. does not seem concerned, says prob, side-effect. What are your experiences?

[Lolly]

Hi Susie,
I don't know about the side effects of the chemo's you're on, but Herceptin can definitely cause the hay fever symptoms, ie: runny/drippy nose, itchey/watery eyes, itchy throat...at least it has for me and I know a few others who frequent this board. I've been on Herceptin since January 2001, and while symptoms are annoying at times, they're a tolerable trade-off as I feel H has saved my life...although I've had to have it in combo with Navelbine twice now, it has helped keep the cancer under control.

Good luck with your regimen!

[StephN]

Hi Jan -
I had a couple of those same drugs (Taxotere and Adriamycin, which is the old version of Doxil) and did have some rashes and itcy areas. Would get patches of dry skin on legs, torso and maybe other places. I have some lifelong allergy problems, but it seemed that they were worse while on the chemo. They are better since I've been only on Herceptin. I also found that taking Allegra helps me, as I had to switch from Zyrtec which was losing its effect while on chemo.
I take a small dose of Allegra once or twice a day as my allergies are to all sorts of things and year around.
Hope you can get off all the chemo soon and have just the Herceptin to deal with. Life will be easier!

[StephN]

Sorry Susie for calling you Jan!
I read her post just below and that name stuck in my chemo-addled mind.

Hi Susie,
Hope you see this since I'm a little late in posting. I was on gemzar + herceptin for about 6 months, and am currently on doxcil without herceptin (because of heart issues). I agree with the others that herceptin can cause allergy like symptoms. What I seem to have is runny sinuses/drainage which is unaffected by any allergy meds. Doxil can cause hand/foot syndrome, which is probably what you are experiencing. Supportive care seems to be consistent application of a moisture cream such as udder balm. I have been using a cream that I like very much called Rex Emi (available at health food stores or via their website), but for some reason it is very expensive. It has camphor and eucalyptus in it but the odor goes right away. I started using it for extreme dry skin caused by the drugs, and have even begun using at nite on my face, tho you need to stay away from your eyes. I also started taking vitamin B complex to help ward off the hand/foot problems, as recommended on this site. If your hands or feet get too bad, your onc may suggest a short break from chemo to help out. Good luck to you!