Bruised Wrist/palm

[Gary]

Hello all...

Long time lurker...first time poster.

First...I must say how much I admire and respect everyone on this board. Your love and support for each other is truly heartwarming.

Here's my question...this morning my wife noticed that she had a blotchy looking bruise on her wrist/palm. It almost looks like she caught herself from a fall. She did not remember any incident that would cause such bruising. Is this anything to be concerned about? What do skin mets look like?

Thanks,

Gary

Background: My wife was diagnosed in January 2004 with stage 3 breast cancer. Her2+, pr+ and er+. Mastectomy, AC, Taxol. Received Herceptin through clinical trials for 16 weeks before she had to discontinue due to heart problems (heart function bounced back in a few months). Ongoing treatment with Arimidex and Tamoxifin (periods returned after two years) Last scans were in May 2008 with NED.

[Believe51]

Welcome Gary and a big hello to you. I am so happy that you finally introduced yourself to us all.

Now, as for your Sweetheart goes with the bruising issue....Since your dear wife does not remember a fall or a bang to this area there are several reasons bruising occurs. Other than the obvious reason of a fall, and this is just an opinion, I would check a few things out for your wife (name?)

Anemia and vitamin deficiencies. Start with simple blood work in case this could be an ongoing issue. Iron, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Zinc. Have them check her blood sugar also. IMO, I would start with the blood tests because this may be so simple as a deficiency that could be nipped in the bud before any other problems start.

Please keep us posted about what is happening with your wife. And let us know her name too. What a special husband you are Gary, prayers to you both!>>Believe51

[Bill]

Hi Gary! I'm no expert on anything except weight loss, but I can't recall any of the women on this site who have skin mets mentioning them starting anywhere except the torso area. I could be way wrong. Needless to say, check with the doc. Is there any pain or swelling? Wish I could help more. Please let us know. Take care, Bill

[BonnieR]

Hi Gary. I have noticed I bruise more easily now. Without recalling any particular incident. I have started taking a daily pediatric aspirin and that can cause increased bruising. So can other medications. Or a compromised blood count. Our skin gets thinner as we age too. Of course you will want to check with her doctor but it is possible she just bumped herself and was not aware of it at the time. Keep the faith.

I hate to log on when I am using public computers but its just me - Becky

I bruised very easily too and most of the time I don't even remember what or if I did anything. I do take an aspirin a day and the omega 3s and that may have alot to do with it. Skin mets do not look like a bruise. They look much more like a red rash or skin colored pimples - and the rash is not just red like a sunburn but is usually more pimply like prickly heat.

However, if your wife hasn't been taking supplements that thin the blood (these include aspirin, vitamin E (even if it comes from a multi vitamin), omega 3/fish oil, curcumin/tumeric,rosemary (these are the ones that come easily to my mind) and she gets more than just this one bruise, she should mention it to a doc in case it is a deficiency. However, it probably is nothing. Just starting aspirin therapy can do it and if she has and ends up bruising alot, she might do well with taking it every other day instead.

[Sherryg683]

Skin mets don't look like a bruise. I had the same thing happen to me a few months ago. I felt a sharp pain, then the next day I had this big ugly bruise under my wrist and palm area. The best I can figure is I had a vein break or burst. I wasn't doing anything strenuous, just walking. It went away and I haven't given it too much thought, I chalk it up to the dang chemo, it weakens everything and I'm not sure your body ever fully recovers back to normal. I know I haven't and it's been going on 3 years...sherryg683