Forum Discussion

LITHGOW1950's avatar
LITHGOW1950
Member
10 years ago

Shingles

This is my first post.  Hope it works.  I have been reading all the posts since joining this network.  I find them so good and the supporting responses amazing.  I had a lumpectomy last Sep. went through the first lot of chemo ok ( once every 21 days for four rounds)   Bit a nausea but  handled it ok.  Before I was due to start the next cycle of once a week for three months.  I contacted shingles. I was able to have the tablet within 72 hrs of shingles which is suppose to make it 'not so bad'.  As my temp went over 38 I ended up in hospital and my oncologist (who just happened to walk by me whilst I was in causality) then informed me I had cellulitis.  She admitted me to 3 nights in isolation in hospital.  That was five weeks ago. The shingles were on my left hand only. And it has left me with two numb fingers and  fair amount of pain.  I'm wondering if any other dear ladies have suffered shingles.  Thank you. 

 

 

 

  • lrb_03's avatar
    lrb_03
    Member
    10 years ago

    That's good. Hope it helps. 

    Sending hugs, hope you improve soonn

  • LITHGOW1950's avatar
    LITHGOW1950
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks Ann-Marie. I do find the support helpful.

    It seems I have signed in as Lithgow.  Can I change that to my name?  It's Anne-Marie! 

  • LITHGOW1950's avatar
    LITHGOW1950
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks Karen, the oncologist has put me on endep 10 for nerve pain. I see her again this Thurs. I just wonder if I will ever get the feeling back in my two fingers. I will also talk to her about avoiding further outbreaks.  A lot of my friend are all going to their GPs to be vaccinated against  the awful thing. 

  • Ann-Marie's avatar
    Ann-Marie
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Lithgow,

    Welcome to the Online Network, your first post has worked :)

    The members are here to support and answer any questions you may have so asked away.

    ~Ann-Marie

     

  • lrb_03's avatar
    lrb_03
    Member
    10 years ago

    Ooh, you poor thing. I had shingles six years ago, well before my bc. For some people it can leave you with residual nerve pain. In any case, it takes quite a while for the pain to settle after shingles. I can't remember time frames, but I do know that I still got the occasional jab of pain a couple of years on. There are medications that can be used for the nerve pain, but I'm not sure how they would interact with chemo. Talk to your medical team about your options. 

    Take care, Lyn

  • Cook65's avatar
    Cook65
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi there,

    I came down with shingles 3 times during treatment. I had to postpone one of my chemos by a week. They put me on these anti viral meds, I'm sorry I can't remember what they were called, so that the shingles would stop flaring up. I ended up remaining on this until I finished my 16 months of treatment. The last outbreak was a couple of months before I finished treatment and I was sacked from the managerial position I had held for 8 years. The stress was just too much but the meds kept it to a very small outbreak. Unfortunately, shingles can cause damage to the nerves which can leave you with pain. Speak the oncologist about it. They may be able to provide you with something to help. Hope it all clears up soon for you as it is just one more thing that you don't need. Take care. Karen xox

  • Marlee's avatar
    Marlee
    Member
    10 years ago

    I haven't had shingles but know it can be very painful 

    Isolation does not sound fun !!!

    I hope it improves soon and someone on here has some ideas