UPDATE in post #55: Can shingles be an indicator for lymphoma relapse in a child?

[justlearning]

DS contracted chicken pox as a baby. On the advice of his doctor, he received the chicken pox vaccine at 1 year old. He was diagnosed with lymphoma at 2 years old. He was treated for 2 years and has been in remission since 2009.

He now has developed shingles. I'm taking him to the doctor tomorrow but doing some online research now and it appears that there could be a connection between t-cell lymphoma and shingles. If his pediatrician agrees that there could be a connection, I will then make an appt. with his oncologist.

So I'm curious if any of you are informed on this subject? If so, do you think that there's any cause for concern with his shingles now or not?

(Later edited to delete some very specific details.)

[infocrazy]

I'm not at all informed, but I wouldn't be able to stop thinking about it unless I at least got it checked out. I can't think of a better reason to waste a copay.

[justlearning]

I'm not at all informed, but I wouldn't be able to stop thinking about it unless I at least got it checked out. I can't think of a better reason to waste a copay.

He has a $4,000 deductible so it'll be at least $600 out of pocket for the visit with his oncologist, but I'm obviously willing to pay that if there's a chance that it could be an indicator of cancer.

[LizLemon]

I'm so sorry to hear about your son's lymphoma history, but glad to hear he has been in remission for several years! I would say if you have concerns, rather than gathering possible misinformation from the internet and just ask your pediatrician and/or oncologist. For me personally, that would ease my mind more than advice from the internet that I wasn't sure applied or not.

[LizLemon]

He has a $4,000 deductible so it'll be at least $600 out of pocket for the visit with his oncologist, but I'm obviously willing to pay that if there's a chance that it could be an indicator of cancer.

I'm sorry your family is having to go through this. I can't imagine how stressful it must be. Java is disabled for me, but ~hugs~

[Momof3Labs]

I'm so glad to hear that he did go into remission; I had drifted away from the boards and lost track of his condition.

No advice on the shingles, unfortunately.

[Globetrotter]

:hug: It must be so stressful to think about these things, but honestly I would just go get it checked for peace of mind. I have no idea if there is a connection, but I do know that I would be going nuts if I was unsure so better to confirm with a professional.

[justlearning]

I am taking him to his pediatrician tomorrow and likely his oncologist (depending on what the pediatrician says). I just posted this question here--along with his specific medical history--in case anyone happens to have expertise in this area (very unlikely, I realize). I like to be able to ask informed questions at my son's appointments, which is why I try to research it beforehand. I'm not trying to diagnose him myself or have others diagnose him over the internet.

Thanks for your kind words. It is such a blessing that his cancer has been in remission this long, and I am very hopeful that the shingles don't mean anything and that he will continue to be healthy.

[Globetrotter]

Of course. I can totally understand - wish I could be of some help! :hug:

[Seitvonzu]

couldn't read and not post good thoughts-- hopefully you'll get happy answers soon! *hugs*

[ecofem]

No insight.... But P and PT

[o_mom]

I don't know if they are related, but I would either call the oncologist or have the ped call and ask if he needs to be seen. I would not just make an appointment without talking to someone. I know around here the pediatric specialists are so booked that they don't want any unnecessary appointments.

[megs4413]

I have absolutely no expertise in this area, but am wondering if your oncologist would take your question over the phone to at least give you a better indication if you need to go ahead and see him/her or if you're OK to wait until your regular follow-up. Obviously, $600 is nothing when you're talking about the health of your child, but I know what it's like when you have a child who is chronically ill or regularly needs pediatric specialist care...those bills really add up over time. If you could get the info and save yourself the copay that would be great. You just need to know if he needs to be evaluated for possible recurrence or not, right? Seems like they could answer that question over the phone, though I have only dealt with oncologists for my DH. pediatric cancer care is totally foreign to me.

HUGE hugs. I will be praying that your son stays cancer free.

[elephantmeg]

lots of P+PT I hope it turns out to be nothing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[justlearning]

Good suggestions regarding calling the oncologist beforehand to see if the appt is recommended. The situation is somewhat complicated by the fact that DS's oncologist just retired and moved away, so this would be his first appt. with the new oncologist, but perhaps DS's pediatrician could make that phone call if he has any questions about whether or not DS should see an oncologist.

