← Return to Ice packs for hands and feet during chemo.

Discussion
bendeb avatar

Ice packs for hands and feet during chemo.

Gynecologic Cancers | Last Active: Feb 12 2:26pm | Replies (30)

Comment receiving replies
Profile picture for juliea55 @juliea55

I was told by my NP at Mayo Jacksonville to use ice during both the Taxol and Carboplatin infusions. At that facility they did have a refrigerator/freezer, but I found it much easier to bring my own mid-size cooler. (I think it was about 30-40 quarts but I am not sure). I used frozen ice blocks from Yeti to keep 3 sets of gloves/booties cold (Suzzi brand off of Amazon). I had it a little easier than others because I was given Abraxane in place of the Taxol, which about 40 percent of us are when we have an allergic reaction to the binder in the Taxol. That shortened the infusion time. I also chose weekly Abraxane. If my hands and feet were too cold, I added very thin white cotton gloves and socks, which I took off as the coldness dissipated. I am not sure how this would all work for someone who has a longer infusion time. Maybe someone else will speak to that. I considered using dry ice, which they sell at some of the local groceries where I live. I had the equivalent of 10 rounds of chemo and have virtually no neuropathy, but I imagine that differs for many of us. Still, I was diligent with icing. Would this work over 3 separate chemo regimens? Don’t know but I would ice again if faced with that choice.

Jump to this post


Replies to "I was told by my NP at Mayo Jacksonville to use ice during both the Taxol..."

@juliea55

Dry ice is way too cold. You want what you're using to cool your hands and feet to be right at 32° F, the melting point of water, or maybe a smidge warmer, to avoid frostbite.

@juliea55 Thank you all for posting . The personal experience is so valuable to everyone.