SHingles

KBeee

Anyone experience shingles on their "bad" arm? I've had lymphedema flare up periodically since 2015, but it's been pretty much kept at bay for about a year. Now I am dealing with shingles all over my right "bad" arm. I now have spots on the uppermost parts of my arm, and one on my upper chest area where the outer pole of my "breast" is. Any words of wisdom? The PA I saw of course was not knowledgeable in how the lack of lymph nodes would affect it (nor did I expect that to be her area of expertise), but put me on antiviral. I am very alert for cellulitis. and look at it very often for ominous signs. I have messaged MO and PCP for advice. MO just said to keep an eye on it and call Monday if it worsens. PCP has not gotten back to me yet. If anyone has dealt with this, I'll take any and all advice.

Thanks.

MinusTwo

Oh No KBee - sorry I don't have any advice but I will keep you in my thoughts. Please do let us know how you're doing.

Beaverntx

KBee, I had shingles on my trunk a few years before BC. For me, the anti viral was critical in controlling the rash, never developed full blown blisters. Did have pain with residual nerve pain for several months after the rash healed. However, I did not receive the antiviral as soon as I might have so my results could have been different. Sending hopes and hugs for quick healing for you, shingles is a miserable illness!

7of9

Hi KBee...how are you/ manage shingles? I've been dealing with what appears to be lymphedema for almost a year but afraid something is lurking. It comes and goes mostly just upper arm, nothing hand or wrist. I go in February for ck up and possible 7th Zometa. I haven't pushed for Ultrasound for year and a half, had clear CAT a year after recurrence. Thinking its time to be as sure as I can. Hope you are well and often think of your support and encouragement. Was just talking to a friend at Christmas about my dealings and you came up and some other strong voices incl Lottanodes and my counselor. My friends daughter is battling stage 4 neuroblastoma. On a happier note my job is well, 10 yr old has straight As and we were in Florida last week.

Emelle

Sorry to hear you have developed shingles. Ouch, they are painful! I developed them in March 2019, not on my ‘bad’ arm but across, mainly my back, ‘good’ arm and chest. For people who have previously had chicken pox, shingles often appearswhen your immunity is low. If you can stomach them, I found foods scientifically proven to boost immunity such as cooked mushrooms and nutritional yeast helped me. Perhaps you can add these to shorten your recovery time. Good luck

KBeee

7of9, definitely push for that ultrasound to get things figured out. Hoping it shows all to be clear. I get lymphedema from time to time too, but mine is always in my hand and lower arm. I am glad you're doing well and that your 10 year old is doing well. I'll be praying for your friend's daughter. How awful!!! My daughter's friend is dealing with stage 3 rhabdomyosarcoma, and I would go through this stuff a thousand times before having to deal with watching my child endure it. Such a cruel disease.

Thanks for the tips Emelle. They are finally healed. I was supposed to have a physical with my PCP this week and was going to ask her about my immunity, but they had to reschedule the appointment to next month because she'll be out of the office. I have taken epicor, which is a nutritional yeast. Time to reorder it though!!!