[California]

Several of my relatives have had cancer. When their immune systems were weakened by the chemo, shingles became a concern and they took preventive anti-viral drugs for it. And, my aunt did get it when she forgot to take the medication. As you've no doubt experienced with your son, white blood cell counts are very easy to test for.

Has your son had anything else happen that might weaken his immune system? Other illnesses, stress? That is probably what the doctor will first ask you about.

My uncle is a non-Hodgkins lymphoma 15 year survivor. When he was done with chemo, he looked and felt horrible.

After several months he consulted with his doctor and a holistic med practitioner to rebuild his immune system. It may sound odd, but he jumped on a trampoline (to get the lymph system circulating), spent time in saunas, juiced, drank a ton of water, ate extremely healthy, worked out a lot-- and after six months we could all see a huge improvement in his skin tone and energy level. If it turns out that the shingles is a sign that the lymphoma and chemo have left your son with a weak immune system, that's definitely something that you can help improve.

[hellokitty]

:hug: I don't have knowledge to share with you, but agree that an appt is the best way to get the right answers. I'm hoping for the best for you guys.

[AnnieW625]

saying lots of prayers for you and your son:hug:

[SkyrMommy]

:grouphug: Many prayers for your DS & good thoughts that you'll get answers you need.

[KDsMommy]

I have no advice, but wanted to send you hugs and P&PT

[SASM]

I would call the oncologist ASAP. HUGE HUGE hugs...:hug: Sending lots of P&PT's your way....

[liz]

Sending you and DS P&PT :grouphug:

[lmh2402]

sending many prayer and positive thoughts

i so hope that all turns out ok

:hug:

[wencit]

No advice, but P&PT that it doesn't turn out to be related.

:hug:

[jent]

Good suggestions regarding calling the oncologist beforehand to see if the appt is recommended. The situation is somewhat complicated by the fact that DS's oncologist just retired and moved away, so this would be his first appt. with the new oncologist, but perhaps DS's pediatrician could make that phone call if he has any questions about whether or not DS should see an oncologist.

I think that is wise. I would see your PCP, who could evaluate DS and then talk to the oncologist. The oncologist might recommend testing that your PCP could order and interpret, or might prefer to see DS.

[KpbS]

Sending hugs. I'll be thinking of you guys tomorrow and praying for you and your DS. :grouphug:

[curiousgeorge]

Sending lots of hugs and P & PT your way that everything is OK.

[firstbaby]

I couldn't read and not post. Many hugs and positive thoughts!

[KLD313]

Positive thoughts that it turns out to be not related.

[Kindra178]

i hope it is just a coincidence. However, I would really push this with the oncologist.

[sweetsue98]

Pt & p! Keep us posted.

[twowhat?]

I'm not an oncologist, but know enough about the immune system that I would definitely want it checked out. Shingles can be triggered by many things, including some sort of change in the ratios of immune system cells.

Huge, huge P&PT to you. I can't imagine how hard that (and is) to go through!

[DrSally]

Good ideas to see ped, and then either have the ped call the oncologistor call yourself tosee if an appt.is warranted. I'm hoping it's "just" a sign that the treatment has weakened his immune system, and he needs to build that up, like pp alluded to.

[justlearning]

Good ideas to see ped, and then either have the ped call the oncologistor call yourself tosee if an appt.is warranted. I'm hoping it's "just" a sign that the treatment has weakened his immune system, and he needs to build that up, like pp alluded to.

Considering that he has been off treatment for 3 1/2 years and has had perfect CBC's since then, I don't think that the shingles is due to the treatment he received back then (although perhaps it's possible). From what I've read, it seems that cancer itself can also weaken the immune system, which concerns me.

Thank you all for your P&PT. I really appreciate it and will keep you updated.

[DrSally]

Oh nO, I hope not. Best to get it chcked out. We're all hoping for e best for you and your sweet boy

[MMMommy]

Get him checked out for peace of mind. Hugs and P and PT for him. Hoping for clean bill of health.

[wendibird22]

Hugs and many P&PT to you both. Has he been under any recent stress? Recent illness? Exposed to anyone with chicken pox?

