Lymphedema??

Double Whammy

I developed ankle swelling (both legs) shortly after my last chemo for breast cancer. This was in October. Oncologist gave me Lasix which really didn't work, so I stopped it. It got better on its own. I went about my business and was at my primary care's office after the first of the year and I complained about the ankle swelling. She noticed that my left leg was more swollen than my right (first time I noticed that). She had me immediately get a Doppler ultrasound to check for blood clots. All was well. My ankles/feet/lower leg still swell and the left one is now considerably more swollen than the right. In fact, sometimes the right one is not swollen or only minimally swollen and the left one is big. No pain. The swelling resolves itself overnight but comes back pretty quickly after I get up.

Does this sound like lymphedema? And who am I supposed to report this to? I'm so sick of doctors. My next doctor appointments are next week with breast surgeon and medical oncologist. Since this is not breast cancer related, they probably don't want to talk to me about it. I don't see my gyn oncologist again until mid July and I have a feeling he'll tell me his job is to watch for cancer, not leg swelling. My gut tells me I should tell my primary care physician. I'm just so sick of whining about everything. On the other hand, I don't want to ignore something that might be important.

I think I answered my own question - tell my pcp. Right?

Suzanne

lkchapman

Gosh! Do we have the same gyn-onc?
Hi Suzanne,
Your comment about your gyn oncologist sounds just like my doc! He's told me that before. But don't believe it! It's his/her job to not only help you follow up on your cancer, but to also help you with the side affects of the treatment. Since the swelling is unilateral and you have already ruled out a clot, I would call your gyn-onc's office and see if they can refer you to a lymph-edema specialist. I think lymph-edema is most likely the culprit, but your gyn-onc may want to see you sooner as the swelling could signal a problem with your remaining lymph nodes in the area.

Hoping you get some help soon.

Laura

upsofloating

Sorry to hear you are having
Sorry to hear you are having thse issues Suzanne. So far all my lymphedema problems have been in my arm and related to breast cancer issues. They have been handled best by med onc's I have seen. My pcp seems less in the know of what to do and how to manage problems, compression garments, etc. So I would definitely contact gyn onc first. My gyn onc checks for swelling every time I see him. That it is predominantly one leg rather than both it is definitely something to get checked out, sooner rather than later.
Annie

california_artist

upsofloating said:

Sorry to hear you are having
Sorry to hear you are having thse issues Suzanne. So far all my lymphedema problems have been in my arm and related to breast cancer issues. They have been handled best by med onc's I have seen. My pcp seems less in the know of what to do and how to manage problems, compression garments, etc. So I would definitely contact gyn onc first. My gyn onc checks for swelling every time I see him. That it is predominantly one leg rather than both it is definitely something to get checked out, sooner rather than later.
Annie

Aren't compression garments the answer to this one
My sister had swelling, from standing for long periods of time and she was fitted for compression stockings. Think her first stop was a GP who referred her. She did not have cancer.