Forum Discussion

FLClover's avatar
FLClover
Member
5 years ago

Shingles

Hello. I’ve had a rash for a few days now, which I initially thought was a mosquito bite. Realised recently it’s a rash, and after googling I’m pretty sure it’s shingles. Will see GP tomorrow about it, but has anyone else experienced this? Apparently people with weakened immunity are prone to it (who have also had chicken pox) and cancer treatment can trigger it. I’m in the middle of my rads treatment. I asked a therapist a day ago about it and she said it’s got nothing to do with radiation, but may not completely be the case. Will appreciate hearing from anyone who’s had this. 
M Xx
radiation
side-effects
treatment
  • Abbydog's avatar
    Abbydog
    Member
    5 years ago
    Dear FLClover,
    I'm 62, and have had shingles 3 times. ( Not currently with my cancer treatment.)  I'm glad you are seeing your GP.
    There are antiviral drugs for shingles, but they usually need to be started early to be effective.
    You did not say much about where your rash is. Shingles do not usually cross the centre of the body, usually only occurs following a nerve pathway on one side.
    Shingles can be painful. In my experience it  wasn't. Just itchy and an odd sensation.
    If it is on the face or near an eye, it is very important to see a Doctor. Best wishes


  • Merv's avatar
    Merv
    Member
    5 years ago
    Hi ...I  had shingles about 18 months after I started treatment. As you say, the advice was it wasn't related to the treatment but can be brought on by stress, fatigue and low immunity. I had a course of antibiotics and it cleared up, but it certainly put the wind up me!  
    I'm due to get the results of my latest MRI tomorrow (I have brain mets) but not even that stresses me anymore. Wishing you all the best  :)
  • Shellshocked201's avatar
    Shellshocked201
    Member
    5 years ago
    Hi FLClover,
     I never had a rash from treatment, but checking with your GP is great, also ask your Oncologist the question.

    Hope it clears up soon, wishing you the best
    Sending hugs xx