Hand-Foot Syndrome (HFS) --- Tips?! Please add your 2¢!!!
I'm 2 weeks into my 3rd Doxil treatment and hand foot syndrome is starting to settle into my feet and one hand. I'm scrounging for whatever tips I can find, to help keep HFS at bay as much as possible --- and even clear it up more quickly. Also tips for comfort. Many have mentioned things scattered throughout this Community. I've read some tips elsewhere and asked around.
I'm overwhelmed! And in 3 days' time, my HFS situation seems to continue to worsen.
Here's the beginning of a collection of findings that I hope will be helpful.
0. Make sure your oncologist knows about any changes in your condition. Don't just wait until your next appointment!
1. Apply cream/lotion to the skin --- palms and soles. I've been using creams a lot (perhaps not enough?). The one "everyone" seems to recommend is "Udderly Smooth" (even though it includes parabens). Digging deeper, the specific Udderly Smooth product is probably "Extra Care 10 Hand & Body Cream" because it contains 10% urea... or the "Hand & Body Cream Extra Care 20 Replenishing" because it contains 20% urea. I read somewhere that urea is a key ingredient making these choices superior to others. FWIW my onconurse says don't use lotions/creams with alcohol as the would tend to dry the skin.
2. Don't run or do a LOT of vigorous walking, and avoid hot water. Anyone with HFS probably doesn't need this advice unless they also have neuropathy in hands/feet, because if HFS is flaring these things hurt! Regular walking, even, hurts! I wonder how much "regular walking" will prolong the flare. Inactivity is bad! What is the balance point?
...to be continued...
PLEASE chime in with anything you can contribute; thanks in advance!
Comments
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I found this helpful link on a different thread; thanks to Heidihill iirc...
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I had this after my 4th round of adriamycin. I could barely walk. I was told to moisturize, elevate feet, stay off of feet as much as possible, wear soft slippers when I did walk .... no barefeet, and apply ice packs. It was incredibly painful, but following these tips helped so much.
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