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Ok this is now a week later and my face still has this damn rash! It’s a little on my neck, too. It almost looks like I’m a teenager going through puberty. To make matters worse, the right eye that was puffy is back to normal, but now my left eye has some kind of infection. This has been going on for four days now.

It feels like there is something in there, but there isn’t anything at all. My eyelid is red, too. My throat (skin) is REALLY dry and my face looks like it could probably peel off any day now. This chemo is just drying me out. I was starting to get concerned so I went to NextCare yesterday. They tested me for strep throat and it came out negative. =)

The doc said that I have some kind of infection so he gave me antibiotics in a pill form and a goopy Vaseline like drop that goes in the eye. It’s messy and burns when I put it in. I had also made an appointment with an eye care specialist and decided to keep the appointment and get a second opinion. The eye doc said basically the same thing and gave me the same prescription as well as another eye drop to put in my eye.

At least this one isn’t goopy and doesn’t burn when I put it in. This eye drop goes in every 4 hours. I am praying that this gets better ASAP. I can’t go into surgery with an infection. If this doesn’t clear up by Thursday then I will have to push the surgery back.

The contractor is starting on the bathrooms this Thursday! I am so excited. It seems like we have been planning this forever and now we are finally starting! I am going to have to stay in a hotel with the cats for the first week because of the debris that will be flying around. The idiots that owned this place before put down tile on top of tile. Yep, two layers of tile!

That means that there is going to be twice the amount of dust and particles when they start demolition on the bathroom floor in the master. The last thing that I need to be doing is inhaling tile particles. I gotta get the cats out of the condo, too, since the workers will be coming and going and will probably be leaving doors open. I don’t want the cats to get out. They will also probably freak out with all of the people and noise that will be going on. It looks like I gotta run…my cat Sissy is eating the Christmas tree and about to take it down!

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Expert HERWriter Guide Blogger

Hi Melissa - Sorry you're going through these issues, and I have a couple of suggestions. First, a good way to deal with the dust is to get a face mask. I have allergies to dust, and find the masks very helpful. You can get inexpensive paper ones at the drug store, or you can find really fancy (and more expensive ones) from companies that specialize in allergy treatment products.

Now, for the dry skin problem. Skin reactions to drug therapy are very common. It helps to use mild, non-perfumed, non-deodorant soaps. Some that I like are Neutrogena, Aveeno, Basis and Dove. Or, instead of soap, a gentle creme cleanser can help with the dryness. Using a moisturizer will also help as the oils in them provide a layer over the skin to help keep moisture in, and help keep you from drying out. Again, it helps to avoid the ones with heavy fragrance as they can irritate the skin. Look for products labeled "perfume-free," "for sensitive skin," or "allergen-free." Many doctors recommend Cetaphil lotion or Sarna lotion. Both are drug store products that are good for those with dry skin and sensitive skin, and are often recommended for cancer patients.

Hope this helps, and that you're able to enjoy your remodeling project and make the most of it. Take care, Pat

December 16, 2009 - 6:08pm

Melissa,

What fun to be finally starting such a fabulous project! I know the hassle and the dust are troublesome, and living with cats in a hotel is never a picnic. But it sounds like it will truly be worth it in the end. And more important than that, it's a project for the future. Yay! Happy renovating!

December 16, 2009 - 9:42am
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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