Herceptin Rash

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HapB
HapB Member Posts: 527
edited June 2017 in Breast Cancer #1

Annie, I broke out in a bright red and very itchy rash on my chest about an hour ago. Google "Herceptin rash" and look on the images tab. Does your rash look like that?  There is a whole thread on Breastcancer.org on Herceptin rashes going back to 2008.  Pretty serious and long term skin reactions to Herceptin posted there. Ugh!!!  

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  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    #2
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    Hap

    Thanks, I will check that out and let you know.

    Hugs

    Annie

  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    #3
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    could be...I dont know. leave it to me. I am an odd duck.

    If it is not one thing it's another is what I have learned throughout this process.  If the cancer dont try to kill you the treatments try.  It is all a crapshoot.  Most of the side effects I have had throughout this whole process.  I have been on this treatment of herceptin since Nov. of 2016.  I have two more. 

    Most of my symptons are:

    Some patients receiving HERCEPTIN for breast cancer had the following side effects:


    • Fever
    • Feeling sick to your stomach (nausea)
    • Throwing up (vomiting)
    • Infusion reactions
    • Diarrhea
    • Infections
    • Increased cough

    • Headache
    • Feeling tired
    • Shortness of breath
    • Rash
    • Low white and red blood cell counts
    • Muscle pain

    I also have bone/joint pain.   These symtoms dont stay the whole time but are like pop ups.  They have a pattern just like chemo does.  I tell my doc all this and he just goes, hmmm and writes me a script for a pain med, anti nausua, ect.  and over the counter meds to combat this or that.   My heart remains in good shape, my white and red cell count are now stable.  I take my calcium and my vit. D.  and pray for the best.  That is all we can do.  ahhhh!  cancer sucks big time! 

    Thanks for looking this up for me.  I pray you dont get it at all.    

    Hugs,

    Annie

  • HapB
    HapB Member Posts: 527
    #4
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    Rash

    Annie, a Herceptin rash is very common and according to what I have read can pop up at any time. Doctors should be noting SE's and any adverse events, not just writing prescriptions. Patients can report side effects themselves on one of the FDA sites.  Hopefully, with just 2 more for you, the rash will go away! 

  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    #5
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    HapB said:

    Rash

    Annie, a Herceptin rash is very common and according to what I have read can pop up at any time. Doctors should be noting SE's and any adverse events, not just writing prescriptions. Patients can report side effects themselves on one of the FDA sites.  Hopefully, with just 2 more for you, the rash will go away! 

    yep, my doc does

    I have the portal to my medical records and he does write it down.  They really dont ignore me, they are compassionate. 

    Hugs,

    Annie

  • HapB
    HapB Member Posts: 527
    edited June 2017 #6
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    Apaugh said:

    yep, my doc does

    I have the portal to my medical records and he does write it down.  They really dont ignore me, they are compassionate. 

    Hugs,

    Annie

    Annie

    Great!  The FDA needs to know about side effects and adverse reactions. 

  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    #7
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    rash is getting better...

    I started getting it in my throat and face adn I thought, what the heck, maybe you are not allergic to prednisone, because years ago I was not.  So I have been using it, and I am not.  So that means the last time I took it, it was not an allergic reaction to the prednisone but some side effect of the high dose chemo in the beginning.  Good to know.   Rash has stopped spread,and fading out. 

    My family was mad at me for taking the chance and I said, what do I have to lose?  I was either going to have to go to redi-med or ER for not being able to breath either way.  They told me I was stubborn.  Yah, that is probably true, but when you cant get into the dermatologist for a month and a half, you do what you gotta do. 

    Hoping it goes all the way away and dont come back.  I still dont know what it was.  Our treatments tear our bodies apart and the recovery is slow but I am determined I will recover.  I am so over this. 

    Hugs,

    Annie

     

  • HapB
    HapB Member Posts: 527
    #8
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    Annie

    i have had a rash on by chest, back, neck and scalp for the last 2 days and it really itches. I am 100% certain it is the chemo. From what i have read it is very common with Herceptin. 

  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    #9
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    HapB said:

    Annie

    i have had a rash on by chest, back, neck and scalp for the last 2 days and it really itches. I am 100% certain it is the chemo. From what i have read it is very common with Herceptin. 

    Hap

    When I first started the high dose chemo, I would flush like that from chest up and they called that redman.  Yep, old term they use to use.  My son did that too.  They would give him an antihistimine and it would go away.   I did that too and mine would.   At taht time I was not taking Herceptin. 

    I do think you are right and what I have now is herceptin rash.  It is slowly fading and I mean slooowwwly.  but it is not bright red anymore, not growing, no stinging or burning either.  Some of it has become rough and like ummm rough patches.   So I continue to use the Aveeno Oatmeal cream too.    What pattern I have noticed with this:  It started oh so slightly in Dec.   just under where my breast would have been.  and then it would fade and it would not crop up until next treatment which has always been every 3 wks. But it would just stay there.  Then the session before last is when it just exploded out in the trunk, armpit and groin.  IT was not until it got in the back of my throat did I make the decision to risk it and take the prednisone.  

    My son suggest my immune system is probaly low and he may be right.  i will get some boost for that as it wont hurt to try.  Of course, I will discuss this with the doc.  

    Oh the lessons you learn.  Yes, writing a journal helps because my memory is shot so I have to go back and research myself and everything else over and over. 

    Never giving up hope though, fight fight fight. 

    Hugs,

    Annie

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