Powered By
One of my most annoying side affects from chemo has been a rash. It started on my shoulder and moved down my chest and no is between my breasts and on both breasts, up to my nexk. I have tried benadryl, hyrdocortisone, and my doctor even prescribed Prednisone and astronger steroid cream. It is so itchy and nothing really seems to work. Has anyone else had this and found something that helps with the itch?
Rose. Great info.
You didn't mention what chemo drug(s) you are taking, but is it possible that you might be allergic to your chemo? The first time I had chemo I was allergic to the taxol and had a bad reaction within the first 10 minutes. There's 2 versions of it. The cheaper version, which insurance companies prefer patients to use, has castor oil which is known for causing reactions. There's a more expensive version of Paclitaxel that contains albumin which works better for some people. My doctor switched me to the Paclitaxel and my body was able to tolerate it without a reaction. Another thing that can help with skin reactions are the pre-medications you are given prior to each round of chemo. My doctor had me take 5 steroid pills and 50mg of Benadryl 12 hours before chemo and then another 5 steroid pills and 50mg of Benadryl 6 hours before chemo. An hour prior to starting chemo I was given IV steroids, IV Benadryl, and IV Ondansetron. Then during the first 3 days after chemo I had to take 2 steroid pills and 50mg of Benadryl every morning. The second time I had chemo my doctor, who was a different doctor than the one I had the first time I had chemo, didn't have me take the pre-meds 12 and 6 hours before chemo and I had a reaction to the Docetaxel. For my 2nd session I had the doctor give me a prescription for the steroids to take prior to my chemo appointments and I didn't have any more problems. I ended up switching oncologists part way through chemo and my new oncologist said that it works better to get ahead of the potential reactions by getting the steroids and Benadryl in your system in the hours before you arrive at the doctor's office for each chemo session. Good luck, I hope they come up with a solution for you ❤️
Since your doctor can’t seem to find a solution, you could ask him/her for a referral to a dermatologist who is familiar with oncology/chemo. They might have an idea.
Good luck! This sounds miserable!
I found an old eczema cream that helps and am taking Benadryl regularly and it’s a bit better
No- I’ll try that, thanks
Join
Your Privacy Choices
