I finished chemo exactly two weeks ago. I've still got a number of the side effects including all the gut issues, aches, and some PN which are mostly easing. However, a new one started a couple of days ago ...a strange sensation on my face as if a small insect was on me. It happens in different places on my face - temples, forehead, chin, cheeks... I'm guessing that it's either nerve related or that it's something to do with hair growing back but it is very odd. Has anyone else experienced this?

I knew about the "ants" with menopause. This is a really gentle sensation, like a tiny insect or a stray hair that is falling on my face (not much chance of that!). Very bizarre but nice to know I'm not alone

I think @"Kiwi Angel" has expertise in this area.

Hi @Sister. I don't remember experiencing that, but it does sound like hair regrowth, especially if it is in isolated spots.

OMG yes!!! For several weeks I kept trying to brush what felt like an ant off my face. I also had it on my forearms. I think it was round the time chemo finished. I Googled it as a menopause symptom and look what came up on the Jean Hailes menopause page!It's a thing. I don't know if it's the thing I had or you've got, but you're not alone. Hair, nerves or menopause? No idea! K xox

Weird symptom post-chemo | BCNA Online Network

18 Replies

Eastmum
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7 years ago
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oh wow @sister I'm so glad you've posted this - my hands and feet and legs feel so 'tight' and I'm sure I'm retaining fluid. I've just googled 'fluid retention from chemo' and found lots of info to support this - I had no idea this was a chemo side-effect. The only diuretic drug is know is furosemide as my dad is on it.
Sister
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7 years ago
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Thanks @primek. The heart is doing fine according to the last ECG and my blood pressure is at it's normal low so I don't think it's either of those. I go back to see him in 3 weeks and I'm going to ask if there's something I can take because it's actually a bit uncomfortable as well as looking strange. If it gets significantly worse before then, I will contact him earlier.
primek
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7 years ago
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I had fluid retention which did eventually resolve. However ii is very important to have a physical check and ensure no heart or high blood pressure contributing. It turned out I had some heart issues from treatment that required medication and has resolved. The fluid though was throughout my body from around halfway through taxol. It did resolve after finishing despite remaining on herceptin which they believed caused the heart issues despite 2 breaks.
kmakm
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7 years ago
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@"Kiwi Angel" @Sister The Magic Faraway Tree! Love it.
Kiwi_Angel
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7 years ago
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It’s called moon face apparently. Side effect of the dex.
Sister
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7 years ago
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Even the onc could see the fluid retention in my face and while he's very nice, I'm sure that he doesn't really remember that well what I look like.
kmakm
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7 years ago
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@Sister Fascinating. I was puffy in the face during chemo as well. Only a little bit but I compare photos to now and it's easy to see.
Kiwi_Angel
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7 years ago
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@Sister I wonder if that’s why I had it on my legs as that is where is had most of my fluid retention - very interesting!!
Sister
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7 years ago
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I meant to update after seeing the onc but forgot. He reckons the insect-on-my-face sensation is actually caused by the oedema.
Sister
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7 years ago
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Thanks @"Kiwi Angel" I didn't expect to be getting new side effects at this stage!