CommunitiesBreast CancerLiving with Shingles: My Experience and Questions

Living with Shingles: My Experience and Questions

DE

Community Member

2 years ago

Hi all. I have shingles, but so far all the rash does is burn- no blisters or itch. I am on day 2 of antiviral. I’m wondering if it doesn’t go through all the stages will it still heal? Did my Letrozole cause this? My daughter just got married but I’m not stressed. I’m trying to stay upbeat but I can’t go anywhere and I’m not sleeping well. Did any of you have this?💕🙏😇

3
7 comments
Comment
accepted answer

Accepted Answer

Shingles can definitely be challenging to deal with, especially when managing it alongside cancer treatment. Many people experience different symptoms and stages with shingles, and each person's healing process can vary. It's encouraging that you're staying on the antiviral medication and trying to maintain a positive outlook despite the discomfort and sleep issues. Others in this community may have similar experiences to share, so hopefully you'll hear from members who can offer insights about managing shingles during their cancer journey.

3+ patients found this helpful

GD

Community Member

5 months ago

Shingles is a virus. They are probably not related to letrozole. If you are on a med that lowers your white count like a targeted therapy, you might be at higher risk. Have you had your white count checked lately. Mine did drop below the suggested range about a year after I started arimidex, but it was not enough to be concerned about.

2
DE

Community Member

5 months ago

The onco dr did a fasting blood test on me on may1. The only thing wrong was the Letrozole made my chlosterol take a little jump. Everythingelse was normal.

2
GD

Community Member

5 months ago

I am sorry you are going through this. I hope the meds work and the discomfort lets up soon.

2
MP

Community Member

5 months ago

Shingles is a virus but outbreaks are often triggered by stress. I'm surprised more of us don't get it. I hope you are healing well.

3
DE

Community Member

5 months ago

My shingles are finally scabbing so I was allowed to see my brand new gr grson. I didn’t hold him but he’s so cute! Only 4lbs15 Oz- such a little puddle! I go for blood work tomorrow so I tried to eat a lot at dinner. I postponed my diagnostic mamo bc I can’t lay on a table rt now and the rash is rt below my lumpectomy scar. It got transferred to july . I just want to quit hurting and itching and to stop being so tired! I miss exercise!💕🙏🥰

5
SI

Community Member

5 months ago

I had shingles when I was around 38 for the most part I just let it run its course, I used itching cream. I was always told that if u had a mild case of chicken pox as a child likelihood of shingles were higher. Mom told me I just had a few poxs. I haven't gotten the vaccine for shingles sometimes I think I should because I know it can return

1
CA

Community Member

24 days ago

Shingles can definitely be challenging to deal with, especially when managing it alongside cancer treatment. Many people experience different symptoms and stages with shingles, and each person's healing process can vary. It's encouraging that you're staying on the antiviral medication and trying to maintain a positive outlook despite the discomfort and sleep issues. Others in this community may have similar experiences to share, so hopefully you'll hear from members who can offer insights about managing shingles during their cancer journey.

Outcomes4Me

© 2025 Outcomes4Me Inc. All rights reserved.