Noticed redness and a rash around my mastectomy scarline and above and below. It started a week ago after rashes previously appeared on my neck, face, arms and legs in April. Have just read through the signs of recurrence list and see this is listed. Help! Now feeling sick and mind going into overdrive. Have notified breast team who said they ‘will send me an appt.’ Also seeing GP on 23rd June. 2nd year mammogram and ultrsounds in february were clear. I cannot feel any lumps anywhere. Has this happened to anyone else and what was the outcome?
What were the rashes considered in April? It seems like it would be more related to that than a recurrence.
Hi Tulip29. How long ago did you have your surgery? I developed a rash post surgery a few weeks later. Turned out it was an infection. 3 courses of various antibiotics put it to bed eventually. Hope you get seen & sorted very soon x
I had a rash appear before my radiotherapy and it was shingles
Hope you get yours sorted
Sending hugs
Xx
Tulip I have no answers for you but sending you a massive hug and wishing for good results. xx
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Thank you everyone for your support and encouraging replies. Much appreciated. My mind is working overtime, especially as I live alone so no-one to share with…except all you lovely people! To answer your questions…my surgery was sept 2023 so 19 months ago. When I saw a GP in May about rash that started on 29th April it was unexplained. The rash has got worse today and is also affecting my left eye. Will go back on the anti-histamine (fexofenadine) tomorrow morning. I am taking no other meds except insulin for my type 1 diabetes. I’ve never had shingles so no idea how that presents.
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Hi @Tulip29
Just to say that you should contact your GP tomorrow just in case it is shingles as it’s important to get treatment quickly if it’s on your face . However it doesn’t sound as though that’s what it is as you have had rashes on your skin a few weeks ago but after a retinal vein occlusion that I dismissed as migraine for 3 days I have learned that anything which is affecting an eye in any way is not something to delay seeking help with. Last year two of my friends were troubled with persistent rashes which eventually cleared up - one after being in a jacuzzi . Xx
Forgot to add that the rash may well be unrelated to cancer or any cancer treatments that you have had or are on as any problem will tend to attack in an area that’s most vulnerable and I imagine that the skin around your scar even though it may look entirely normal will be a bit more delicate than the rest of your skin. I thought mine was but 2 weeks ago I wore a wetsuit for the first time in a long time and couldn’t find the right rash guard so just wore a vest under . It was perfectly fine everywhere no irritation - except over my barely visible SNB scar where I developed a red itchy mark which took a week to go and only stopped it hi g a couple of days ago. Really hope you get some help with this soon Tulip. Xx
Thank you @JoanneN. I’m wondering if its heat related so have ditched the bra and prosthesis to see if that helps but eyes, neck, and hand still very inflamed. GP appt is first thing Monday morning. Still waiting for appt with breast surgeon after she whatsapped me on Monday to say she would send me one. I hear what you say about the skin being delicate there. X
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Ah bless you Tulip hope it helps - I’m sure the heat can’t be helping . Xx
Hi Tulip, I had a rash after my surgery, the day after but mine was linked to the Chlorapreap they wiped my body with. They should have used Iodine, of which I’m not allergic. either way once your GP has seen it they can decide what needs prescribing. I was given extra Antihistamines, and some cream, THis cleared the rash up in a week. It could a reaction the very hot weather though. Good luck and keep me posted.
Moonsox xx
Hi lovely ladies, going braless for the last two days, albeit embarrassing when out in public, has made quite a difference to the rash at my mastectomy site if not elsewhere. I have also been taking the Fexofenodine. Feeling slightly less scared but seeing GP tomorrow morning so not long to wait for his opinion. Fortunately I am seeing the ‘investigative’ doctor at the practice who has a good reputation for getting to the bottom of things. X
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Hi Tulip Thats excellent news, Fexofenadine is Brilliant, and worked wonderfully for me.
Contact dermatology is a fascinating subject, and i’ve even submitted a very long report to my former Consultant of measures the NHS could/need to follow to save Thousands. Keep focused and strong and you will get through this, Moonsox xxx
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Let us know how it goes . This weather is lovely but if you’ve a skin issue it’s really unhelpful . I’m glad that one bit of you at least is feeling a bit of improvement . Xx
Just seen GP he said its urticaria unknown cause and to stay on the fexofenadine for next 3-4 weeks. He examined mastectomy scar area and underarm and couldn’t feel anything suspicious/concerning which was hugely reassuring! However he said I should still go to the breast clinic as they need to be informed. He also ordered an MRI to investigate pain in back and hips in case it is cancer related and referred me to the community physio. He mentioned blood tests as well but I have some already booked for diabetes and lipid clinics in July so we held off on doing any more for now. I consider myself very fortunate to be with such a good GP practice. Feeling much better in my mind today, despite the itching and having to go about all lopsided! Thank you all for your support. Love Tulip x
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Hi Tulip I’m glad you have had some good news I do hope it clears up soon . Xx
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