Perineal burning?

zenmama

Hi there.  I am going through my third regimen of Carbo/Taxol, started 5 weeks ago.  Suddenly on the 26th I started experiencing some burning in the perineal area.  No improvement in the last three days, and there is a definite "ouch" on urination, but it doesn't feel like a bladder infection, which I used to get years ago.  Any idea of what this is?  Chemo-related?  I just tried calling the nurse at the hospital, but no answer.  If I call the provincial nurses line, they will probably tell me to go to Emergency.  No thanks to that. Online research suggests possibility of infection though, so aside from the pain, I am paying attention....

Thank you.

 

Lisa 00

Dear Zen,

Sounds like a cystitis, which apparently has a few causes.  I myself did not have cystitis while going through chemo.  But it may be that you need to drink more water around the time you get your infusion.  Drink lots and lots of water both during and after the infusion.  It is essential that you flush the chemo out and don't let it concentrate in your bladder. 

Also, I wanted to tell you about an over the counter aid for the burning upon urination.  It's called uristat, or AZO urinary pain relief (phenazopyridine). All drugstores have it. It's a lifesaver!!!!  I did get cystitis during my radiation treatment and always, always, always had this stuff with me. 

Best,

Lisa

Morkies

Balmex

Hi zenmama,

I had dose dense chemo (18 weekly taxol and carbo every third week) and experienced what you are describing after the second or third week.  I spoke with my onc about it and explained that it felt like a chemical burn to me, but he just didn't know.  I went to Walmart and was quite frank with one of the women who worked there and she recommended Balmex (kind of like Desitin for adults) and it really worked.  Before each chemo, I would apply a layer of it and also for a day or two after.  I never had another episode after applying the Balmex.  I really think it's like a chemical burn from the chemo drugs.  

Hope this helps,

Linda

zenmama

Morkies said:

Balmex

Hi zenmama,

I had dose dense chemo (18 weekly taxol and carbo every third week) and experienced what you are describing after the second or third week.  I spoke with my onc about it and explained that it felt like a chemical burn to me, but he just didn't know.  I went to Walmart and was quite frank with one of the women who worked there and she recommended Balmex (kind of like Desitin for adults) and it really worked.  Before each chemo, I would apply a layer of it and also for a day or two after.  I never had another episode after applying the Balmex.  I really think it's like a chemical burn from the chemo drugs.  

Hope this helps,

Linda

Thank you

Thank you both for your replies.  I went right out and bought some cream and that seems to have calmed things down.  Also trying to be concious of drinking more, but find it really hard right around chemo time, when everything tastes bitter, and I just don't don't want anything crossing my lips....  Had another chemo (Taxol) on Wednesday.