Adding insult to injury following last week's chemo, I am now being treated for shingles! Late Saturday night I finally put it all together when another cluster broke out on the back of my scalp. I'd had the usual achy, feverish flu like symptoms following last weeks chemo. But I also had some throbbing head pain, thought my glands seemed a little swollen and sore, and generally felt like I was trying to fight something off without an immune system to do so! And- all those symptoms were on the right side only. Tell tale signs for shingles! Oh- ha! And I'm over 50!
So on Sunday morning I talked to the oncologist and he concurred with my diagnosis and called in antiviral med and an antibiotic. Wait- I mean HORSE PILLS! These are the biggest pills I've ever had to take! But hopefully they will do the trick!
At first, I didn't think it was all that bad. Not tooo painful or itchy like a lot of people describe. Well, apparently if you give it a minute, that changes! The pain, while not constant, is more intense when there. It's mostly on the side of my head in the temporal area.
The itching is a bit more severe too. But again, not constant. I've been so good about not scratching so the blisters don't open. But let me tell you- this is one UGLY ailment! I have them on my neck, my chin, the back of my bald head, my ear, and my upper arm.
It's funny, the right side of my throat hurts a bit too.
I will see the doctor on Wednesday, at which time I'm sure he'll just say, "yep- it's shingles. Keep taking your meds!"
I must admit, I was a little depressed last night. I had this vision of starting to feel better and better with each new day following that last chemo session a week ago. And now here I am, hurting and feeling crappier!
Ok, pity party over! I know... the words a wonderful woman used to tell me all the time (my mommy!)...
THIS TOO SHALL PASS!!!
I just ask you to please keep me in your prayers, good thoughts or whatever... And I'll be more than happy to do the same for you! Thanks.
So on Sunday morning I talked to the oncologist and he concurred with my diagnosis and called in antiviral med and an antibiotic. Wait- I mean HORSE PILLS! These are the biggest pills I've ever had to take! But hopefully they will do the trick!
At first, I didn't think it was all that bad. Not tooo painful or itchy like a lot of people describe. Well, apparently if you give it a minute, that changes! The pain, while not constant, is more intense when there. It's mostly on the side of my head in the temporal area.
The itching is a bit more severe too. But again, not constant. I've been so good about not scratching so the blisters don't open. But let me tell you- this is one UGLY ailment! I have them on my neck, my chin, the back of my bald head, my ear, and my upper arm.
It's funny, the right side of my throat hurts a bit too.
I will see the doctor on Wednesday, at which time I'm sure he'll just say, "yep- it's shingles. Keep taking your meds!"
I must admit, I was a little depressed last night. I had this vision of starting to feel better and better with each new day following that last chemo session a week ago. And now here I am, hurting and feeling crappier!
Ok, pity party over! I know... the words a wonderful woman used to tell me all the time (my mommy!)...
THIS TOO SHALL PASS!!!
I just ask you to please keep me in your prayers, good thoughts or whatever... And I'll be more than happy to do the same for you! Thanks.
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