25 replies to this topic

[dede5]

I'm finding the BMB conversation very interesting. When my journey began, I was more freaked out by the idea of a BMB than of the cancer itself. I've had two so far, and both were done as outpatient in radiology under sedation. Now, my hem/onc does them in his office. I have panic attacks every time I go for an office visit and hear someone come out talking about how painful theirs was. Don't know if I'll ever need another one, but after reading these comments, I'm gonna follow suit and refuse unless I can be knocked out.

[Trey]

Colleen,

 

You said:

"...side effects of itchy scalp driving me crazy. Dr. says no one has ever had that complaint before."

 

Itchy scalp is one of the more frequent side effects of TKI drugs.  Especially Gleevec and Tasigna.  Only itch with the flat of your palm, never with the fingernails or it will only get worse. 

[rcase13]

Ah I have the opposite approach... I dig and scratch like crazy until my head feels like it is going to spontaneously combust. That will usually keep the itch at bay for a little while. So far no flames but I swear I smelled smoke once.

[blueheron]

My scalp doesn't itch so much as flake, ooze, and crust. It's almost impossible to not scratch off the flakes and waxy sebaceous plugs. It varies in severity, wish I could figure out what diet/shampoo/treatment combo would work.

[colleen01]

Ah I have the opposite approach... I dig and scratch like crazy until my head feels like it is going to spontaneously combust. That will usually keep the itch at bay for a little while. So far no flames but I swear I smelled smoke once.

that's hilarious! thanks for making me laugh so early in the day! Benadryl helps,and a liquid gel from my derm.

[kat73]

I was very popular with my children when they got poison ivy, because I told them to go ahead and scratch - it makes no difference in the end and it definitely, DEFINITELY feels so much better in the short run.  Goodness, what a terrible moral lesson that was!  Bad mother.