Skin problems from chemo?

[Hazel30]

My Mom just finished her 6 rounds of just taxotere for her recurrence and started to develope some major skin irritations that look like burns of some sort and big red blotches.  Its all over her arms and looks horrible.  She is also itching horribly but mainly now on her back.  Her back looks awful, hurts to just look at it.  We're not too worried about the apperance but more like the cause and what to do about it.  Her oncology team thinks its from taxotere.  She didnt have this problem with her first round of chemo.
Has anyone else heard of anything like this.  She suffers badly I feel horrible for her.  People are starring at her like shes from a different planet because of the way her arms and chest looks but Im more concerned with what to do to make this go away faster.  She took steroids for this and they dont help all kinds of oitments and nothing helps.  The blotches go away and new ones come in a few days.  Looks like really bad burns then start looking almost like shingles.  I dont know how to explain it anymore.  Sorry if Im rambling now.

[Hazel30]

thank  you so much that is so helpful. I will print it out and show it to her.
Although she is done with treatment her skin is in very bad shape.  Also all her scars and sores are turning brown now, probobly means its healing but looks very odd.
Thanks again
Fiana

[SimplyStar]

How do people cope with treatment-related skin problems?
Here are some tips to help you cope with skin problems

Here are some tips to help you cope with skin problems
Wear loose, soft cotton garments
Wear SPF 30-45 sunscreen, such as Antihelios, when outside on sunny or cloudy days, even if you are wearing long sleeves and long pants because of your increased sensitivity to the sun. Use a hat.
If possible, avoid the hot sun between the hours of 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most intense. If you must be out during these times, a wide-brimmed hat or an umbrella is a must.
Use water-based make-up.
Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to keep skin hydrated.
Eat a well-balanced diet, including 4 oz. of protein per day, to promote healing.
Wash your clothes and other fabrics that come in direct contact with your skin in mild, hypoallergenic detergents (Dreft and Tide make a hypoallergenic laundry soap, but you have to read the label to be sure you buy the right one).
Use a mild moisturizing soap (Dove, Ivory Skin Cleansing Liquid Gel, Cetaphil, and Neutrogena are gentle). Avoid perfumed soaps they generally dry the skin.
Avoid exposing your skin to temperature extremes, such as the use of hot lamps, ice packs, hot water bottles, heating pads or electric blankets.
Use an electric razor, and do not shave within radiation-treated areas.
Wear light, cotton gloves when gardening or doing outdoor work, rubber or latex gloves when washing dishes. Strong gloves will help avoid skin contact with harsh chemicals, which can further damage your skin.
Bland emollients for dry skin such as Eucerin Cream, Cetaphil Cream, Bag Balm, Udder Cream, Zim’s Crack Crème, Aquaphor Ointment, Neutrogenia, or Vaseline Intensive Care (dye-free lotions and alcohol free).
For itching use the bland emollients listed above and Aveeno baths, Gold Bond Powder, and Sweet Cream.
For cracks and fissures use Band-Aid Brand Liquid Bandage, Bag Balm, and Zim’s Crack Crème.

[SimplyStar]

vWhat are the possible side effects of Taxotere?
Some people receiving a Taxotere injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, light-headed, warm, or itchy, or if you have chest tightness or trouble breathing during the injection.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;

feeling light-headed, fainting;

fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

severe diarrhea;

skin changes or bruising where the IV was placed;

nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;

swelling of your ankles or feet, weight gain;

a red, blistering, peeling skin rash; or

numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

feeling weak or tired;

white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;

mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or loss of appetite;

watery eyes;

changes in menstrual periods;

temporary hair loss; or

fingernail or toenail changes.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Taxotere?
Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with Taxotere. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with Taxotere.
There are many other drugs that can interact with Taxotere. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

One of the side effects listed seems to describe what your Mom is getting.  the sore blistering skin.