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Shingles during Chemotherapy
by nomolasy, Mar 03, 2008 03:13PM
My wife (72) was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer over 2-1/2 years ago. When Femara, Aromasin and Faslodex no longer worked for her, chemo was started. 4 Adriamycin treatments, followed by a series of Taxol treatments, were ordered. The WBC count 10 days after each of the Adriamycin treatments dramatically dropped - but was back to normal when the next treatment (10 days later) was due. Now, after the 3rd (of 4 planned) treatment, she came down with shingles.
Should the 4th Adriamycin treatment be administered next week as planned? If negative, what conditions must be met before her treatments may be resumed (if at all)?
Should the 4th Adriamycin treatment be administered next week as planned? If negative, what conditions must be met before her treatments may be resumed (if at all)?
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There is a possibility of reactivation of shingles in patients undergoing chemotherapy as a result of the immunocompromised state of cancer patients. After each chemotherapy session, the blood counts are "down", usually with anemia and neutroprenia. But the blood counts usually recover before the next cycle of chemotherapy.
It would be best to bring your wife back to her oncologist. Depending on the evaluation, there may be a need to give treatment for shingles and possibly delay the next chemotherapy session until the shingles resolve.
Hope this helps.