Itching in remission

Living with and after blood cancer
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I am in remission from NH lymphoma . Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).I finished chemo Polar Rchop in November and the .last PET scan was clear at end of November 2024. But I have started to itch occasionally, I can’t quite remember it exactly but itching was an early symptom before diagnosis . This may now be a dietary deficiency or reaction to Folic Acid tablets. My oncologist said it is “highly unlikely “ to be a return of the cancer. Has anyone else experienced similar itching in remission ? Thanks

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Morning @Christine55

It’s very understandable to be worried about itching after finishing treatment for Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), especially if it was an early sign for you before diagnosis.
Even when your oncologist says a return is very unlikely, it’s only natural to feel anxious.

It’s important to remember that itching can have many causes that aren’t related to cancer, such as:

  • Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
  • Reactions to medicines / food like you said

I recommend talking to your GP as well about your concerns again . They can help figure out what might be causing the itching and suggest ways to manage it. Keeping a diary to track how often you itch, how bad it is, and anything that might be triggering it can also be helpful.
You could also talk to your GP about other ways to treat the itching, such as over-the-counter antihistamines or creams for your skin.
I have heard of other people experiences of itching during or after treatment so hopefully there will be some experiences shared here.
Do hope you get to the bottom of it soon.

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Many thanks for your reply Jules

Best wishes

Christine

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A great big welcome @Christine55 and @Jules has given you a brilliant response.
Really look after yourself, I look forward to hearing more about you.

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I get itching but then again I have Mycosis Fungoides which is a T Cell Lymphoma and many of the T Cell ones seem to gravitate towards the skin but I haven’t heard that this is the case with the far more common B Cell ones.Lots of unrelated things like Psoriasis and Eczema can make the skin itch.Maybe antihistamine pills might work and they are sold in supermarkets as anti allergy pills or you can get stronger ones at a pharmacy but you have to ask for them as they are kept behind the counter and presumably stronger ones still on prescription.

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Thanks for your comments Kevan7. I will try some antihistamines.

Best wishes

Christine

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Hi @Christine55 Perhaps it might be worth talking to your GP or specialist nurse before trying any medications, lotions and potions.
Please do let us know the outcome and be very kind to yourself

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Thanks Erica. Will do.

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Thanks Erica…I called my GP. She suggested I take a low dose of the folic acid tablets and OTC antihistamine tablets if the itching is problematic. She did not think I was allergic to the folic acid tablets but from my blood test results thought I was low in iron and advised eating red meat eg liver etc. She recommended a blood test in March at my next oncology appointment to recheck.

So I feel more reassured now…thanks all for your helpful comments.

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Hi Christine55. Like you, I am in remission from Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) non-H lymphoma. I finished chemotherapy 18 months ago and in the last month or two I have noticed some itching in different parts of my body. There are no signs of rashes etc on my skin and the itches are very mild, but I am worried that it might be a sign of lymphoma despite not having any itching before my treatment. I’m just monitoring it at the moment, but will contact my doctor if it gets any worse. I wish you well in getting your symptom sorted and I’ll let you know if I learn anything useful.

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Thanks Anna1

My itchy skin improved when my doctor prescribed vitamin D3 tablets and folic acid. So it seemed to be a dietary issue. That said I do now have some small itchy patches of dry skin . These may be due to chlorine from the swimming pool…..fingers crossed.

Hope all works out well for you

Best wishes

Christine55

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Thanks for your reply, Christine55. I’m so pleased that you’ve found the likely cause for your itching and that the dietary supplements appear to be helping. My skin is very dry and got much worse during and after chemo, so it could well be something similar. Hope everything continues to go well for you.