I am eight days post lst FEC. Over last two days developed acne on face, chest and back like a teenager. Aslo sore lumps in scalp.
Visited hosp today to collect wig and she called in onc. He said i had a reaction sterioids. It was nothing to do with chemo. I needed antibiotics.
Has anyone else had this. I had very bad acne until early 30s. Onc said it finds your weak points. I tried cold cap. Are lumps before hair fall out.
Many thanks
I recently had my second chemo TAC, and have now got sore lumps on my scalp. Didn’t have them after the first chemo. My hair did start to fall out about 12/14 days after the first session of TAC. I would like to know what the sore lumps are too…maybe I should ring the chemo nurse tomorrow as they are driving me insane. I’ve been wearing the cold cap and although my hair is thinning I’ve still got plenty. Did have a ‘bob’ for the first one and then cut to a short crop before the second. I’ll let you know if I find out about my ‘lumps’.
thank god it aint just me, had 2nd fec and it hit in big style on the face and cheecks bring red, told me to its to do with steroids drying up now and fading, hope they dont keep back on each one. dont know about head ones though
x
My hair is shedding slowly and my scalp does have a few bumps or lumps that are temporary ie didn’t have before chemo (day 2 round 2 BTW)
I also have red cheeks, although the red bits are different from round 1. ie different places.
Skin is dryer and more prone to cracking so more moisturiser etc. I reckon onc is right about weak points actually.
I had a few spot but I used to have nasty reactions to strong spot creams so I’ve just been trying to keep clean and use moisturisres that don’t block pores etc whic has worked so far but as I say haven’t suffered them yet.
night nigt
Angie
My head was so itchy and sore last night because of the lumps on my scalp I covered it in Aloe Vera gel…bliss.
Just spoken with my chemo nurse about the spots on my scalp - she said could be either a dry scalp and to maybe put almond oil on it or make an appointment at the Helen Rollason centre for a head massage and they will use safe oils/products. Could also be where some of the follicles are iritated where hair has fallen out. But if no luck after this was told to get back in touch.
It would be bad enough if my hair fell out , but if my scalp was covered in spots too…marvellous (NOT).
Hi
Just to prove that everyone’s different, I usually have a few spots on my face, but a few days after my 1st FEC my skin dried up and spots are all gone! Had 2nd FEC yesterday, and skin is really dry everywhere, so will have to invest in some serious moisturiser! It has meant that I have had to wash my hair less, whic is good cos my scalp hurts and because I’ve got a PICC line in so can’t wash it in the shower. Hair is falling out now, and getting everywhere even tho I had it cut from waist length to chin length bob.
Hope veryone’s having a good day.
Kinden
x
Hi
Just to add to these comments as someone coming out the other side (I finished chemo end March 08), I think it is normal to have a sore dry scalp as your hair is coming out. Personally I found the soreness better as soon as I shaved the straggly bits of hair remaining - then used some baby oil for the dryness. I’m not sure about the spots on your scalp as I didn’t have that. I have always suffered facial spots and as Kindensurprise found my skin has never looked better as all the spots cleared up. I did have a very flushed face for 2-3 days while I was taking steroids though. Very dry skin is also a side effect and I was prescribed aqueous cream - my hands looked like a 70 yr olds as they were so dry and lacking elasticity (I am 35)!
I am now finding my scalp is very dry and flaky and itchy all over again as my hair is growing back - maybe this is to do with extra heat as I am still wearing my wig! I probably need to air my head now!
Just remember, it does get better although hard to deal with at the time.
Sharon
Hi All
Thanks for all that. Went to GP today who seems of the opinion the outbreak in spots is caused by suppressed immune system and prescribed penicyllin and asked me to go back on Friday. Didnt seem to share oncologists view that it was an allergy to steroids. Certainly not one of the listed side effects.
I asked about spots on scalp and he said hopefully penicyllin will treat those too! So I will see. Hair still hanging in there but only been 8 days from first. I collected wig yesterday to be prepared.
