Herceptin itching

FormerMember over 5 years ago

4 replies
273 subscribers
1494 views

Hello,

I’ve got HER2+ breast cancer that has shown a complete response to chemo and surgery. I start radiotherapy on the 16th for 15 sessions, and am on Pertuzamab / Trastuzamab 3 weekly. I’ve got no real side effects other than an incessant itching in my arms that is getting worse as I have more treatments. Its only in my forearms, thankfully, but it never goes away. I’m on Piriton for it, and currently have 5 different anti-itch creams on the go! I’m using baby shampoo and shower gel, and have been using Fairy detergent for years as I’m allergic to all the others, My oncologist is wonderful, but he’s at a bit of a loss with this as he’s not encountered it before, I’ve even tried taking ibuprofen when it’s particularly bad as someone suggested that on Google. It works sometimes. Everything works sometimes, but it’s all quite random as to what works on what day. It’s even waking me up at night...it’s an itchy, prickly, skin crawling type feeling, it’s horrible!

Has anyone else had this? Has anyone got any tips? I’m desperate! I’m due to be on the Herceptin till at least November, I’m not sure I can cope with it for that long.

I’m seeing my oncologist again tomorrow, and will raise it again, failing that I’m seeing my GP next week, but if anyone has any suggestions for me, I’ll be really grateful!

Thanks

West End Girl over 5 years ago

Hi Jo, sorry I can't really offer any help except to say that another lady on my unit has had this experience with itching since starting the Herceptin, so it must be a side effect...if not very common. All I know is that she still regularly sees her oncologist to try and come up with an answer. She was also allergic to certain dressings which were used during treatment, so must have very sensitive skin.

FormerMember over 5 years ago

Hi Jo

i had an itchy rash on my forearms throughout herceptin. I took antihistamine but still had the itchy hives and rash. My oncologist said it was a normal side effect. I used hydrocortisone cream which helped a bit. It stopped when I finished herceptin. Good luck.
sandy xx

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Thank you. It’s good to know I’m not the only one! My oncologist gave me some hydrocortisone yesterday, with a promise o a referral to a dermatologist in 2 weeks If it doesn’t help. Fingers crossed!

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Hi,

Have a word with your oncologist about Loratidine antihistamine.

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