I have recently had breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy and 3 weeks radiotherapy finishing in April. I’m now on Letrozole for 5 years. Suddenly yesterday both my breasts are hot and itchy with a bit of a rash. Could this be from the radiotherapy or the tablets? Am slightly worried the cancer could have returned/spread. Has anyone experienced the same?
Hi sunic
I’m sorry to read you’re feeling worried at the moment. Whilst you are waiting for a response please do give the helpline a call on 0808 800 6000. Here you can talk through your concerns with a member of staff who will offer you a listening ear as well as emotional support and practical information. Lines are open today 10 to 2pm and weekdays 9 to 5pm,
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Hi Sunic,
I have had exactly what you describe. Had to see a dermatologist who reckoned it was an allergic reaction to something. I was given strong steroid cream and told if it didn’t work they would take a skin biopsy, but the cream sorted out the itchiness. It was such a relief because it was driving me mad! My skin has been left ultra dry after chemo and rads, so that hasn’t helped either and I’ve been left with enlarged pores all over the affected breast. Looks horrible! Got my routine appt at the breast clinic on Tuesday, so will discuss it with my surgeon when I see him. If I were you, I’d go and see my GP to see if they can prescribe you with something (the cream I have is Elocon). Hope this is of some help to you and take care. X Ann
Forgot to add that I was also prescribed strong antihistamines along with the cream and its made such a difference to me!! Just back from the breast clinic, and have been told that the skin changes I have are all brought on by rads. I have always had it in the back of my mind that it could be the cancer back in the form of IBC, so this has really set my mind at rest. Take care, Ann x x
Thanks sunic and good hear that your rash is also responding to antihistamines. I tried over the counter ones and they made no difference at all. The ones I got from the hospital ((hydroxyzine) are brilliant because they not only helped relieve the itch, but also make you drowsy, so I get a good nights sleep too ?.
I don’t know why they can’t tell us that these problems can arise after rads. There’s only a small percentage of us who will have these reactions, but would save a lot of heartache and worrying if they gave us a list of possible side effects. My problems didn’t start till 4 months after my rads are finished, so I wasn’t sure that they were the cause. Also, can’t stop turning to Mr Google, and with all the symptoms I had, there was nothing about rads, only IBC. And so the worrying began. . . . .
Anyway, enough of my rambling. Glad that you’re responding to treatment and I hope your skin improves soon.
Ann x