2 years later...I itch like MAD

janey47
janey47 Member Posts: 72
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

I still have so much itching at the site of my biopsy! 

 I recently had an mri to determine whether the mass in my breast was a recurrence or just scar tissue and they said there's no sign of cancer at all, so I'm not worried about this except that the itching just won't stop.

I have a body lotion from Kiehl's that helps me on every other part of my body (like when my legs get itchy from shaving them or whatever), and I've tried cortizone cream, but it still happens.  

I can't believe this is really related to the biopsy, or the surgery, or the radiation, not after so much time.  But it's clearly right on the spot where the biopsy was done.

Am I alone?  Anyone with some surefire anti-itch remedies?

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Comments

  • MariannaLaFrance
    MariannaLaFrance Member Posts: 777
    edited December 2011

    I still have itchiness all over my breast, and my BS told me it was most likely from the radiation. I use coconut oil and sometimes I use Aloe Vera gel (just as I did while receiving Rads) to alleviate the itchiness.

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  • peggy_j
    peggy_j Member Posts: 1,700
    edited December 2011

    When I saw my dermatologist for my annual skin cancer screening I asked about possible long-term effects on the skin from rads. She said some patients have issues that show up after-the-fact and/or continue for years. So...maybe worth asking? (or maybe she'll know of a super-duper cream, even OTC)

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited December 2011

    Hey there - I too am itchy at the side, site of my lumpectomy.   However, I did not have rads.   I make sure I dry myself very well after a shower with luke warm water, never hot - mild soap (dove for sensitive skin), and some kind of lotion.    Never use a washcloth twice, clean towel each time, wear bra only once, etc.    Vaseline works most of the time, but still some itching from time to time, like today - mammo and of course no lotion...    Good luck.    

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  • YramAL
    YramAL Member Posts: 1,651
    edited December 2011

    I also have very itchy lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy sites. I'm 2 years out from surgery, and I did have rads. I use Amlactin lotion-I apply it at night so it doesn't ruin my bras. It helps quite a bit, but I still get itchy at times.

    Mary

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  • lindatwo
    lindatwo Member Posts: 122
    edited December 2011
    I too have a problem with itching....on the side where I had a mastectomy/reconstruction, and on the side where I had a reduction.  I did not have radiation.  It is better when I put lotion on after a shower, and if the itching gets really bad, I take an antihistamine like Benadryl (but only at night, it makes you sleepy), or use Cortisone cream.  I wonder if it is just scar tissue that causes it?
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  • janey47
    janey47 Member Posts: 72
    edited December 2011

    thanks, all, I'm so glad to know I'm not alone and/or crazy :-)

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  • Omaz
    Omaz Member Posts: 5,497
    edited December 2011
    janey47 - I use benadryl spray for all my itchinesses.  Maybe worth a try!  Good luck.
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  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited December 2011

    PURE coconut oil might work for you.. it is often sold mixed with petrolatum.  i love how it feels.  I buy food grade in the natural foods section... about 4 bucks for 16 oz.

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  • mixin
    mixin Member Posts: 48
    edited December 2011

    I'm over a year out with my radiation and I have itching on the side where the lymph nodes were taken.

    I'm convinced it's lymph fluid causing the problem and do some gentle massage. This always stops the itching for me. 

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited January 2012

    This should make you all laugh -- I sometimes put Cortisone cream on my itchy breast and had this meeting to go to in the evening.   Took a shower and I knew the itch was going to drive me crazy, so I reached for the tube of cortisone cream.   Boy oh boy did it work great - no itch at all during this (boring) 3 hour meeting or when I got home or overnight.    

     The next morning as I was brushing my teeth, I looked over and saw that the tube of cream I had applied was hemoroid cream.........   Maybe I have discovered a new use for it !!!! Had to laugh, but I have not used it again to see if it is THE answer to our itches.     

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  • janey47
    janey47 Member Posts: 72
    edited January 2012

    LOL!

    You know it was a fad for a while to use it to decrease the bags under one's eyes in the morning.  This is the first I've heard of it for itchy breasts but it makes some sense... maybe you should contact the manufacturer and offer to provide unsolicited testimony from another satisfied customer!

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  • PoliceWife84
    PoliceWife84 Member Posts: 136
    edited January 2012

    Oh my gosh - so glad I am not the only one! I totally sympathize! I had bilateral mastectomies, radiation, and reconstruction which has left me so itchy that I can hardly stand myself. I've been to my dermatologist so many times that when I call to make an appointment, the receptionist doesn't even ask what I need to be seen for! I will say that I am extremely fair, and had sensitive skin before cancer, but now it is much worse - especially on the radiated side. My dermatologist has prescribed so many different creams, but they only worked for a short while. Aside from telling me to use Tide Free laundry detergent and Dove soap, she has also put me on Hydroxyzine 25 mg that I take at night. It is an antihistamine, and I really find it to be helpful. (The added benefit is that it can cause drowsiness, which is fine with me, seeing as how chemo put me into menopause at 31. The night sweats & hot flashes are just awful!)

    It is kind of humorous, though - instead of cuddling with my husband and things leading to - ahem, adult behavior, it's more like, "Honey, can we snuggle and you itchy me? I'm so itchy!!!!" He just laughs, and pulls me closer. God bless!

                                                                                     Love,

                                                                                          Brandi

                                                                                        

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