We are always on the look out for rashes. The potential of a GVHD rash is unlikely now, but possible. The last major rash was caused by a drug reaction. It will take a long time for Sue's skin to be fully recovered so other minor skin issues can crop up. But the other type of rash we are worried about is caused by the shingles, an unpleasant and very painful condition that is more likely due to the impacted immune system. Last night what looked like a rash that could be getting worse. Could it be....shingles?
We sprung into action, sending an email with a photo of the afflicted area to the doctor and dermatologist. The dermatologist said to come in. Not sure when and after waiting awhile for an answer, we jumped in the car in the morning to ride up to Baltimore. Fortunately, she could see us. And, whew, it was just a mild skin condition that a topical prescription could help with, but definitely not shingles. We jumped back in the car and came back home.
It will be nice to feel less frantic about seemingly small things, but it is still time to be vigilant. Sue still has a permanent port for giving back blood (probably for at least 18 months) which is limiting. Speaking of which, Sue found a local hospital that could take blood from the port so we could avoid going all the way to Baltimore every month. So we also found out that since we have a local place and since Sue is doing well, we will only need to see her oncologist/doctor at Hopkins every 4 months or so.
Also Sue is getting more hand cramps which are likely caused by the Gleevec so since there is another similar drug, she may be switching. Physical therapy, both aquatic and non, are going well, although her hip is still in a little pain and her hamstring has been acting up. The hip will need to be checked again this summer. But all in all, things are going well.
Comments