V&R treatment ending and skin blemishes mostly on face.

[unairdefamille]

Hello friends. On Monday I will be taking in the last RITUBIMAB infusion of the 7 months targeted therapy for CLL. I will be treatment-Free. I am both elated and also filled with trepidation.

I'm not sure what QUESTIONS to ask my oncologist about what to expect next. Any help from you who have been there before me will be most welcome. ✍️

I also wonder if any of you experienced the burgeoning of skin blemishes during the treatmen, such as redness on the cheeks, brown patches near the hairline close to the ears, brown spots on the forehead, plus skin tags. I am an 84 year-old lady self-conscious about my appearance.

Please, i'll appreciate you speaking to me about your experience with these topics. 🙏🏼

[SofiaDeo]

I know rituximab can cause skin problems, in addition to being used to cure a few. The major "warning signs" that should be reported immediately are blistering, peeling, or if any spots get pustules like they are infected.

This is really hard to deal with. "Skin tags" aren't common; can you get at least one of these biopsied by a dermatologist? Other than that, without knowing your current skincare regimen, I would just say wear a brimmed hat to keep sun off your face in addition to mineral sunscreen like titanium dioxide. I'd avoid any chemical ones for now, since your skin seems irritated. Use products for "sensitive skin" until yours calms down. If it seems dryer than usual, maybe check out something more moisturizing. I can't say what any "brown patches" might be, but a derm can comment as long as they are looking at the skin tags.

I used natural oils when I had BTK related skin problems in addition to sun sensitivity/phototoxic reactions. Mine were biopsied and I had eczema, plus Candida and MRSA on my skin. Are you also on sulfameth/trimethoprim and/or fluconazole? They both can cause or contribute to sun phototoxicity. I was on both for the infections on my skin, and got a sun rash on top of everything to boot!

I used kukui nut oil, nilotica shea oil & butter, and now I use rose hip oil in addition to intermittent coconut oils. No coconut on face/hairline, ir's comedogenic. I get organic expeller pressed products. I do have "sensitive" dry skin to begin with, and a number of commercial creams and lotions irritate it. So I'll occasionally use a commercial product, like when traveling, but often use just plain oils.

If you are using any retinol products or skin peels, stop temporarily. They may be too much right now.

I also wonder if taking an oral non sedating antihistamine can help. The red cheeks sounds like histamine is being released. A topical antihistamine may help if an oral doesn't help. But a few here have spoken about Claritin /loratidine helping with a few symptoms of CLL drug regimens. Maybe it will help calm down your skin, if the doc OK's trying it.

After treatment is done, you can investigate laser or other treatment on any remaining problems. A good aesthetic dermatology practice can work wonders, helping a great deal to get us back to looking like we remember looking!

Meanwhile, a sensitive skin tinted moisturizer or makeup will have to do, to help blend those patches so they are less noticeable.

[LeoPa]

Not medical advice but... Skin tags are very often the result of permanently elevated insulin levels. Even though one does not need to be diabetic and can have normal blood sugar levels, if blood sugar levels are kept in check through excess insulin production and permanently elevated insulin levels, skin tag development often follows. If you can have your fasting insulin level checked, that will give you an idea whether this might be the cause.

[Smakwater]

unairdefamile,

You are 84! You are beautiful.

I am still 12 years old, trapped in an aged body.

I understand the stress of a young spirit terrorizing the embodiment of what once complemented the union.

Unless I am dealing with a undesirable aggravation such as you mentioned with skin issues, the questions that I ask are mainly related to confirming the measure of remission. If the cll is still present, the questions would be related to measures of progression, expectations for time to next treatment, and understanding treatment options.

Enjoy your elder status with grace and humility, let others coddle you when they so choose as it brings them joy as well.

I have a lady friend who will turn 105 next week. Her name is Lucille. She is so sharp and bright. What a lovely person. She seems older than me in spirit, maybe 14 or 15 years old. I can't wait to see her at church this Sunday.

Stay away from the monkey bars, we do not heal like we used too.

JM

[unairdefamille]

Thank you Smakwater, I also am a young soul trapped into an aging body. Your poetic response brought me cheer and although monkey bars are attractive, I'll be content with skipping rope in slow motion. 😊 Enjoy your lady friend at church on Sunday, she sound delightful. Stay well and keep your sense of humour...