Swelling After Chemo

june 15

Has anyone experienced swelling of the feet ankles and legs after chemo? My chemo was cisplatin and bleomycin and lasted for 3 months.

Barbara53

lymphedema
That sounds like lymphedema, which is a side effect of surgery in which lymph nodes are removed. Breast cancer patients get it in their arms, while ovarian cancer patients get it in their legs. You should see you doctor so they can rule out blood clots, and find a physical therapist who handles this problem. My mother got a lot of relief from massage and compression stockings.

Until you can get the attention you need, try to elevate your legs as much as possible -- including raising the foot of your bed 2 to 4 inches, so you sleep at an angle. It sounds crazy but it really helps.

mopar

YUP
Barbara was thorough with her explanation. For the longest time I couldn't figure out what my swelling was. Then my doctor finally explained it to me. I'm a 9 1/2 year survivor, and still have the swelling, only in one leg and ankle. But when I am diligent and consistent with my exercise program and diet, I noticed the swelling goes away. The activity helps to move the fluid through the system. I also use a rebounder (mini-trampoline) which is great for the lymphatic system. But the stockings certainly help. Hope this all helps you!

BonnieR

Talk to Docs
Hi June, it could be caused from so many things. Some relating to cancer some not ~ so Please Please talk to your medical team about this. Not to frighten you but anything from lymphodema to heart causes this type of side affect. Hugs ♥ Prayers Bonnie

saundra

Check with doctor
I am always checked for swelling on my monthly visits to oncologist for swelling. I have never had any but they did not remove lymph nodes with my surgery. Call your doctor to report....Saundra

SalsaQueen

Swelling after Chemo: Taxotere & Cisplatan

 

Yes, I had Taxotere and Cisplatan chemo treatments, 6 total from December 2014 to April 2015.  About a month ago, my feet, ankles, legs and thighs filled up with fluid and became swollen about 2 weeks after my last chemo treatment.  It has gone down about 95% but it is still really noticable, especially in my left leg, ankle and foot.  The swelling is bad enough so that my skin is uncomfortably tight when I try to flex my foot or rotate my ankle.  I cannot do either full range, only about 5%.  It's very frustrating and seriously limits my range of motion.  My Dr.'s PA told me it sounds "orthopedic" but I know it's not.  She wasn't helpful and told me to see my Primary Care Dr. for a blood pressure check.  I check my blood pressure every morning at home and it's normal!  I am trying to decide what course of action to take next.  I'm considering acupuncture.  I have started to take Moringa, a supplement that comes from India and Africa.  I also had a Radical Hysterectomy during which my Dr. removed 3 lymph nodes from my pelvic area.  I have been researching this on the internet and have read that removal of lymph nodes also can cause leg and ankle swelling.  I had my surgery in October 2014 and never had a problem with swelling until after my last 2 chemo treatments.  After treatment #5, my swelling went away completely after one week.  I'm hoping that the swelling goes away and it's not a permanent problem but in the meantime I'm deciding what to do to make it better.  I also have very bad neuropathy in my feet and toes from the chemo.

wholfmeister

SalsaQueen said:

Swelling after Chemo: Taxotere & Cisplatan

 

Yes, I had Taxotere and Cisplatan chemo treatments, 6 total from December 2014 to April 2015.  About a month ago, my feet, ankles, legs and thighs filled up with fluid and became swollen about 2 weeks after my last chemo treatment.  It has gone down about 95% but it is still really noticable, especially in my left leg, ankle and foot.  The swelling is bad enough so that my skin is uncomfortably tight when I try to flex my foot or rotate my ankle.  I cannot do either full range, only about 5%.  It's very frustrating and seriously limits my range of motion.  My Dr.'s PA told me it sounds "orthopedic" but I know it's not.  She wasn't helpful and told me to see my Primary Care Dr. for a blood pressure check.  I check my blood pressure every morning at home and it's normal!  I am trying to decide what course of action to take next.  I'm considering acupuncture.  I have started to take Moringa, a supplement that comes from India and Africa.  I also had a Radical Hysterectomy during which my Dr. removed 3 lymph nodes from my pelvic area.  I have been researching this on the internet and have read that removal of lymph nodes also can cause leg and ankle swelling.  I had my surgery in October 2014 and never had a problem with swelling until after my last 2 chemo treatments.  After treatment #5, my swelling went away completely after one week.  I'm hoping that the swelling goes away and it's not a permanent problem but in the meantime I'm deciding what to do to make it better.  I also have very bad neuropathy in my feet and toes from the chemo.

Edema

Hi, SalsaQueen

i have been dealing with right leg edema since Feb 2015.  My surgery was June 2012 and I have been on chemo ever since, except for 9 weeks from Jan 2015 to April 2015.  At first I couldn't get much attention for it...was told to decrease salt, elevate, massage, let's just watch it.  Finally in mid-March, I had a Doppler study to rule out a leg blood clot.  Waited forever to see a lymphedema specialist, who taught me to wrap my leg.  When my oncologist finally saw my leg for himself the end of April, he about swallowed his teeth! Ordered another CT scan which revealed a mass compressing a pelvic vein and artery, as well as blood clots at the compression.  Now I am taking blood thinner shots twice a day, and today, I started targeted radiation to reduce the mass.

besides being uncomfortable and limiting range of motion, edema is a serious health signal.  You must make your physician take it seriously!  Blood clots are not uncommon when chemo has disrupted the blood chemistry.  And, unfortunately, ovarian cancer  always seems to be lurking, ready to grow new masses.  I am angry my edema was dismissed so casually for over two months, and I urge you to demand further evaluation and treatment.

Good Luck!