Itchy skin

[Carpag]

I have just developed a really itchy skin especially around my middle. When I scratch it there it feels all the nerve endings are alive, which is painful. Since the beginning of April I've also got Lymphodema in one leg only which is also really uncomfortable. I'm worrying it's something to do with my kidney function. Has anyone else experienced this ,

[Yoshbosh]

Are you receiving any treatment at the moment? Could it be an allergic reaction to that? I had an allergic reaction to taxol which included awful itching all over my abdomen and torso.

Have you asked your team if you can take an antihistamine to see if that helps?

[Carpag in reply to Yoshbosh]

Yes I've just spoken to the hotline and they said to try a antihistamine. Luckily I had just one tablet as nowhere would be open to buy any now. I had my Taxol chemo last Monday. Did your reaction take that long to appear. Did you have to stop the Taxol ?

[Yoshbosh in reply to Carpag]

It came up 7-10 days after the infusion. I did end up stopping the taxol because I had an anaphylactic reaction to it in the next round, but not because of the itching.

[Carpag in reply to Yoshbosh]

Thanks for your reply. Sounds as if it is due to the Taxol. Sandra xx

[Neona]

I have kidney damage caused by chemo and probably exacerbated by the clinical trial drug I am on. I get spells of terrible itchiness and have been prescribed Cetirizine which is an antihistamine I believe. The itchiness seems to be set of by sticky plasters and my stoma bag but then it seems to spread everywhere.

[Carpag in reply to Neona]

Yes I feel that may turn out to be my problem although kidney function test a week ago showed all was ok. At the moment I"m taking Piriteze which has the drug you mentioned in it. How long did it take to go ?

[Neona in reply to Carpag]

It works quite quickly but makes me very sleepy so avoid taking it if I can.

[Thinkerbell]

My left leg, right tight and lower abdomen, left side of my trunk are numbed since operation. Pain when touching was more evident at the beginning. I think one learn to manage that sensibility and the pain. I reckon it has changed over time but i also become very cautious about my legs to avoid causing any cut, i also have developed lymphoedeme on my left leg, for which i have been referred to the lymphoedeme clinic by my specialist nurse. They gave me some garments ti wear when crisis arise. It is ok. The quickest you can get in with the treatment the better the outcome. Try to rest your legs various times of the day, raising your legs is good.

The itchiness can be controlled with different creams and soap substitutes, I recommend you to discuss it with your doctors to find the reason, in my case it was a long battle until I could manage my new skin condition. I use special soap to wash and medicated creams for my whole body. Now that is under control I have started to try natural products free from harsh chemicals, parabens and other toxic ingredients. I confess I am very happy since using hemp products from the love hemp company, i currently use the shampoo, hair conditioner, body cream and face cream. I alternate them with the medicated products to be able at some point to stop uso tithe medicated ones. Except the shampoo and conditioner which I use every day.

After cancer we change not only mentally, also our bodies are different. I can only say that having a good communication with your medical team is a must, being able to discuss every little change or worries is great because only them can give you the best advise on your specific circumstances. I hope that by sharing my experience with you helos you to see light at tye end of the road. I'm sending you a big 🤗 and energy for you to get a solution soon.

[Caleda4]

Hi, If you are not having treatment could it possibly be shingles Just a thought. I hope it turns out to be nothing for you. xx

[Flamingobeef18 in reply to Caleda4]

I too wondered whether this could be shingles particularly as you are getting pain. It is not uncommon during chemo. I have had it a couple of times myself. I would suggest a GP visit as soon as you can. Shingles can be very uncomfortable but if caught quickly can be treated with anti viral meds which minimize its effects.

Juliax

[Carpag in reply to Flamingobeef18]

What symptoms did you have with shingles. I saw a nurse at the hospital yesterday whI said it couldn't be shingles because it would be on one side of the body only and would be more painful. How long did the shingles last ?

Sandra x

[Carpag in reply to Flamingobeef18]

I don't think it's shingles as I don't have any open blisters just awful continuous itching . Although it does seem the actual nerve endings are alive. Night times are a nightmare as as soon as I get warm the itching gets worse. Hosp today have given me another antihistimine and some cream. I am so tired it would be good to get some sleep tonight xx

[Lizchips]

Lymph nodes get pissed off when removed, I didn't get lymphedema I ended up with a lymphocele instead. I get it drained every 2-3 month's. ❤❤Liz

[Mptelesca]

I'm on Zejula, but, not sure if my itching on my neck is from that. It's raw and looks like a bad sunburn. I take benedryl at night to sleep and then the itching goes away. It could be from all the pollen in the air. Although this never happened before Zejula.

If it's your abdomen, I would get it checked out. It could be the beginning of "shingles" if it really hurts (hope not). better to get a cream for it. Good luck!