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Skin reaction

KC88
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Hi, I finished all treatment with radiotherapy being my last back in mid Feb (chemo finished Nov, surgery in Dec) for triple negative breast cancer. 

in the last couple of weeks I’ve came out in an itchy skin rash, that is little red spots/hives, it started on my right breast where I had the treatment, and it’s now spreading everywhere: chest, shoulders, back, abdomen & thighs. 

can anyone help me identify what this might be, could it be a reaction to any treatment or any symptom of the cancer? 

I have contacted my GP, and have to wait a few days for a nurse practitioner to call me back. Just in the mean time wondered could anyone else help or have heard of this? 

thanks Blush 

Kat

  • Hi Kat,

    Thank you for contacting Macmillan Cancer Support. My name is David, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

    Firstly, well done you, for completing your surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Sorry to hear your news though regards this rash.

    We are not in a position to diagnose on this platform as we don’t have access to your hospital records or test results.

    This rash could be for a number of reasons such as an allergic reaction, a recent change in fabric conditioner or another cause unrelated to cancer or its treatment.

    We therefore err on the side of caution and strongly advise you contact your Breast Care Team to make them aware and so they can physically assess what is happening and manage from there. Please do this now.

    As it’s the weekend, it may be worth having a chat to a Pharmacist. They may suggest an antihistamine to see if that alleviates this symptom.

    Sometimes people have late effects which can be a delayed reaction to treatment. They do not appear during treatment, but can happen months or even years later.

    Sometimes people gain strength in talking to others who may be in a similar situation. Our Triple Negative Breast Cancer Forum may be a good place to start.

    Alternatively, Breast Cancer Now and CRUK are also good sources of information and support.

    If there is anything else we can help you with please feel free to get back in touch

     

    Best wishes

    David, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

     

    Ref/**

    DT/KD

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