Shedding from immunotherapy possibly affecting family members?

Hi Squeak

Thanks for getting in touch with Macmillan cancer support. My name is Sarah one of the cancer information nurses on our support line.

I am sorry to hear you have been feeling so unwell. I hope you are feeling much better, if you are still concerned, we would encourage you to contact NHS 111 or your GP.  

It is good to hear that your husband is feeling ok apart from a bit of tiredness. Treatment side effects can be tough but, in most cases, can be managed well.

As we are not part of the NHS and don’t have access to your husband’s medical records. Your husband’s team would be best placed to answer questions about side effects to his treatment.

Although it maybe helpful to know that skin shedding (Desquamation) is where the outer layer of dead skin starts to replace itself. Most chemotherapy or immunotherapy drugs are eliminated through bodily fluids such as urine and faeces.

Chemotherapy units give information to patients about how to manage bodily fluids at home and protect family members.

Your husband will also get support from the chemotherapy nurses including any lotions to help with skin reactions.

I haven’t been able to find any research on shedding and how it affects family members. You may find it helpful to talk with the drug companies who manufacture both drugs about this.

Supporting a loved one through cancer treatment can impact you emotionally, practically, and financially. The link here has some information about support we can offer at Macmillan.  

Sometimes it can be helpful to talk with others who understand some of what you are going through. I hope you are finding it helpful to speak with others on our online community.

I hope this information helps. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support.

Best wishes,

Sarah

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/ SS/DK

Hi Sarah.

I am much better now. Had to take a specific probiotic called Saccharomyces Boulardii to get my gut moving again. Still not sure what caused it.

That's very useful information about protecting family from these drugs and something that was not discussed at all and didn't occur to us to ask.

He doesn't have any skin shedding other than normal.

I have found the support and knowledge shared within the forums here invaluable.

Thanks so much