Hi, I was diagnosed with APML last July and have just finished treatment in April.
My consultant told me at my last consultation in May my bloods are at normal levels and I’m classed as MRD-ve remission.
I’ve just had a message from a colleague who I was with yesterday to say she has just been diagnosed as having shingles though at the moment it is the rash stage not blisters.
I know when I was having treatment (ATRA and arsenic trioxide) I would have needed to contact but does anyone know if that the same now treatment is finished?
Why do these things always happen when everywhere is closed 
.
Thanks
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Hi @Andibbe yes, everything does always happen at weekends, for me it is Friday evenings.
You say that you know who you could contact during your treatment.
Otherwise have you a t specialist nurse or your ward you might contact.
I don’t think it matters that your treatment has finished
You could ring 111.
I fear it might be a waiting game till Monday otherwise and also to see if you show any symptoms
I attach a link to the NHS site Shingles - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
If you are anything like me you will be imagining having the symptoms right now.
You do not know if you will get it or not.
Do something you enjoy tomorrow to divert yourself, perhaps without close contact with others.
If you are given the 2 stage non live vaccine (Shingrix) at any time it had to be ordered in to my surgery for me.
Be kind to yourself, the waiting and not knowing are horrible and my thoughts and emotions go wild…
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Hi @Erica and thanks for your reply, you make some really good suggestions that I will follow.
I totally forgot about the ward so I’ll get in contact with them and see if they can help.
Enjoy your weekend x
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Hello @Andibbe
Did you manage to speak to someone on the ward? I am certainly no expert in infection control nor shingles, however it is unlikely you would get shingles unless your friend/colleague had weeping blisters.
“Shingles spreads through direct contact with the fluid from the blisters. If someone who has never had chickenpox comes in contact with this fluid, they will contract chickenpox, not shingles. Later in life, they may develop shingles. Although airborne transmission is rare, it is possible.”
Have you previously had Chickenpox?
Sadly there is not much you can do, other than be aware of any symptoms that present and getting medical advice straight away (GP/111/Haem team in the week).
It might be a good opportunity now to discuss Shingrex vaccines and risk levels with your Haematologist/GP after the bank holiday, on the back of this happening to you.
Yes, you are right… things like this always happens on a bank holiday weekend!!
Take care, Heidi.
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Hi @Heidi_BloodCancerUK and thank you for your reply.
Yes I have already had chickenpox as a child and shingles about 11 years ago.
My friend who has the shingles does not yet have blisters and the doctor has told her she is not yet infectious so I decided not to call the ward but will monitor and speak to my haematology nurse once they are back regarding this and will ask about the vaccine thanks xx
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Sounds like a plan @Andibbe. Hope you stay well 
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