DH had shingles at age 35. The doc was concerned that someone young had it (since shingles is usually seen in the elderly) and tested him for all sorts of immune issues including HIV (yikes!). Everything turned out normal and she chalked it up to stress and anxiety (busy busy time for him at work). She also felt that him simply being exposed to CP virus could be a trigger. He worked in a elementary school at the time so he was very likely to have come in direct contact with a student(s) with CP.

PS: Did the ped give the shingles diagnosis? Couldn't tell from the original post how/when he was diagnosed.

[brittone2]

Hugs and many P&PT to you both. Has he been under any recent stress? Recent illness? Exposed to anyone with chicken pox?

DH had shingles at age 35. The doc was concerned that someone young had it (since shingles is usually seen in the elderly) and tested him for all sorts of immune issues including HIV (yikes!). Everything turned out normal and she chalked it up to stress and anxiety (busy busy time for him at work). She also felt that him simply being exposed to CP virus could be a trigger. He worked in a elementary school at the time so he was very likely to have come in direct contact with a student(s) with CP.

PS: Did the ped give the shingles diagnosis? Couldn't tell from the original post how/when he was diagnosed.
I've read theories about the opposite scenario possibly being true. In the past, more adults our age had exposure to chicken pox because they would have children go through it, etc. That provided a natural boost to the immune system. Now that the varicella vax has decreased the # of chicken pox cases, adults our age have lost the natural boost that was historically something they were exposed to through their kids. It isn't a settled matter and is still being studied, but that was theorized way back when the varicella vax came out, and seems to be an ongoing issue that has to be studied.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22659447
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21277405
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2374947/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19796447
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12099726
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16126614
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17270316

OP, I hope you can get some guidance from your ped and DC's oncologist. Thinking of you. (eta: and yes, my apologies too for the highjack!)

[wendibird22]

I've read theories about the opposite scenario possibly being true. In the past, more adults our age had exposure to chicken pox because they would have children go through it, etc. That provided a natural boost to the immune system. Now that the varicella vax has decreased the # of chicken pox cases, adults our age have lost the natural boost that was historically something they were exposed to through their kids. It isn't a settled matter and is still being studied, but that was theorized way back when the varicella vax came out, and seems to be an ongoing issue that has to be studied.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22659447
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21277405
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2374947/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19796447
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12099726
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16126614
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17270316

OP, I hope you can get some guidance from your ped and DC's oncologist. Thinking of you.

Right. Since DH is around mostly vaxed kids he wasn't getting the frequent immune boost against it and so coming in contact with a kid w/ CP was all it took. There were 1-2 kids out with CP when DH got shingles. I know a lot of 30 somethings who've had shingles but I think many docs are still old school in their thinking that shingles is an illness of the elderly.

ETA: Sorry to hijack!

[brittone2]

Right. Since DH is around mostly vaxed kids he wasn't getting the frequent immune boost against it and so coming in contact with a kid w/ CP was all it took. There were 1-2 kids out with CP when DH got shingles. I know a lot of 30 somethings who've had shingles but I think many docs are still old school in their thinking that shingles is an illness of the elderly.

ETA: Sorry to hijack!
I thought conventional wisdom is that you can't get shingles from a CP exposure, but that you can possibly catch chicken pox from direct contact with the shingles rash if not vaxed or otherwise immune?

[123LuckyMom]

I just read this thread, and I certainly hope it all turned out okay!!!!!!!!!

[carolinamama]

I don't have any expertise to offer but I just read this and wanted to send you lots of P&PT and hugs. Hope it is just a coincidence.

[justlearning]

His pediatrician said it's definitely shingles, prescribed anti-viral, and ordered a CBC (bloodwork). I should know the results of those in a few hours. He will use that information to make a recommendation about seeing the oncologist.

To answer a PP question, DS has not been under any stress or had any illness recently (not even a cold since Nov), which is what concerned me more.

It is rare to get shingles as a child--the stat is only 5% of shingles cases are people under the age of 14. So considering that shingles for a 7 year old is a rare event and cancer is a rare event, it also led me to question if there might be a connection.

