I have now had 3 doses of pembrolizumab and 9 of NAB-Paclitaxel. We went away for the weekend and had a number of treats, including spending Sunday afternoon at the London athletics event. We weren’t directly in the sun, I was fairly well covered, and had SPF 50 on exposed parts, so I was a bit surprised when I had what looked like sunburn across the top of my chest. I moisturised it, took an anti-histamine, and didn’t think much more of ir. It seemed to settle down on Monday and Tuesday.
Wednesday was treatment day, just chemo this week. By the evening, I noticed the area around my port was a bit red. By the next day I was back to the sunburn effect across the neck and upper chest area, despite not having had fresh exposure. The day after that (today) I woke up to find the rash had spread down over both boobs, and there were also patches on my abdomen and pelvis.
A quick call to the acute oncology helpline led to me being admitted to their assessment ward. It would appear to be an adverse immunotherapy event, where my immune system is attacking my skin. Fortunately at this stage it’s still a grade 1 event so I was sent home with various potions and tablets, and am currently still scheduled for my 4th dose of pembrolizumab next week.
My first (post starting this treatment) round of CT and MRI scans are in the diary. Obviously hoping it’s doing its thing whilst hoping I don’t have more issues with adverse effects. Cancer markers are stable.
