horrible rash

jana11 · January 2006

Hi everyone, sorry I haven't posted in a while... but.... christmas eve I developed painful blisters all over my right forehead. Thought it was shingles and started a medicine. Next day it was all over my entire back and then my palms. It hurt a lot!!!!!!

I called my onc on Tues and he said it was probably a side effect of Erbitux, but he wanted me to come in to be seen - got an appt on Fri morning.
The blisters were about 1 cm big and itched and burned!! When I went to see him, he had no idea. Sent me to derm. They had no idea. GOt 2 biopsies done and 3 cultures. Final results still pending, but they think it was disseminated shingles. I continued the meds and it finally started improving and stopped hurting. AND - I didn't have to stay in the hospital. HURRAY. I followed up w/ derm today and they said they couldn't believe I didn't have more problems and need admission to the hospital.

So, that was my holiday week. UGH..... but I'm feeling much better - taking antibiotics and anti viral meds. As well as chemo!

thanks for listening. jana

rthornton · January 2006

Jana ... I'm so sorry to hear about your rash problem. My Erbitux rash is nothing like what you described here. I'm glad to hear it's getting better. Good luck with getting rid of it for good!

Rodney

oneagleswings · January 2006

Oh my- what a horrid way to spend the holidays but glad you were not confined to the hospital and hope all the blisters are gone by now.
Take care
Bev

nanuk · January 2006

You could have had a manifestation of flu symptoms
last week I developed about 20 bumps on the back
of my scalp; they didn't break through, but the largest were about 1 cm, and itchy and irritated.
Could also be the 5fu working from the inside out if you have solar keritosis from sun damage-do you ride in the passenger seat of your car a lot? This is the side that would get more sun exposure.
I have a lot of solar keratosis from sun on my back, chest, and forearms. When I take 5 fu I lite up like a Christmas Tree..One way you can check this is to rub some 5 fu creme (Rx)on them and see if they get angry-if so, they are probably keratosis. Nanuk

kangatoo · January 2006

nanuk said:
You could have had a manifestation of flu symptoms
last week I developed about 20 bumps on the back
of my scalp; they didn't break through, but the largest were about 1 cm, and itchy and irritated.
Could also be the 5fu working from the inside out if you have solar keritosis from sun damage-do you ride in the passenger seat of your car a lot? This is the side that would get more sun exposure.
I have a lot of solar keratosis from sun on my back, chest, and forearms. When I take 5 fu I lite up like a Christmas Tree..One way you can check this is to rub some 5 fu creme (Rx)on them and see if they get angry-if so, they are probably keratosis. Nanuk

Hiya Jana...glad to hear it has cleared up now but geez babe..did yah haveta pick xmas! Strange thing these rashes...I wonder how many others have had similar? Ever since chemo I have had a red fiery rash which extends from the base of my left hand about 4 inches up the wrist(on top of the wrist) It only itches slightly..not a lot to cause me grief but is very bumpy(undulating) and also is more pronounced after sun exposure so maybe Bud's explanation holds some truth. Doc's have no idea what it is although they have seen it in other patients who have done chemo...and it comes and goes and and gets very red. It was never there before chemo.I did 6 months 5fu/leucovorin., and that ceased almost 2 years ago.
I found "natural" Aloe Vera from the plant Jen grows very soothing for it. The other thing I might mention here although not necessarily related is that I no longer tolerate ANY insect bites...be it mosquito, sand flies or any other small critters. If stung or bitten the bites grow into a welt as large as a thumbnail and itch like hell for a week. Just another little bit of info. I think they all seek me out....lol!
luv, Ross n Jen

ccartwri · January 2006

Jana!!! Oh you poor thing! I hate this happened to you! I hope it is clearing up. I'm thinking about ya!!!
Love,
Claudia

Kanort · January 2006

Hi Jana,

YUK!!! I am so glad that the rash finally stopped hurting. Hopefully the meds will keep everything under control. Keep us posted.

Hugs,

Kay

kerry · January 2006

Jana,

I'm so sorry you have had to go through all this. I hope it is over now. You are a tough gal - not having to be hospitalized through this. Hang in there. I'll call you when I get to Houston. Don't know the date yet.

Hugs,

Kerry

Moesimo · January 2006

Jana,

i am sorry that you are going through such a rough time. I hope you feel better soon.

Moe

mchking · January 2006

My brother is finding that mentholatum helps with the sores on his head. It is messy, but worth it. His bravery and your bravery is so much to be admired.

horrible rash

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