After a double lumpectomy in September 05 (one diagnosed as DCIS but
no longer malignant when removed) I was told by an oncologist that I
would need to take arimidex for 5 years. Almost immediately, I
developed a rash on my right forefinger. This moved from one finger to
another then to the back of my hands, then both hands. Repeated
queries to my GP and the breast clinic doctors indicated they thought
it was puzzling but nothing serious. 2 years later the rash extended
to my left elbow and almost to the right armpit, I insisted on an
urgent referral to a dermatologist and did a little research to find
that rash is one the frequent side effects of arimidex.
By the time I saw the dermatologist I was rash from face to mid torso
and down to just below the top knuckle of my fingers.
2 weeks on high dose steroids, pills and cream, saw my skin return to
almost normal and I thought myself cured. No such luck, cortisone only
prevents the body's immune reponse. It doesn't actually cure
anything.
2 weeks later the rash was back on my arms, only now they were swollen
and painful, as well as itchy (I had managed to metabolise what had
made its way into my body).
It's now 3 months later. I've been able to work only 2 weeks during
that time and I'm still using steroid creams and antihistamines.
it's important to inform yourself about the drugs and treatments you
take - don't rely on doctors to do it for you.
Brigitte