My hand developed a sore from where the needle went in during chemo. When I showed it to my onc, he said that it might be caused by chemo leak. I went to my GP and was given some anti-biotics for a week. But it didn’t work. My onc said not to worried as it will heal when I finish my chemo. Now I’ve finished my chemo for over a month now and it’s still there!! (just a little bit better I think)
It doesn’t worry me too much. But mum + dad are worry sick and asking me to see my GP again. - To be honest, their moaning is was than my hand sore. I guess I’m very likely be to put on anti-biotics again (if I’m not on enough drugs already!) or just be told again that it will heal in its own time.
Anyone had similar prob? How has it been resolved?
I had a bad chemo leak on my forearm which was the worst example my oncologist had ever seen. It is called extravasation when the cheometherapy drugs go into the skin rather than the veins. Initially I was wrongly diagnosed as having a bacterial infection called cellulitis rather than the chemo leak and just prescribed antibiotics. After about a month of being in a great deal of pain I was referred to a dermatologist at the hospital who quickly diagnosed what was really wrong i.e. a chemo induced burn. If you have broken skin you need to having a dressing on it - but if not then it is just the case of applying a moisturising cream twice a day the one they gave me was called doublebase - but I think any rich simple cream would be okay. For the small wounds I had I was also given an anti-microbial cream called fusibate. I still have some scarring but I think my case was very extreme. Recently I’ve been given a silicon cream called dermatrix to apply which is meant to help iron out the lumpy appearance. If you are concerned - you could ask your clinic to refer you to a dermatologist who would be best placed to recommend the best treatment for you.
I had Epirubicin leak on two occasions. One time they injected saline all around the site to limit any damage and luckily there was no lasting problem or need for further treatment. Both times I was sent to see a plastic surgeon to check there was no need for a skin graft! The nurses said that they have about two cases a year - both happened to me so if you have any concerns, I would get it checked by someone. What was the chemo that leaked? Some cause more problems than others.
victoria: thanks for info. GP + onc + BCN all said that it’s best for it to heal naturally than put cream on. Strange how people are different. Maybe all of them are taught by the same teacher! Anyway, I’ll show your post to my GP when I get an app. Asking for a dermatologist seems to be a good idea, hopefully someone knows what they are doing!
Jenny: My chemo was taxol.
The funny thing was it was only a little “bruise” (that what they call it anyway) in the beginning. It got worse a few weeks later. Now it’s a bit better. But really bad after shower. I’ve never been able to get it completely dry during a shower. Also need to be careful doing washing-up etc… It’s not painful, but it’s a pain!
Both: can you please tell me how long did it take to be “fully” recovered?
Hi
I had a chemo leak with my final FEC. It (my hand) blistered and I went to my GP who gave me antibiotics. I was then referred to a plastic surgeon who said the antibiotics were the things that saved me from having a skin graft. My hand is as if it’s been burned - which is exactly what chemo does to you and it bubbles up from below to the skin - lovely description but that’s what the plastic surgeon said. He also said I was very lucky and to keep putting cream on it to keep it from drying out - I used Vitamin e oil which helps repair scar tissue and skin problems. My hand is still a different colour to my other one, and that’s 15 months since finishing chemo Hope you get on OK and it sorts itself out.
Nicky x
Hi
I had my Epirubicin extravasation 5 weeks ago. My hand is still swollen and I have a broken area on my wrist. I was referred to the plastic surgeon who is keeping an eye on things. I keep my arm elevated as much as possible and moisurise the area all the time (plastics advice)also expose the wound to the air as much as possible (flies in the face of what is the current thinking on wound healing) however they know more than me on this subject, hopefully. Am seeing the physio and have exercises and OT for a wrist brace.
Have a Hickman in now which is better as don’t have to panic re access.
My biggest annoyance is that it was ignored by 2 Registras despite me telling them it wasn’t right (I am a nurse)just goes to show you should go with your instincts and experience. My Onc has been great and apologised that it was ignored and the unit I attend is now using my experience as a teaching opportunity to make sure that any redness or swelling that appears post chemo is taken seriously. Not much help to me now but at least it might save someone else from this.
Anyone with any other tips to make this easier gratefully received.
Elle x
so if you have any concerns, I would get it checked by someone. What was the chemo that leaked? Some cause more problems than others.
Hope you get on OK and it sorts itself out.