Red burning cheeks after 1st chemo, how do I keep it at bay?

Yesterday I had my 1st chemotherapy session for breast cancer.  I was sick last night and the nausea has lasted into today. Today I have hot burning cheeks, my temperature is okay and I feel fine, but my cheeks are on fire. I called the treatment helpline and was told to monitor my symptoms. I was just wondering if anyone else has had this, how long did it last and were you able to control it? 

Thanks x

  • Yes, I had red burning cheeks for a day or so after treatment, but it died down leaving me white-faced and ghastly! It seems it's all par for the course.  I have only one more treatment  to go, and then look forward to feeling human again.  Keep your spirits up xx

  • Thank you for putting my mind at ease, thankfully today it has settled down, I just have a bit of an allover ache today. I bet you are glad you have one treatment to go, my next session is just under 2 weeks away. I have been pretty drained today, napped for 3hrs. Feel better after it though. 

    Take Care xx

  • Im sorry to hear about your cheeks. I suffered terribly with mine after every chemo, all 12 unfortunately. After a while I did get used to the routine of them burning for a couple of days before going back down. Know that you're not the only one who has had it.

    I found that ice packs wrapped in towels and a cooling face mask that you can put in the fridge helped a lot - altho I had to shop around as the first one smelled so strongly I couldn't stand to have it on my face!

    I know it's absolutely awful, you're doing the right thing checking your temperature with it to ensure its not a fever. Unfortunately I think it's just a nasty side effect. I hope it doesn't last too long for you and that you don't get it everytime although it is a possibility.

    I know how miserable it is so if you need a rant do feel free to chat!

    All the best

    Rose