shingles

I had shingles, too.  Mine was on my neck, back of scalp.  I didn't know what it was, but thank goodness my husband did.  Got it treated right away.  I'm not sure we are warned enough about that possibility.  It can be very serious left untreated for too long, not to mention the fear and worry caused by it showing up.  You were so smart to get to the computer and find out what was what.  You are near the end of your treatment.  YEA!

Hi Lisa

I got a bad rash right under where my breasts used to be right at the same time I had the bilateral mastectomy and expander placement. I had really bad pain after the surgery. Come to find out, it was shingles! I don't know to this day whether the pain was from the surgery or the shingles! I agree with Gitane about not being warned that shingles is a possibility, since our immune systems are so off because of the chemo, etc. I also got thrush and yeast infections continuously because of the antibiotics I was put on as protection because of my low white cell counts. I eventually just stopped taking the antibiotics without telling my onc, because I was tired of the side effects, and I was afraid of getting C-diff (C-difficile) which is similar to MRSA.

 I feel for you guys that is awful to deal with the surgery and the treatment now my ongl has a paper on the doors warning against shingles, the wierd thing is I thought that if you had chicken pox you wouldnt get them but it says your more at risk. It really is a test to see how much we can take and I had my pitty cry last night just being anxious about #3 of 6 but friday I will be over half way so that is good. I think this site is wonderful, wish I never had to use it but there is a reason for it someday I will know. My son 24 when I was having my pity party said you knew that you were going to have to have chemo just get it done and go on. Well I got him back he is worried about moving out next year and I said you knew you had to move out next year so just do it and get on with it ha...

Maura

Hi Lisa

Actually all the extra crap was almost worse than the cancer-I had a spider bite during the AC and had to skip two treatments, because with no immune system, of course, my leg swelled up like a balloon and turned black where the bite was-had to have 2 Rocephin IV's!! I was actually laughing about all the stuff-honestly, it's so much easier just to laugh and deal with it, and know that you do get through it.I feel great now-I work out 5 days a week, and feel better than I did even before the diagnosis. The Christmas diagnosis didn't make too much difference, I didn't tell anyone except my best friend until after the holidays. I see you were diagnosed right after Thanksgiving. How are you feeling? I had taxotere which is simiolar to taxol and I know how much that sucks! You will feel better though. I'll be thinking of you and hoping you're doing well-keep me posted!

@#$%^%$#I get SO MAD.  There is a Shingles Vaccine!  Dang it all!  And every woman who has chemo or rads needs to get it.  It is only about 75% effective, but even if you get Shingles, with the vaccine, it is a light case.  So all you gals who have had Shingles, get the shot, because you can GET IT AGAIN!

I get so mad at the medical profession.  Just what everyone needs, Shingles, on top of everything else.  I read about the vaccine in the Lady's Home Journal, asked my doc, and he said, "oh yeah, we've got that".  I could have strangled him.

Hugs to all, Shirlann 

BUMP