Blood Clots

adventurebob
adventurebob Member Posts: 691
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Hi Guys,
I have been getting blood clots in my arms since starting chemo with Cisplatin and Gemzar 2 months ago. For the most part they have just been uncomfortable and gone away shortly. I have started giving myself Lovenox shots twice daily to prevent future clots but have one really big one lingering at the bend in my arm that is preventing me from straightening the arm and everything that requires that. It is also a bit painful in a dull achy way but not really too bad. Have others had this experience and is there anything to be done but wait for the clot to go away? Doc suggested hot compresses and I have been doing them but there has been no change. Thanks,

Bob

Comments

  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    Hi Bob


    From what I know blood clots are not normal, please get a second opinion on this as soon as you can.

    Take care and let us know how you are doing.
    Hondo
  • stevenl
    stevenl Member Posts: 587
    Hondo said:

    Hi Bob


    From what I know blood clots are not normal, please get a second opinion on this as soon as you can.

    Take care and let us know how you are doing.
    Hondo

    Blood Clots
    Bob,
    Blood clots can move to your heart. I had 2 in my legs and have taken meds to help and they have all but cleared up. But with my doc it was a serious situation.

    Best,
    Steve
  • adventurebob
    adventurebob Member Posts: 691
    Hondo said:

    Hi Bob


    From what I know blood clots are not normal, please get a second opinion on this as soon as you can.

    Take care and let us know how you are doing.
    Hondo

    clots
    Saw a hand surgeon yesterday who said the large clot was caused by three factors:
    1. Having cancer= more blood clotting
    2. Chemo, especially Gemzar increases blood clotting and vein scarring
    3. The iodine contrast from my last PET scan aggravated an already scarred and clotted vein

    I will be starting physical therapy next week to regain movement and function. Doc expects 6 months at 3x weekly to clear up a situation that happened almost over night. And I get to keep giving myself 2x daily injections of an anticoagulant to prevent further clots. Cancer really is the gift that keeps on giving. But, I'm alive and surrounded by people who love me. Life is still beautiful.

    Bob