Any advice or tips appreciated

[annieH1]

Hi Ladies,hmm,this is a difficult one to describe but anyway I'll try.I had 2 lines of chemo,Avastin,Skin was ok,I kept it well moisturised.I have been on Parp inhibitor for over 2 years and my skin is like leather.Especially the heels and soles of my feet,my skin is so dry and hard there, I can barely feel anything when touching them.The skin is hard,dry but not flakey.Ive tried numerious creams from the very cheap to expensive ,which contains vit E etc,they worked while on chemo but not anymore.Have any of you the same problem or maybe suggestions?Another thing that's after happening is,I've gained Yellow fatty deposits on my eyelids.No eyeshadow or concealer works.

Hubby bought me a packet of sandpaper to sort out my feet,but I think I'll give that a miss ha ha he said he also has an angle grinder if the worse came to the worse!!

I know my problems are minuscule compared to what many are going through,and many of you will throw your eyes up to the sky and wonder "what your wan is on about"! Have any of you noticed your nails and hair growing at a faster rate than pre treatment.Even my facial hair is unbelievable, and I've noticed nasal hair.

Eventhough I'm in remission. Until my next scan says otherwise! ,I'm on Oxynorm for pain and still under the care of the hospice.I just need a little help with my physical appearance .Thanks in advance ,Annie xxx

[Hidden]

Hi Annie. You are not whining and even if you were, we're here to listen so whine away!!

I cannot offer any advice for your eyelids, but I have found that coconut oil is a great dry skin soother. It is a bit greasy, but when slathered on your heels, then covered with a nice thick pair of socks, it will soften your skin in just a few days. Apply liberally, day and night and hopefully it will provide some relief.

If not, no harm - it's natural, it's inexpensive and, while you apply it, your mind wanders to tropical islands, warm waters and sunshine (it's the coconut fragrance, no doubt). : )

Best wishes for some relief.

[Nancy222]

Hi Annie,

Dry skin can lead to cracking, which can let bacteria in. That can set you up for cellulitis and/or lymphedema. I took a class on lymphedema and the instructor said often lymphedema starts as a result of an injury or a cut (which is why we have to be careful shaving our legs -- use an electric shaver).

I'm going to try this Eucerin cream which I've heard is recommended, or Nivea (the non scented one).

Your husband is quite the comedian.

I haven't noticed hair growing faster, but I did have that peach fuzz on my face after chemo but that went away pretty fast. And you know, now that you mention it, I seem to be cutting my finger and toenails more often. Thanks for helping me put two and two together.

No idea about the yellowy deposits on your eyelids.

And as Almalyffe said, you weren't whining. You were stating facts.

Oddly, when I bought a new lipstick it really made me feel fresher. My surgeon said it's always a good sign when people take more care about their appearance. He wasn't being sexist. Just observing.

Enjoy your remission.

[January-2016-UK]

I’d consult your GP regarding the eyelids. I had a quick search online and it would appear the deposits are likely cholesterols, and indicative of too much fat circulating in the blood. Your doctor should be able to advise of steps you can take to reduce this, as it is bad for the heart.

You can laugh, but I’ve used sandpaper / glass paper in the distant past in my feet! And emery boards! Didn’t have a serious problem though like yours. Maybe your cancer centre can recommend a chiropodist who can help.

All the best!

[Katmal-UK]

Hi Annie. You arent whining, you are concerned about your appearance. Im on a parp and do notice facial hair is more prevelent. My skin gets dry but not experienced it bad on my feet. No idea about your eyelids, maybe worth asking yr dr. With regard to your feet, assuming your skin isnt cracked etc have you tried a listerine soak, know it sounds odd but apparently it works. I have to say I love your hubbys sense of humour! Let us know if you find anything that work. Kathy xx

[Ossett]

Hi my heels are so hard and dry as well or they were not now I was bought a schol pedi it looks like a small sander lol but boy do they work you can get them from boots chemist or on line x

Trish

[Sunfleury-UK]

Hi The yellow patches near your eyes may be cholesterol... my sister-in-law developed them in her 40's unconnected to chemo. I think from memory to cover up yellow, you need a concealer with a purple tint. You will find products out there which are specifically designed to help. Also, you might really enjoy a 'Look Good Feel Better' group.... have you heard of them? "Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) is the only international cancer support charity that helps women and teenagers manage the visible side effects of cancer treatment. Their aim is to greatly increase people’s confidence and self-esteem at a very difficult time in their lives." They are free and specifically for women who've had cancer treatment and the groups are run by volunteer representatives from the make-up industry. You get tips, advice and a bag of free goodies!! more info here... lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk

Have you heard about Udder Cream? Its worth a google as has some good reccomendations specifically for skin affected by chemo

Sx

[Irisisme in reply to Sunfleury-UK]

I'm so glad you mentioned Look Good Feel Better, Sunfleury, it was what so was thinking might help Annie.

I hope some of these tips work for you, Annie xx

[annieH1]

Thank you so much ladies.All great suggestions.i did say it to my gp regarding the fatty deposits and yes my cholesterol is sky high 7.4 ,which I was told was the least of my worries! 😀.Another dr said that the meds might be causing fat to gather in specific areas instead of spreading out in the body.I have tried the coconut cream and Eucerin.

I do believe in looking well and good despite our illness,it's just a bugger trying ! Ha ha.yes himself comes up with real helping hints now and then.Thank you all for taking the time to reply,your all so good.xx

[85live4ever]

Hi Anna, I feel you have received excellent advice. All I would add is add a few drops of frankincense to your coconut oil. I am on a parp & started suffering with dreadful dry skin it has helped me so good luck let's hope you can get your skin back to normal. Take care Cxxx

[annieH1]

Thanks C,much appreciated .x

[Hidden]

Hi Annie H, a tip for you young lady, get Epsom salts and soak your feet in a basin of warm water for twenty minutes with Epsom salts added, it does remove the scaly bits from your feet. It has worked for me. If you have Roses or Hydrangeas in the garden, you can empty the basin on to them to help retain their colour. You can get the salts in a chemist or a garden centre, No I am not being funny but its cheaper to buy in a garden centre than a chemist. Rub Boots peppermint lotion into your feet after washing, Use coconut oil as a moisturiser, well now you know all my secrets. But worth a try

[annieH1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Suzuki,with all the advice I should be able to wear sling back sandles for holy communion day.I have heard of Epsom Salts but didn't realise you could soak your feet in it and definitely didn't know you could get it at a garden centre.

[Katsmum]

Hi Annie

You are definitely not on your own with the dry skin thing and yes I did notice my nails grow at am alarming rate whilst on chemo and after! I shall be trying the Epsom salt soak as my poor feet are horrendous at the moment so let’s have a foot pamper day!!

Love and hugs

Jane xxx

[annieH1]

Sounds good to me Jane xxx