My herceptin bad reaction solved...

Sherryg683 · 01-31-2007, 06:30 PM

Well I met with my Oncologist today after 2 days of hell with aches, pains, fever and the most God awful pain in my right arm area. Last night I broke out in all these hive type bumps on that arm and breast. He seems to think I might have "shingles" and not a reaction at all to my Herceptin. I guess I will find out Monday when I get my next Herceptin. He put me on some antibiotics and steroids and already my arm is feeling better...sherryg683

tousled1 · 01-31-2007, 07:38 PM

Sherry,

I had shingles about 2 years ago and it was very painful. I'm glad to hear that your onc thinks that is the problem as opposed to a reaction to the Herceptin.

janet/FL · 01-31-2007, 08:33 PM

Sherry, seveal people on this list have said they had shingles, including myself. Evidentally, when the immune system is low, shingles can develop. For some the pain can linger a long time. There is a vaccine just out to prevent shingles that we should probably ask our doctors about. THere is still a question as to whether to give it to those that have already had shingles.
Were you prescribed Valtrex? That is what I was on.
Best of luck on you quick recovery.

Linda · 01-31-2007, 08:37 PM

Oh, Sherry. I've had shingles a few times (you're only supposed to get it once, but lucky me,) and as you probably know by now, it effects the nerves, so you get sore, ouchy, achy, skin sensitive all near the rash site, and fevery, fluey, too. It definately wipes you out. The anti virals are good, and so is rest, rest, rest and more rest.
I hope you feel better soon.
Linda

rinaina · 01-31-2007, 09:23 PM

So sorry Sherry you have the shingles. I hope it will be a mild case for you. Glad it wasn't the herceptin though. Sorry you have to deal with yet another problem. Hoping and praying it leaves as fast as it came. Rest up.

Sherryg683 · 01-31-2007, 09:36 PM

Actually, I'm kind of glad it is shingles. I had already convinced myself that the rash had to be inflamatory breast cancer. Maybe that sharp burning pain that has been on the right side of my back is associated with the shingles, of which I figured I had developed bone cancer. I hate this stuff, we can't even get a headache without thinking cancer. I've got scans coming up in a few weeks and i'm getting nervous..can't you tell..sherryg683

Julie · 01-31-2007, 09:41 PM

Sherry I'm sure that's why it hurts around your back; shingles follow a particular nerve path which can go all the way around your body. It's miserable.

{{{{{{}}}}}} Julie

dee · 01-31-2007, 10:30 PM

I totally get the notion of relating everything back through the breast cancer lens. My shingles came on the heels of some serious family stuff - involving the law, my adult child, my personal safety, my home, my past, present and future. Chemo, radiation and Herception after surgery weren't even a distant memory yet. When the symptoms came, marching across my remaining breast, I IMMEDIATELY sought medical advice - SO unlike me. However, I thought I was having a recurrence - noteworthy enough to seek such advice. Everyone ELSE said how lucky I was to be having ONLY shingles. I couldn't help but feel how unlucky NOW to have this, TOO. Shingles suck, especially when we already have been through so much (which is our major ticket to get them in the first place -loads of stress triggering an old latent strain of virus - chickenpox- to resurface in this new and obnoxious fashion. All I can say: What.Next?

Audrey · 02-01-2007, 11:07 AM

(((Sherry))), I'm sorry you're going through all this, but happy that it appears you are not allergic to herceptin. I, too, developed shingles while on chemo--it started as a burning, stinging rash on my face of all places. My onc. recognized it as shingles early on and put me on Valtrex, which helped. The painful rash lasted a few weeks and then was gone, but during that time I just wanted to put a paper bag over my bald head with no eyebrows & an angry red rash and scream "Enough already! Why me?!" I know it's miserable now, but as they say "this too shall pass". Sending you a hug and wishes for a speedy recovery.

Karen Weixel · 02-01-2007, 12:20 PM

Sherry,

I had a bout with shingles last spring that showed up on my bc breast and back (same nerve path) and of course, my first thought was that I had skin mets. I had the really bad pain, where I couldn't even touch my skin it hurt so bad. Anyway, same as you, I was relieved to find out it was shingles.

You'll feel better soon. Ask your doc about Valtrex (sp?) that's what they usually put you on since it is viral, not bacterial. I had to do a 10 day course, but felt much better after the 2nd day.

Karen

Angela · 02-01-2007, 05:09 PM

Sherry, I am sorry you are going through this but I'm glad it is not cancer and that you are feeling better. Hopefully the medicine will work quickly and you'll better in no time.

Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sherryg683 · 02-01-2007, 05:39 PM

Well, I woke up this morning and the pain and rash were all down my back on the right side and ribs and totally covering breast. I went to a specialist (because Oncologist wasn't sure it was shingles) and sure enough..it is shingle. I'm lucky enough to have a really, really bad case..is what he said. Shingles usually follow a single nerve path, mine has infected 3 nerve paths...lol. Typical me..if I'm gonna do something..do it big. Like being diagnosed stage Iv from the get go. I can handle shingles, just as long as this cancer stays away..sherryg683

Mary Jo · 02-01-2007, 07:06 PM

Hugs to you Sherry! Glad it's ONLY shingles. Hehe! Sad, when we get excited over shingles, isn't it? BUT, it's wayyyyyyyyyyy better than cancer.

God's Peace,

Mary Jo

michele u · 02-01-2007, 08:21 PM

Sherry, I had shingles also when going through chemo. It was going around the chemo room when i got it. Must be a common thing while on chemo.

MJo · 02-02-2007, 08:09 AM

Last week we were celebrating arthritis (which lights up bone scans). This week we are celebrating Shingles. We have SO MUCH to celebrate here.