Maryanne Posted July 3, 2005 Share Posted July 3, 2005 Hi All, Joel is now finished all this chemo, actually his last chemo was June 14. (YIPPY !!!!!!!!!) His last one really knocked him through a loop as the pains in his legs was so much worse then the other three. Onc. probably gave him a little extra in that dose. He was finally getting over that when he developed this rash on the back of his left thigh. At first he thought was an insect bite. It got worse and really hurt him. Went to our primary and found out he has shingles. Doc gave him medication and besides that he is still on those darn Percks for pain. Has to take 2 for the pain to go away. I pray he does not get an addiction to them. I can't wait for this lastest setback to be over. He can't seem to catch a break. I feel a couple of weeks left to heal and hopefully, this should all be hehind him. Just curious, has anyone one here ever developed shingles during or after chemo. His Prim said that it could happen from chemo and stress. Take care Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted July 3, 2005 Share Posted July 3, 2005 My understanding is that anyone who has had chicken pox as a child is susceptible to shingles (same virus). Any weakness can cause it to arise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted July 4, 2005 Share Posted July 4, 2005 Missed you, dear friend. At least the chemo is finished. Now just the shingles to get controlled. We are uploading hugs, support and prayers. Love Brian and Pat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted July 4, 2005 Share Posted July 4, 2005 Maryanne, Glad to hear Joel finished his chemo, but sorry about the shingles. I have posted a few posts about this recently. Mike had shingles the beginning of June. His were on his chest , under his arm and around to his back. The doctor gave him Famvir for it. I will have to say that it got rid of the shingles . He is having an ongoing problem due mental confusion that developed at the time the meds were started , but don't let our story discourage you. Our problems may just be coincidental. Anyhow, in answer to your question, the Famvir did work and we were told the shingles could be brought on by chemotherapy and or steroids. It is the herpes zoster virus (the same as chicken pox) that lies dormant , but can surface when the immune system is in a weakened condition. A person with shingles can give chicken pox to someone that never had them. Hope Joel will soon feel better. Love and Prayers, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Posted July 4, 2005 Share Posted July 4, 2005 Boy o'boy if it's not one thing it's another. Good to hear that Joel finished his chemo. My father developed shingles after a chemo treatment too. I hope Joel feels better soon. Wendy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted July 4, 2005 Share Posted July 4, 2005 Hi Maryanne. I am glad to see Joel is done with chemo. Once he shakes the shingles, he can put it all behind him. My last chemo is this Wed. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted July 4, 2005 Share Posted July 4, 2005 Glad to hear Joel is finished with his chemo. Yes, Shingles ARE a side effect of Chemo! They SUCK! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Posted July 4, 2005 Share Posted July 4, 2005 So glad the chemo is finished and can't wait for you to post news that the shingles are under control. Prayers and hang in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stand4hope Posted July 4, 2005 Share Posted July 4, 2005 Hi Maryanne, Isn't it a great feeling to be done with chemo? It's like a graduation day or something. Sorry to hear about the shingles. I've never had it, but I understand it can be very, very uncomfortable. Hope all the meds take care of these side issues and Joel is back to normal very soon. Love, Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted July 4, 2005 Share Posted July 4, 2005 Hope that Joel is able to build up strength quickly now that he has finished chemo. I've known a lot of people who develop shingles while on chemo or other immuno suppressants. Hope he recovers from that quickly as well. No chemo! Celebrate! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail p-m Posted July 4, 2005 Share Posted July 4, 2005 I remember my mother-in-law having shingles shortly after chemo for breast cancer. Hope your husband's shingles get under control quickly. Enough is enough! Gail p-m Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missyk Posted July 4, 2005 Share Posted July 4, 2005 WOOHOOO @ finishing chemo!!!! Sorry about the shingles, though...that's the pits I know that Mom, whenever she got stressed before (like any of that was "really" stressfull compared to now! lol) would have an outbreak. And yes, she's actually had hers this time around since the diagnosis! ICK! So, here's hoping that it all gets under control for Joel and hugsssssss to you both!! Prayers on their way!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted July 4, 2005 Share Posted July 4, 2005 So glad the chemo is finished, the shingles will get better with good medication but they are very uncomfortable in the heat. Take care. Hugs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Lamb Posted July 4, 2005 Share Posted July 4, 2005 Maryanne,Glad to hear Joel is finished with chemo.It can sometimes really be hard to keep taking it. Hope the shingles go away quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted July 4, 2005 Share Posted July 4, 2005 Hi Mar, Congrats on finishing chemo. Remember, it is cumulative. Maybe that is why he was having troubles with pain more toward the end. I was gifted with the knowledge of shingles 6 months after treatment ended. The S-1 nerve pathway. Wasn't too bad though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted July 4, 2005 Share Posted July 4, 2005 Hi Maryanne, Glad to see you back! Hope you are doing okay yourself after losing your dear Mother. It IS good news that Joel is finally all finished with chemo. It is cause for celebration. Hopefully, with the meds, the shingles will soon be a thing of the past too! Happy that you are back again!!!!!! Love, Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elaine Posted July 4, 2005 Share Posted July 4, 2005 When the pub is open, I'll toast to the end of Joel's chemo and a speedy recovery from those nasty shingles! love and fortitude elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadstimeon Posted July 5, 2005 Share Posted July 5, 2005 Glad to hear Joel is done with chemo, sorry to hear about the shingles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted July 5, 2005 Share Posted July 5, 2005 Martanne...so glad to hear the chemo is over!!! That is really good news. As for the shingles...stress can cause that also. After my gallbladder surgery (which was no picnic) I developed shingles. Although the doctor caught it very early, I still had some very painful days. I really hope Joel recovers from the shingles very quickly. I understand there are some new drugs out there that really kick shingles in the butt. When I was a child, I remember hearing of older folks that had shingles and then there was nothing to do for them. Wow...can't even imagine how painful that must have been. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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