Any infections whatsoever seem to be taken very seriously. After all our bodies cannot fight back!
Starfish
Heya Starfish.
My hair only really started to fall properly after about 18 days but as you’re about 8 days in your immune system will be around it’s weak spot so try and keep hands and face clean to prevent any infection getting in. It was about 8 days in I got cold sores and ulcers, managed to keep them clean so didn’t get infection. Keep an antibac gel thing on you at all times and remember to use it after contact with things like card machines (how many fingers type in their pin codes).
Good luck and take it easy for these few days, you’ll be on your way back up soon.
Lots of love
Angie
Hi Starfish,
Like you I suffered with acne in my 20 and 30’s, at its worst during pregnancy. I also got awful spots about 3 weeks into the chemo (FEC). I just used topical spot creams and it did clear up. If its any consolotion post chemo (I finished a year ago) my skin has never been clearer! Good luck hun.
Sue
Hi Sue & Angie
Thanks for the support. Angie - I didnt realise it would be low at about day 8. I hope to go off to Yorkshire on sunday for a week - but it will be difficult with eating and hygiene. Hadnt thought of card machines - but you are right. I have been out and bought clearasil wipes & witch hazel gel & tea tree soap.
Sue - I am sure you are right it probably would clear up with normal spot things. Yesterday oncologist said of course you have to be careful of scarring. Talk about teaching your grandmother to suck eggs. Like you I had it from about 9 to early 30s. I wonder if thats why I have breast cancer now. A hormonal thing. I did have acne roscea from 45 until about a couple of months ago and now that has completely gone. GP thought that was to do with menopause. If its not one thing its another.
Its certainly nearly a full time job getting through this what with the hygiene and what and what not to eat etc.
Thanks for all your support.
Starfish
Hi All
After my first dose of FEC I had spots all over head and face. I have suffered with acne after having my son (now aged 8). It took a good few weeks to clear up and I used Betnovate cream on the really nasty ones - but after the 2nd dose and still now (just done #4) I have really clear skin and my nails have NEVER been as strong! Strange what this stuff does to our bodies!!
I dont usually read undergoing chemo as i am 2 yrs since i finishe dit.
However i had Epi and after my first i had the most awful spots like huge boils all over my face and back. I was told it was hormonal, no one mentioned steriods.
I actually think it was hormonal as after chemo 2 i had no periods and havent to this day, Had a bit of prob with spots as a teenager.
Glad to say they cleared after chemo 2 and my skin was lovely then although dry. I had to moisturise it regularily.
Hope your skin improves.
Rx
Hi I had a very sore head after 1st chemo. When most of my hair fell out the soreness improved. I also had a rash(lots of spots) on my face during chemo, aqueos cream really helped. I finished chemo in Mardh 08. It really is horrible but what a achievement when completed. I feel for all of you going through it at the moment. We are strong women. Take care
I had terrible sore acne on face, chest, back etc after 1st FEC, but cleared up before 2nd one, and I didn’t get it again. My skin went all wrinkly like an 80 yr olds (am 41) and even daughter commented on it. Sent OH to a well known pharmacist whose name sounds like footwear…and he got their Intense Mouisturing night cream. Daughter went away for a week, came back and said my wrinkles had gone - so it’s GOOD GOOD stuff and I’ve been using it twice a day ever since. That same chemist also sells blonde eyebrow pencils, which is helpful!
All the best with the rest of your chemo - stay well
Many thanks for all your support. The GP gave me penicillin and miraculously after only about a day it all started clearing up. Saw GP again today and said wouldnt it have cleared up anyway but he thought not. It said it was obviously a something itis infection (didnt quite catch what!) and was particularly worried about spots on my chest! Oncologist at hosp said it was a reaction to steroids which didnt sound convincing. So dont know what to make of it all except that thankfully it is clearing although I have bought tea tree soap and wipes and all sorts for the future. GP said it was a result of low immune system. Not quite two weeks, some hairs on pillow in morning but have wig ready! Am going away on Sunday for a week so need wig in case I go bald while away.