Chris in Spain more info

[Guest guest]

Hey I looked around the web for more info on that Hand and Foot syndrome

and found this article , it says how to help with it

Deb

Hand-Foot Syndrome10/17/02 5:55 PM

Other terms: Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia; PPE

What is hand-foot syndrome?

Also called hand-foot syndrome or hand-to-foot syndrome, Palmar-Plantar

Erythrodysesthesia is a side effect, which can occur with several types of

chemotherapy or biologic therapy drugs used to treat cancer. For example,

Capecitabine (Xeloda®), 5-Flurouracil (5FU), continuous-infusion doxorubicin,

doxorubicin liposomal (Doxil®), and high-dose Interleukin-2 can cause this skin

reaction for some patients. Following administration of chemotherapy, small

amounts of drug leak out of very small blood vessels called capillaries in the

palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Exposure of your hands and feet to

heat as well as friction on your palms and soles increases the amount of drug in

the capillaries and increases the amount of drug leakage. This leakage of drug

results in redness, tenderness, and possibly peeling of the palms and soles.

The redness, also known as Palmer-Plantar erythema, looks like sunburn. The

areas affected can become dry and peel, with numbness or tingling

developing. Hand-foot syndrome can be uncomfortable and can interfere with

your ability to carry out normal activities.

Things you can do if you suspect hand-foot syndrome (Palmer-Plantar

Erythroidysesthesia):

Prevention: Prevention is very important in trying to reduce the development of

hand-foot syndrome. Actions taken to prevent hand-foot syndrome will help

reduce the severity of symptoms should they develop.

This involves modifying some of your normal daily activities to reduce

friction and heat exposure to your hands and feet for a period of time following

treatment (approximately one week after IV medication, much as possible during

the time you are taking oral (by mouth) medication such as capcitabine).

Avoid long exposure of hands and feet to hot water such as washing dishes,

long showers, or tub baths.

Short showers in tepid water will reduce exposure of the soles of your

feet to the drug.

Dishwashing gloves should not be worn, as the rubber will hold heat

against your palms.

Avoid increased pressure on the soles of the feet or palms of hands.

No jogging, aerobics, power walking, jumping - avoid long days of walking.

You should also avoid using garden tools, household tools such as

screwdrivers, and other tasks where you are squeezing your hand on a hard

surface.

Using knives to chop food may also cause excessive pressure and friction

on your palms.

Cooling procedures:

Cold may provide temporary relief for pain and tenderness caused by hand-foot

syndrome.

Placing the palms or bottoms of your feet on an ice pack or a bag of frozen

peas may be very comforting. Alternate on and off for 15-20 minutes at a time.

Lotions:

Rubbing lotion on your palms and soles should be avoided during the same

period, although keeping these areas moist is very important between treatments.

Emollients such as Aveeno®, Lubriderm®, Udder Cream®, and Bag Balm® provide

excellent moisturizing to your hands and feet.

Pain relief:

Over the counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) may be

helpful to relieve discomfort associated with hand-foot syndrome. Check with

your doctor.

Vitamins:

Taking Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) may be beneficial to preventing and treating

Plantar-Palmar Erythroidysesthesia, and should be discussed with your doctor.

Drugs/treatment changes that may be prescribed by your doctor:

Chemotherapy treatments may need to be interrupted or the dose adjusted to

prevent worsening of hand-foot syndrome.

When to call your doctor or health care professional:

If you notice that your palms or soles become red or tender. This most often

occurs before any peeling, and recommendations for relief of discomfort can be

given. If you are on chemotherapy pills, you may be asked to hold treatment, or

need your dose adjusted to prevent worsening of symptoms.

Note: We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professional about

your specific medical condition and treatments. The information contained in

this website is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for

medical advice.

33yrold husband Joe, was diagnosed with CC in Sept,

resection on Sept 27th 2004

found mets to the abdominal wall lining 3 lymph nodes involved

open wound from infection until Jan 2005

Ileostomy reversal Dec 7th 2004

Chemo regiment begun Jan 2005

5fu/levorican/Oxaplatin/ Avastin added Feb 14 2005 (Happy Valentines

Calcium Magnesium added for the Tingles Feb 28 2005

Ct Scan done March 23rd 2005 , 16 millimeter cyst like object on liver found

April 1 2005 PET scan done awaiting results

April 11 PET SCAN SHOWS

NED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

May 9 Plateletts are low 75,000

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