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a year agoMy wife finished her chemo for HER2+ and - breast cancer. They removed 4 lymph nodes and 2 tumors. She is just about to start radiation and continues with infusion for a year. She's dealing with very bad allergies ( something she has never felt with) mostly red face rashing and extreme itching, and a constant runny nose. Claritin seems to help a bit. Any suggestions??? She's also sees an acupuncturist.
Accepted Answer
New symptoms like rashes and allergies can be concerning, especially when they appear during cancer treatment. It's encouraging that Claritin is providing some relief, and combining care with acupuncture shows a thoughtful approach to managing side effects. Many patients find that their bodies respond differently to environmental factors during and after treatment, so bringing these symptoms to the attention of the oncology team can help determine the best management strategies and ensure nothing interferes with the upcoming radiation therapy.
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6 months agoFLUOROURACIL works for chemo rash, but it requires a prescription. Am sure there are other things doctor can prescribe if she brings it up during her next appointment. As for the runny nose….I have yet to find a solution. I believe it has to do with the loss of the nostril hair….
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6 months agoThanks for your reply.
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6 months agoI also had red rash all over my face which the doctor thought was from the steroid. And the runny nose is a real problem! I also agree it’s probably from losing your nostril Hair. I did not find any cure for the runny nose.
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6 months agoI had chemo burns on my face and back of hands, with itching so bad I couldn’t stand it. Doctors said it was rare side effects, but sounds like what you describe. They gave me 2 different steroid creams and I had to alternate between them each week in order to be able to stand it. After the chemo, it all went away. The runny nose… no cure! I actually still have it 2 years later. Never had prior to chemo, was worse during, but has improved some. Best wishes in treatment!
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6 months agoThanks again for your replies and concerns. Best of luck to all you gals!
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6 months agoI also had HER2+, ER+ and had chemo which produced the chemo rash on my face and arms. My oncologist reduced the strength of my chemo but I was not able to finish my course of chemo due to the skin toxicity. The rash went away though after the chemo was stopped. It seems it’s not as rare of a side effect as the doctors tell us after hearing so many have had it happen. As for the runny nose, I still have one and it’s been 3 years since I finished chemo. I hope your wife does well with radiation. That was a breeze for me after all the side effects from chemo. Hope it’s the same for her.
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6 months agoI am Her2 + PR+ER+. Before I got the diagnosis August 1st 2024, I tore the left long head bicep off my shoulder complete tear off the bone. As stupid as it sounds I was drying the back of my left leg after I got out of the shower. 4 days later I got the results that I had BC. No questions asked take them both off we're not going through this crap again! When I was in my early twenties I always thought if that ever happened to me what I would do and I did just what I said I would do take them both off. The doctor thought I was nuts but I explained to her that I am not getting radiation. She understood since it would be directly over the heart. September 3rd I had the surgery, October 18th I had my port put in October 30th I started treatment. Going through the chemo and herceptin treatment. At 12 week once a week treatment. You know nobody tells you all the things that you have to watch out for they just need one sheet of paper to tell you what to look out for how hard is it to do that while you're going through chemo. So, since I got no forewarning that bladder control could be an issue caused by the herceptin and or chemo that was a damn surprise! Yep got all the burns all over the hands feet legs arms and face. Had all my hair shaved off at least what was left of it 4 weeks after the start of chemo. No matter what don't ever give up this is just a temporary situation in life like pregnancy it's only temporary this too shall pass! I am grateful for all the doctors help that I have had in physical therapy in home so I don't have to go out too often. Take care of yourself love yourself through it all!
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6 months agoFor radiation treatment, consider using Mepitel Film to cover the area. For more information, check a support group on Facebook. I achieved great results.
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2 months agoNew symptoms like rashes and allergies can be concerning, especially when they appear during cancer treatment. It's encouraging that Claritin is providing some relief, and combining care with acupuncture shows a thoughtful approach to managing side effects. Many patients find that their bodies respond differently to environmental factors during and after treatment, so bringing these symptoms to the attention of the oncology team can help determine the best management strategies and ensure nothing interferes with the upcoming radiation therapy.
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