Shingles after radiation

Lizal, I'm so sorry to hear about the shingles. I haven't had that experience, and I don't know if it's related to the rads, but I just wanted to send you my best wishes. My grandmother has had shingles on her face for the past two months now, and she' s had such a hard time. We lost my grandfather in March, and they had been married for 67 years; they got married on their first date, when she was just 16. So you can imagine the stress she's had with grieving. I think that's what brought her situation on. She's been through several different meds; neurontin and Cymbalta seem to be helping a bit, and she actually has been using Anbesol cream on the sore places. I hope you get some relief soon. You've already been through enough.

Take care,

Ace 

Hi honey, the side effect is not from radiation, it is from your lowered immune system. This is certainly partly the rads fault for sure, but also the stress.

Did you know there is a vaccine?  When you recover fully, be sure and get it, you can get shingles multiple times.  Having it does not make you immune.  And spread the word, get your husband and everyone else you know to get the vaccine.  They are recommending it only for people over 60, but what crap, when they know cancer treated people are in a precarious immune system situation.  I read about the vaccine in the Ladies Home Journal.  Sheesh, I am 73.  My mom had it, was in so much pain she thought she was going to die.  Her husband had it on his face and 14 years later has permanent neuropathy on his face and ear.  My brother-in-law had it and almost went blind.  It is a stinker and anything that can be done to stop this from happening should be done.

I can't believe the medical profession just ignored this issue for me and my husband.

Gentle hugs, Shirlann 

I’m dealing with shingles without the rash above my right breast but under the collarbone. It’s all itching and nerve pain. It’s now five months post radiation.

All I can say is “hugs to both of us” . We need and deserve them

I have had shingles about a month after radiation . No rash. Between top of breast and collar bone. Have taken pills and gotten first of two shots for new version. Pain now comes and goes. Had first post cancer mammogram today and the pain is intense right now. Going to try med to stop nerve pain.