Anyone else had an itchy raised rash circling area around port?

Posted by djchambers @djchambers, May 17 3:13pm

Has anyone else had an itchy raised rash circling area around port?

I’ve had five chemo infusions of cap/temo. My 6th round was delayed by 1 week because my husband had a bad cold (which I’m hoping to not catch but may still catch).

So my last use of port was 2 days before itchy rash appeared. It was only to take blood. And I only had a small bandaid as compared to the large bandage during and after chemo. That bandage always leaves my skin red and irritated. But no rash until now. Rash is redder than in photo. Also, the port itself has dark skin like there’s been bleeding underneath.

I’ve left msg for my oncologist but it’s over the weekend. So I don’t expect to hear back until Monday unless I call and say it’s urgent.

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Turkey, Volunteer Mentor | @tomrennie | May 19 2:53pm

@djchambers Did you get a chance to talk to your oncologist yet?

djchambers | @djchambers | May 19 3:09pm

In reply to @tomrennie "@djchambers Did you get a chance to talk to your oncologist yet?" + (show)

@tomrennie
No. But after numerous notes on my chart as well as phone calls, they agreed for me to come in and see the nurses. They believe the rash is the result of the antibiotic cleaner they are using. They’ve given me prednisone and suggested OTC cortisone cream. The prednisone seems to be making a difference. Although it causes my face to flush and makes it difficult to sleep at night. They are planning to use iodine and alcohol to clean my skin in the future rather than the antibiotic cleanser.
I’ve asked them to note that cleaner as something I’m allergic to.

Turkey, Volunteer Mentor | @tomrennie | May 20 7:04am

In reply to @djchambers "@tomrennie No. But after numerous notes on my chart as well as phone calls, they agreed..." + (show)

@djchambers Sometimes you have to be the squeaky wheel to get the grease. Keep advocating for yourself. Hopefully the prednisone continues to work and the side effects minimize. Good luck with your nurses visit. Let us know how it goes ok?