My online research showed that a suppressed immune system is necessary for the activation of shingles. That suppressed immune system can be caused by stress, illness, cancer itself, or cancer treatment.

Because cancer can lead to a suppressed immune system, it has long been thought that doctors should check for cancer when examining someone for shingles. However, a recent study in Taiwan (Sept. 2012) suggests that shingles does not portend cancer.

Still, considering that DS has already had cancer (and is thus at risk of that cancer relapsing) and also has had lots of radiation (radiation therapy to his brain and from scans), which itself has also elevated his risk for getting cancer, I do have concerns about his shingles. So I'll have to decide what to do if DS's pediatrician calls back and says that the CBC is normal and that there's no need to see an oncologist.

Thanks again for your P&PT. I don't want to be too laid back and miss something (last time his cancer was 4th stage when diagnosed so I want to catch it earlier if he gets cancer again), but I also don't want to be a neurotic parent who worries about everything (and who maybe googles too much!). There needs to be a balance, but I think I'd rather error on the side of being overly worried if it's in my son's best interest to do so.

[KDsMommy]

:22: I too would probably want to err on the side of caution and be a little too worried for fear of missing it if it was cancer.

Big hugs to you, this has got to be so hard.

[Indianamom2]

I can't imagine the stress of this kind of decision, but I think that it sounds like you are being careful yet balanced in your approach. The CBC will only take a short time and then you can make a more informed decision based on that.

Let's just all hope and pray that he is in that tiny percentile of kids who are unlucky enough to get shingles just because. :hug:

[lovin2shop]

Lots of prayers and positive thoughts coming your way!

[brittone2]

His pediatrician said it's definitely shingles, prescribed anti-viral, and ordered a CBC (bloodwork). I should know the results of those in a few hours. He will use that information to make a recommendation about seeing the oncologist.

To answer a PP question, DS has not been under any stress or had any illness recently (not even a cold since Nov), which is what concerned me more.

It is rare to get shingles as a child--the stat is only 5% of shingles cases are people under the age of 14. So considering that shingles for a 7 year old is a rare event and cancer is a rare event, it also led me to question if there might be a connection.

My online research showed that a suppressed immune system is necessary for the activation of shingles. That suppressed immune system can be caused by stress, illness, cancer itself, or cancer treatment.

Because cancer can lead to a suppressed immune system, it has long been thought that doctors should check for cancer when examining someone for shingles. However, a recent study in Taiwan (Sept. 2012) suggests that shingles does not portend cancer.

Still, considering that DS has already had cancer (and is thus at risk of that cancer relapsing) and also has had lots of radiation (radiation therapy to his brain and from scans), which itself has also elevated his risk for getting cancer, I do have concerns about his shingles. So I'll have to decide what to do if DS's pediatrician calls back and says that the CBC is normal and that there's no need to see an oncologist.

Thanks again for your P&PT. I don't want to be too laid back and miss something (last time his cancer was 4th stage when diagnosed so I want to catch it earlier if he gets cancer again), but I also don't want to be a neurotic parent who worries about everything (and who maybe googles too much!). There needs to be a balance, but I think I'd rather error on the side of being overly worried if it's in my son's best interest to do so.
We are here for you, and obviously hopeful that it is just a coincidence. I am sure it is very stressful waiting :hug: I think it is good that you are on top of it and making sure he's followed up on adequately. Hoping for the best for you and your little guy.

[div_0305]

Just wanted to post as well that I'm also sending positive thoughts and prayers for you and your family. :grouphug::hug:

[hillview]

P&pt coming to you

[mommylamb]

How very frightening. Will be thinking of you.

[citymama]

I hope it's just shingles, plain and simple, nothing else. Thinking of you and sending p&pt your way. :hug:

[sste]

Lots of positive thoughts your way! I so hope this is just a blip and your mind will be set at ease soon.

[Globetrotter]

He is lucky to have a proactive mom! I hope it's just a fluke event.

[wendibird22]

I hope it's just shingles, plain and simple, nothing else. Thinking of you and sending p&pt your way. :hug:

:yeahthat:

[justlearning]

Edited with another update: I did just call the oncology clinic and talked with a nurse that treated DS. She said that this exact situation came up this week--another family called when their child came down with shingles and the oncologist said that there was no need to come in if he had a normal CBC and was being treated by the pediatrician. Whew! I'm so glad that I called. I feel at peace now with everything. :)

original post:

Thanks so much for all your support. As I've said many times before, I really love this BBB community.

