Is it a reaction or menopause

[MaryAn]

I had me infusions of THC this week. When I went to get my second neupogen shot I noticed that my face and arms were a lobster red. My oncologist looked me over and sent me home with benedryl and decahedron. But thinking about it later I don't know if I am just entering menopause since I have not had a period since I started treatment and I do get the feeling of an sura. I have no idea what to think. What treatment option is there if I am allergic to the treatment? I think that is what my main problem is. As nasty as the treatments are, I am more freaked about stopping. I forgot to mention that my arms and face were hot to the touch. Have any of u Everett experienced this and domu guys have any idea if it is menopause. I guess they can check that out, but still wanted to check with u guys. I had no itching or swelling either. So annoying. So very very annoying.

[Jackie07]

It sounded like an allergic reaction and that's probably why your oncologist gave you benedryl and decahedron.

My period also had stopped just 3 months into my chemo treatment. I couldn't tell what's related to menopause because of all the reactions from the treatment - plus I'd had brain surgeries...

Rest well and let's hope everything gets better tomorrow. It might take a couple of days before you can completely get rid of the swelling...

[MaryAn]

I didn't have any swelling or wheezing so I was okay there. I'm just hoping that this doesn't keep happening. I still have three more rounds to go...maybe they can switch treatment options. I notice other women had similar reactions and it seems common, but I would hate to keep getting reactions that will be worse.

Than for your response. I appreciate it greatly. I at firt that it was the decadron face, but I didn't have any puffiness sow women describe. I'm at my wits end. Three treatments in and I have this happening.

[Chelee]

MaryAn,
I ended up with a super red face that was hot to the touch also. It happened after my first cycle of TCH. I personally blame it on the Taxotere. My face looked like I had a really bad sunburn...and it was literally painful. The only thing that helped is cold wet towels with ice. It was my cheeks that were "fried" and the cold towels felt so good. I was just misrable for a while but in time it did get better.

My onc at that time had never seen anything like it...lucky me. There is another gal on here "Ellie" that had the same problem...she also had TCH. So I'm betting on Taxotere as the cause. I can tell you I did complete all six cycles as did Ellie. (I'm sure she will chime in when she sees this too.) :) Hopefully it will help you to know with each cycle it got better. It stayed red but it wasn't as hot...it's like my body adjusted to it. (Try the wet cloths with ice.) Just keep your onc aware of any side affects. Since you said you have no wheezing or SOB you will probably find the redness will lessen over time. Keep us updated. Hang in there...only 3 more to go.

Chelee

[MaryAn]

I am glad to hear from u i am sitting here wondering if i should stop treatment since i know allergies before stronger as they are exposed further and since i didn't get them at the start of the treatment. Maybe i had and had not noticed. Which of coirse os not a good thing. Since my on is aware and since he does have an action plan o guess i don't feel as freaked before i spoke to u guys. How many days did you guuys experience this, and you all were not given any antihistamines to treat the reaction? I have only threee more to go as you say, and deep down i know I can't stop which is why I am so danged tired. I know i will lend up in the recliner, but i want to make sure that i will not come out in worse shape than what i walked into.

[Jackie07]

Sorry for my very damaged brain. I had meant to say the 'redness' instead of 'swelling'... :)

If Benedryl works, your doctor might add it ('more') to your IV as a premed before your chemo session. You should have seen the way I threw up at the beginning of my 2nd chemo injection.
But they gave me anti-emetic samples and then different ones...

Try to swing your arms, shrug your shoulders, tap your foot, and clinch your fists (open, close, open...) if you don't feel like getting up and exercise. 'Walking' helped me a lot during my treatment. I always preach about how exercise stimulates the release of endorphin ('happy hormone')from our brain. Oftentimes I just walk back and forth from one room to another in our house.

[MaryAn]

You guys make this seem like a walkl in the partook. I'm so gold i walked up to this site. It is amazing that we all have this journey but so many trecks to travel. Unfortunatly, this some are steeper than some. So far o good, aside from this reaction. I think the decadron messes with my nerve. I always get a lump inky throat, maybe it is just because i take it before the infusions and that makes me nervous enough as it is. :)

[vlcarr]

I had the redness and hot feeling but blamed mine on the steroids. Like Chelee, mine got better after the first one.