Another Strange Side Effect?

Stormy8281
Stormy8281 Member Posts: 24
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hello Friends!
I hope you all are doing well, or as well as can possibly be expected.
I have a strange question. Another one about side effects, that seem to be different for everyone. Since my last session of Taxol was given every week for 12 weeks at lower doses, it seems as though some side effects started towards the latter half of treatment. It's been a whole week since my last chemo treatment, and the last couple of days (now don't laugh), but I've been itching all over. First, it started on my back, and I thought they were little bug bites. I scratch and scratch, with my finger nails, and when I couldn't reach the itch, I use a back scratcher. I know, I know, I shouldn't scratch, but it feels so good! LOL. Now, I scratch my legs, arms, chest, you name it, I'm scratching. I do find little bumps that look like bites, but no one else around me, are being bit, nor are they scratching. I'm about to scratch up the walls. I do use Gold Bond Medicine lotion, but it only lasts for a short time. Please someone tell me it's not in my head, and it's another weird side effect that will end. I didn't mention one effect that started the latter half of treatment. That was and still is terrible bone pain constantly from my head to my toes....even the bones on my fingertips, and nose hurt. What a mess I am!!! Also my fingertips and toes feel like they are buzzing....if that makes sense.

Do I need a shrink???? LOL

I know I don't need a shrink since I have you all. Thank you all for your opinions. Lot's of hugs. Gale

Comments

  • mgm42
    mgm42 Member Posts: 491 Member
    #2
    You're not nutso! My fingers and toes "buzz" and my chemo doc told me that it was neuropathy and the bone pain, too, was a side effect. I was on taxotere, which is a cousin to taxol. And, these side effects didn't occur until I was almost finished with my chemo. They do go away and/or get better. I have no bone pain and only a little "buzzing" every once in a while - at least that I notice. As for the itching, I can't help you there. That's one side effect (if its that) that I didn't have. Hang in there. Hugs, Marilynn
  • seof
    seof Member Posts: 819 Member
    #3
    Wow, the itching and little bumps sounds like what some people get from radiation! I don't know if it is a side effect of chemo. Call your chemo nurse or oncologist. The nurses have "seen it all" and they are specialists in making patients feel comfortable. Even if it is a common side effect, maybe they have some magic beans (or something) that can help. Chemocare.com may have information on the drugs you take that may help. Maybe the chemo is causing an allergic reaction to some food, soap, or cosmetic? I have no idea, just guessing.

    Talk to the doc. seof
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #4
    Hi Stormy. I think you really must get that itchy thing checked out but I will say this. When I was on chemo and rads my skin was super sensitive and I found it much more comfortable to use the very purest, most basic cleansing products I could find...even some 'home remedies'. Like Ivory soap with no additives, and baking soda rinses, and baby oil for lotion.
    Hope you find relief sooooon... Hugs.
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
    #5
    I definitely had the "buzzing" of fingers and toes, and more often than not, my right arm (the affected side) would fall asleep completely at night! I hated that!!!

    The itch? I dunno~ most of us get that from radiation. I agree with using Fragrance and Additive free products while the poison is working its way through and out of your system. I used Aveeno Body Wash and only a natural sponge. This was especially so during radiation, but also during chemo~ just too much sensory overload for the body to handle. Aveeno also makes an oatmeal body lotion, and there are store-brands of that too which are less expensive, such as Suave.

    You might want to check with your DR and see if the accumulation of Beast-killing poisons are causing you to have an allergic reaction. You might need an anti-histimine or something, but it is imperative to check with yor DR before compounding meds in your system. Feel Better Soon!

    Hugs,
    Claudia
  • Stormy8281
    Stormy8281 Member Posts: 24
    #6
    chenheart said:

    I definitely had the "buzzing" of fingers and toes, and more often than not, my right arm (the affected side) would fall asleep completely at night! I hated that!!!

    The itch? I dunno~ most of us get that from radiation. I agree with using Fragrance and Additive free products while the poison is working its way through and out of your system. I used Aveeno Body Wash and only a natural sponge. This was especially so during radiation, but also during chemo~ just too much sensory overload for the body to handle. Aveeno also makes an oatmeal body lotion, and there are store-brands of that too which are less expensive, such as Suave.

    You might want to check with your DR and see if the accumulation of Beast-killing poisons are causing you to have an allergic reaction. You might need an anti-histimine or something, but it is imperative to check with yor DR before compounding meds in your system. Feel Better Soon!

    Hugs,
    Claudia

    Thank you all for your comments. I will check with my dr on Wed (my follow up appt.) I just didn't want to hear, "People have different side effects"; or to that affect. You all know what I mean.

    Hugs to all of you! Gale
  • Jadie
    Jadie Member Posts: 723
    #7
    Stormy8281 said:

    Thank you all for your comments. I will check with my dr on Wed (my follow up appt.) I just didn't want to hear, "People have different side effects"; or to that affect. You all know what I mean.

    Hugs to all of you! Gale

    Hi Stormy

    When I was on taxotere my hands broke out in a solid rash and itched like h@%*. Another time my arms broke out (not as bad) and itched. I would definately say its a reaction to the chemo. (or the chemo caused an alergic reaction)
  • hward2007
    hward2007 Member Posts: 62
    #8
    Nope not a nut, I notice that during wks 5-8 I would start noticeing side effects from weeks 1-4 of Taxol, then when I got to week 8 my oncon deceided to finish me off, after skiping a week with a massive dose that would cover wks 9-12. That was on July the 8th, just two weeks ago I lost all my hair and my counts fell out since then the pain has been massive in my joints, hands,feet, I cant tell the difference in my babies bath water so my husband has to check the temp, I am extremly week in my extremities arms mostly but some times I almost collapes. I say all this not to get you down or up set but I am not on the up side and at least sometimes I can think clearly.
    Heather the Nut

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