The bloodwork all came back normal, including indicators of inflammation and other markers that could raise a red flag regarding potential cancer. So his pediatrician feels confident that it's not related to a cancer relapse and said that there's no need to see an oncologist.

Like I said, I'm not sure not if I should still make that appointment or rest assured that everything's fine based upon his CBC results. I'm inclined to trust those results and the ped's judgment because I don't believe that the oncologist would pursue any other testing that would be invasive or involve more radiation to look for cancer, especially when there are no other signs of cancer (energy level is good, lymph nodes are fine, etc.) But I'll talk it over with my husband tonight and see what his thoughts are. I may go ahead and just contact the oncology clinic to see if one of the nurses would ask the new oncologist whether or not I should go in. (I didn't ask DS' ped to make that phone call because he seemed confident enough that there was no need for any consultation with the oncologist.)

Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers.

[AnnieW625]

Yay, and good luck!

[Globetrotter]

What a relief!

Good idea to call the oncologist as there is probably no reason to go.

[larig]

wonderful news. PTs for the shingle healing being quick.

[marie]

What a relief.

I think a call to the oncologist might not be a bad idea. That way you've already started a relationship should you (and I certainly hope not) need them down the road.

you sound like such a wonderful advocate for your child!

[luli13]

So happy his blood work came back normal. I have been thinking about your post and sending you positive thoughts:)

[carolinamama]

I cannot imagine the relief that you must feel. Great news.

[justlearning]

What a relief.

I think a call to the oncologist might not be a bad idea. That way you've already started a relationship should you (and I certainly hope not) need them down the road.

you sound like such a wonderful advocate for your child!

Thanks! I did go ahead and call the clinic and updated my post above (#55) with their answer.

[Philly Mom]

Great update! Hope the he feels better soon.

[elephantmeg]

yeah! what a relief!

[sunshine873]

Great update, whew!

[Aishe]

So relieved for you! What a wonderful update.

[crl]

Oh such wonderful news!

Catherine

[KpbS]

Wonderful! :boogie:

[♥ms.pacman♥]

yay, what a relief!! am so happy for you!!

[brittone2]

Wonderful! :D

[MMMommy]

Good news. Thanks for updating!

[mackmama]

So relieving and really glad you called. Phew! Now it's time to catch up on your sleep, mama.

[liz]

I am so happy to hear your news! Sending continued P&PT for DS. I hope his episode with shingles is over quick :hug:

[justlearning]

I'm feeling so relieved and, yes, I will sleep well tonight. :)

[KLD313]

Great news! So glad to hear that!

[ecofem]

Whew! PT for speedy healing!!!!

[megs4413]

what a relief! Thanks for taking the time to update! Hope the shingles go away quickly!

[blisstwins]

Hope you can sleep now. I can only imagine how you have been feeling.

[maestramommy]

Yay on a good update!

[ett]

That's great news! Thanks for the update.

[wendibird22]

:boogie: That's such a great update! What a relief and a blessing. Hug that kiddo tight and breath a big huge long sigh of relief.

[trales]

Great update. I am so happy for you.

[kaharris83]

Wonderful update!! So happy to hear. Hope he feels better quickly. I've heard shingles is no fun.

[twowhat?]

What a HUGE, HUGE relief for you guys!! So glad to hear this.

[Melaine]

I didn't post when I first read because I have 0 experience in this area, but you better believe I said a prayer for you guys! Very glad to hear that all is well. I hope he is feeling better soon too!

[Twoboos]

Huge relief!! Congrats on the good news! And hoping for a smooth recovery from Shingles.

[lmh2402]

that is such great news - awesome update! :bighand:

[Melbel]

Thank goodness for such a great outcome. I know you must be so relieved.

[SkyrMommy]

:hug: So glad to read the great update, I hope his case of shingles heals quickly.

[anamika]

Great update. :cheerleader1:

[DrSally]

So happy for you!!!