Blisters with Taxotere

bmorgart

I am on a regiment of weekly taxotere treatments and after my 5th I got huge blisters on my hands, mainly all knuckle and finger joints.  They had started to heal but after the 7th they are back again with the same intensity.  They are from a nickle to quarter size and I can't find anyone who has ever had this or a recommendation on what to do.  My Onc's only worry with them is infection.  I have gone on every website I can find and have come up with nothing.

rock

I have had a lot of blisters on my FEET with Taxol.  I know it's not the same, but for what it's worth, the following have provided some relief:

1) udderly smooth cream with urea; keep hands lotioned/moisturized

2) avoid hot water; tepid or cool is best

3) I keep my feet elevated and on ice; you might try handling a cold pack

4) see if onco nurse will let you take 50-100 mg of B6 (which is for nerve problems, but may help)

5) do you have any edema, e.g., when you press your nail in the pads of your fingertips, is their "pitting"?  If so, reducing salt and increasing potassium  in your diet (e.g., bananas) might help

On Chemotherapy Forum, May 2008  thread, some of my friends posted helpful links relating to "hand foot syndrome" or "palmar plantar e-????" -- you might consult that topic as well.  It might also be a form of neuropathy.  (Consider using "search" feature to look up "HFS" "hand foot syndrome" and "neuropathy.)

I noticed this is your first post, bmorgart. Welcome! (And I will keep you in my thoughts.) 

Anonymous

Though I believe it is relatively rare, I think that this blistering can definitely be a side effect of the taxanes. This article cites an incidence of 4 patients in one study who showed up with hand blisters: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/76501795/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0. And although most articles linking chemo drugs to the development of hand-foot syndrome don't list taxotere or taxol as primary causal agents, some of my readings have indicated that its possible. This article discusses some preventive measures and possible treatments: http://patient.cancerconsultants.com/SideEffects.aspx?DocumentId=23169

Hang in there....it really WILL be over soon!

~Marin

bmorgart

Thanks to both of you for replying, I have been using the udderly smooth cream but it doesn't seem to speed the healing.  Went thru adriamycin 12 years ago with not many issues now I feel like I am a walking side effect.  I definitely freak people out at work, when they see my hands and the water pouring out of my eyes, another side effect.  I don't have any edema or problem with my finger nails although toe nails are turning a weird color.

suemom

I also had Taxotere .  I had one treatment of taxol and the side effects were so bad that my onc swiched me to taxotere. I never had ( or saw anyone with blisters on the hands or feet). But I had them in my mouth real bad,also edema and my toenails turned a wierd color. It must be awful hard for you to work. I'm doing much better now. Treatment was the worse. hopefully these MEDS will do there job to help rid you of this awful cancer !!!!!! 

SUNSHINE555

WHY DID YOU SWITCH TO TAXOTER...WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE TAXOL?????/