Flushing and numbness of face

hi all, 

i finished my chemo for breast cancer almost 6 weeks ago, and have had facial flushing since then on a daily basis. I was advised by my breast nurse to try piriton as was obviously a reaction to chemo. I felt it helped a bit but not so much now. I've been taking it for more than 3 weeks. My cheeks get very red and hot and in the past two weeks I have now started experiencing a numb sensation, a bit like how your face might feel after an a anaesthetic jag at the dentist. I have been a bit concerned about it and neither my breast nurse or oncologist have heard of the side effects. Has anyone else experienced these? I wondered how long they take to go away......or if they definitely will. 

  • Hi Sandra, 

    I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing some side effects since finishing your chemo 6 weeks ago. There are a quite a few members on the forum that have either had chemo for breast cancer or another type of cancer and I'm sure some of them will pop by soon to share their advice and experiences with you.

    I know you said that your breast nurse and oncologist aren't familiar with this as a side effect but I just wanted to give you our cancer nurses telephone number in case you wanted to chat to them about this. Their freephone number is 0808 800 4040 and they are available Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m so do give them a call when you can as they may have some insight in to this.

    I will have my fingers crossed that the flushing and numbness will disappear for you soon.

    All the best, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi Sandra mine started when I stsrted new lot of chemo. I had chemo not last week week before, and 3 days ago my face got worse cancelled my 2 lots chemotherapy for tomorrow.  I take paracetamol for it i have emergency apointment to see my oncologist tomorrow. It is the paclitaxel that has caused it .

  • Hi Sandra 123, 

    I have had carbo & taxol for 4 rounds I got flushed cheeks left worse and neuropathy in right foot and hands but not severe. I’ve been on carbo on its own just finished 6 rounds and I now get like tingling or like it’s slight rain drops falling on my face it happens when I go from warm room to colder room . Weird I know but I’m sure it’s the chemo side effects . Take care 

     

     

  • Hello,

    Im on paclitaxel and my face is numb too :( have been having loads of hot flushes as well.  Gutted.

  • Same I have finished treatment now my face feels tight and numb  got to have some teeth out I hope this is ok and will not make my face worse

  • Hi,

     

    Had my last dose of docetaxel a week ago Monday. 

     

    I've been getting a numbing sensation on my face too, mostly around mouth and forehead. Like someone said, it's the feeling you get when anaesthetic wears off after dental trip.

     

    I've had no end of effects from docetaxel, mostly excruciating pain.

     

    Due for operation in about 3 weeks, hoping the effects start easing soon. I've read some nightmare stories about lasting effects


  •  

    it's the paclitaxel what causes the problem s so my oncologist says I finished chemotherapy in July my face is a lot better but not completely lost the numbness my feet are still quite numb and cold best of luck on your journey x