Pre chemo hypersensitive to odours & smell chemicals everywhere

Binniebin

Prior to diagnosis of grade 3 node negative ER + IDC I experienced at times a constant smell of chemicals. Also every smell is exaggerated eg washing powder on clothes, deodorant, plastics..After lumpectomy this went away but now 3 1/2 weeks later it's back. I haven't started chemo so it's not a side effect. I read somewhere that it's hormonal. Has anyone else experienced this?

Lula73

it can be sinus related. We can even smell things that aren't there. And we don't necessarily need to have typical symptoms of a sinus infection to have one. If they gave IV antibiotics during surgery that might be why it went away but it might not have been enough to fully eradicate the bacteria or it could be a new one. I'd see if your dr would write you a prescription for an antibiotic for sinus infection and see if it helps

Joyseeker

Could be hormonal. I was super sensitive to smells when I was pregnant.

Binniebin

Lula,

I think you were spot on. I do get sinus issues no other symptoms at the time but I had had a small nasal sore at the time. Retrospectively when I saw my FBE taken at the time my neutrophils were 3.1, while my normal for the past few years is only 1.3 , so 3.1 would reflect an infection. And back to 1.3 just before chemo with no smell issues at all. I never had morning sickness or odour changes with my pregnancies. Thanks for suggesting it, good luck!