Side effects: itching

Hi I am sat here reading your post scratching madly.  All over my body. It started on my arms and looks like sunburn, but over the rest of my body its like little bites and feels like ants are crawling all over me biting. There are little bumps which bleed sometimes.  I was diagnosed with breast cancer last November an am taking Letrozole and Ribociclib.  The itching and skin sluffing began about two months ago and increases as my body temperature increases.  I have  antihistamine but it doesn't really help and having mentioned it to my GP he has indicated the alternative is steroids  so I'd rather have the itching although sometimes it brings me to tears.

hi

It's horrendous isn't it? I had a really good result from the chemo and operation and while I am happy, of course I am happy, I can't celebrate until this is over. Mine started on one spot on one arm but now is down both arms, shoulders, bum..I have some steroid cream which I think is helping a bit (antihists do nothing). My skin also looks reddish, like sunburn at times and now has the little lumps. I've found being out in the warmer weather helps, but with the rain and cool again it is horrible. Have you got any ice packs? I bought 3 and keep them in the freezer. They often (not always) bring some relief. Did you have chemo? and/or antibody injections? The itching brings me to tears too. If I find anything that helps, I'll let you know and could you too?

I get it intermittently during my monthly treatment. As well as the steroids and antihistamines, I tired switching my hand wash, body wash, moisturisers, detergent to stuff for sensitive skin. When washing up I wear gloves and change this every 2/3 months. This mostly helps keep it under control for me. 

hi

This is great to know, 'Greenery'. I am working through all the changes too (cotton sheets, no soap etc.). I've ordered some anti-toxic cleaning products from a company called Homethings. https://gethomethings.com/ I am making it up this morning (ie dissolving the tabs into the bottles, not telling you fibs!!)

My condition is better than it was at its worst. I forget this when it flares up but good to know. Can I ask which treatments you're on? It'd be good to try to work out between us if one drug appears to be causing this as my oncologist is unsure.

Hi I was awake until 04.00 this morning when I gave in and took Fexofendine Hydrochloride prescribed by my  oncologist.  I try to avoid this as it leaves me feeling very groggy, nauseous and with  a thumping headache, but the itching stops and I was able to sleep and stopped disturbing my partner.  I remote work, but as it was Sunday, I felt safe taking it. The itching is just beginning to start again.  Bit early to take the antihistamine as it knocks me out.  My treatment is Ribociclib and Letrozole.  My oncologist does not want to operate as he has said its unfortunate one of the tumours in my breast is too close to the muscle at the moment and they are trying to shrink it in order to operate safely. Not fair on my partner as weekend is the only time we have together as well as looking after his 95 year old slghtly senile Mum.

Apart from the side affects though I do find the Fexofendine Hydrochloride does offer some relief. 

What an utter nightmare. I'm so sorry.  I am glad the meds brought some relief eventually last night. I take a lot of fexofen and it seems to make no difference to me in either way. 

I imagine you want to keep working, but if you're able to work flexi hours, maybe take the anti hist eary in the evening and begin work a bit later? Do you have a sympathetic manager? When I began to work fewer hours my fatigue improved (no massive surprise but it took me a long time to do!).

The thing tht brings me some relief is a cream I got from Holland and B called Miaderma anti itch cream. It burns initially and I usually wait 5 mins for it to absorb before sitting/dressing. Not particularly cheap but money well spent for me.