swelling in the legs

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Daisylin
Daisylin Member Posts: 365
in Esophageal Cancer #1
Hi all, not much of an update tonight, but more of a question.....

Lee's left foot started swelling about a month ago, nothing too alarming, we didn't even notice it until the doctor pointed it out at one of his visits. She immediately sent him for a doppler ultrasound, which ruled out a blood clot. (thank God)

Well, for the las couple of weeks, the swelling has gotten worse, way worse. Both his legs are significantly swollen, to the point where he can barely lift them, stand up or walk. He often needs help to get them onto the bed at the hospital. Today it seemed as if the swelling has reached his groin and abdomen.

The doctors have said that basically, his liver function is so low, the fluids are just not being processed and are pooling in his lower body. No one has offered any treatment options, or solutions. They have stopped the iv fluids, but are encouraging him to drink clear fluids. I would like to go in armed with information or suggestions when we see the doctor tomorrow. I know this is more of a liver issue than esophageal, but just wondering if anyone has any experience???

As a side note, his veins are all collapsed, and they are unable to give him fluids, transfusions or take blood work. They are hoping to move mountains and get a picc line put in on Monday. Perhaps having blood work done will help them to decide on a course of action.

Thanks to all,
Chantal

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  • chemosmoker
    chemosmoker Member Posts: 501
    #2
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    Worried and waiting with you now...
    Chantal.
    I am as worried as you. This is scary as hell for us to hear, too.
    Please let us know what the docs tell you tomorrow as we are too sitting on pins and needles.

    I hope they can get that PICC line in and get somewhere there, too.

    I will just pray and hold out hope that there will be a good explanation and a solution tomorrow from the doctors..

    I love you both so much. PLEASE do not hesitate to call us if you need to, at ANY hour. We are usually up and would love to chat anyway. We are here for you two.

    Eric and Michelle
  • unclaw2002
    unclaw2002 Member Posts: 599
    #3
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    Chantal,
    You may ask them to
    Chantal,

    You may ask them to do an ultrasound of Lee's bladder to see if it is functioning properly and not too full. When my dad began swelling, he too had mets to the liver, he wasn't urinating enough or even really drinking very much. But because of the liver mets his body wasn't properly dealing with the fluids we were pushing in the IV's and through the feeding tube. After the ultrasound they went in and drained his bladder and he got alot of relief from that although it was a painful procedure. This happened a few times until they got the fluids adjusted, indeed they did the ultrasound every 4 hours and had a little machine in his room so he didn't have to go to a lab and that didn't hurt at all. Dad said he was sure that the nurse seemed to enjoy draining his bladder a little too much. Anyway it helped relieve the swelling in his feet and legs. Also, we reduced the tube feedings somewhat because he wasn't able to process the calories and since his activity level was fairly reduced didn't really need all those calories and the swelling went down and he felt much better.

    Lee's problems may be entirely different but wanted to share with you Dad's experience. Keeping you both in my prayers and thoughts.

    Lots of love,
    Cindy
  • MarysPrayer
    MarysPrayer Member Posts: 5
    #4
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    Take him home
    Hello Chantal,
    I have not been on this site for many months (for several personal reasons), but I want you to know that when I logged in again last week and read your posts, I was struck by the similarities in our husband's cases. My heart breaks for you...I don't want to go into too much detail, but I recognize your hubbies symptoms as they are the same things that happened to mine toward the end. His legs and abdomen are swelling due to his liver being unable to produce albumin. When this happened to my husband (this past August), we knew that we were losing ground, and that there would be no recovery fom this.
    From there, things happened so quickly...he slowly slipped into a coma...and was gone...so peacefully, within a matter of days. My advice to you is to share with him what you need to now, gather those who are closest to the two of you to do the same, and get him home with hospice care. There, you can hold him in your arms for as long as you want to, and tell him it's Ok to let go...he will be able to hear you no matter what. You are a remarkable woman, and I wish you love and peace at this most difficult time...my prayers are with you today and always.

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