Fluid retention after finishing chemo

ColleenN
ColleenN Member Posts: 73
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hi everyone,

Just when I thought I was going to be done for awhile, I ran into a new wrinkle. Has anyone else had trouble with fluid retention/swelling a couple of weeks after finishing a set of taxol/carbo? I felt worse on my 6th treatment than on any of the previous ones, more nausea, aches, etc. That one was three weeks ago, all of a sudden in the past week I put on over 7 pounds with lots of swelling in my ankles, and some in my knees, stomach and hands. I contacted my onc. today and she had me come in and put me on lasix for the weekend and scheduled a CT for Monday. On the bright side I'm scheduled to go back to work on Dec. 29th! I'm hoping the scan doesn't show anything and that I still can. The swelling has me worried though, my ankles weren't even this puffy when I was pregnant.

Thanks! And Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah, or whatever you celebrate!

Colleen

Comments

  • groundeffect
    groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
    #2
    Cumulative Effect
    Hi Colleen,

    Chemo does have a cumulative effect, making you feel worse as you get farther into it, but once you get off it, the effect dissapates.

    It definately sounds as though you're retaining fluids. I didn't have that problem, but I hope your doctor will figure it out. I'd try drinking more water to help flush the remaining chemo from your system.

    You get my "Go-Getter" award of the month, being so anxious to get back to work. You must have a job that you love!

    Have a peaceful and joyous Christmas!
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #3
    new wrinkle
    Hi Colleen,

    Most people's side affects get worse or they feel worse with more treatments. One time, when on taxatere, I gained lots of fluid weight in just one week ~ the lasix took care of it. And then usually right after chemo I do for a couple days but it goes away by itself. Glad your oncology team are on top of things and checking it all out.

    Merry Christmas back to you!! Sending buckets of teal hugs ♥ prayers Bonnie
  • ColleenN
    ColleenN Member Posts: 73
    #4
    groundeffect said:

    Cumulative Effect
    Hi Colleen,

    Chemo does have a cumulative effect, making you feel worse as you get farther into it, but once you get off it, the effect dissapates.

    It definately sounds as though you're retaining fluids. I didn't have that problem, but I hope your doctor will figure it out. I'd try drinking more water to help flush the remaining chemo from your system.

    You get my "Go-Getter" award of the month, being so anxious to get back to work. You must have a job that you love!

    Have a peaceful and joyous Christmas!

    you're right
    You're right, I do love my job. I work as a certified nursing assistant in the nursing home in town. I miss my friends and the residents! Both have been very supportive through my time off. I'm a little worried about going back full time, but I'll see how it goes. My boss has been great, I couldn't have asked for better. I'm sure she'll let me cut back my time if I need to. Thanks for the advice!
  • ColleenN
    ColleenN Member Posts: 73
    #5
    BonnieR said:

    new wrinkle
    Hi Colleen,

    Most people's side affects get worse or they feel worse with more treatments. One time, when on taxatere, I gained lots of fluid weight in just one week ~ the lasix took care of it. And then usually right after chemo I do for a couple days but it goes away by itself. Glad your oncology team are on top of things and checking it all out.

    Merry Christmas back to you!! Sending buckets of teal hugs ♥ prayers Bonnie

    Thanks
    Thanks Bonnie, just knowing that things like this normally happen helps! Take care, and hopefully the new year brings much better news and options for you. You certainly deserve it, even more so for all the caring, help, and advice you share!
  • floridajo
    floridajo Member Posts: 480
    #6
    Coleen
    I also get edema to my feet,ankles and calves. It is caused because of all the lymph nodes removed during the surgery,so your lymph system is compromised. My Onc states that the steriods also add to this problem. I got so bad that I went into congestive heart failure..so do not let this fluid get out of hand. I was placed on lasix in large amounts to get it under control and am currently on a daily dose of 30mgs a day, as i now start holding fluid without being on chemo. I'm also not having any steriods during chemo to help me with the fluid as well. Good luck,I pray for the best~~~~Joanne
  • ColleenN
    ColleenN Member Posts: 73
    #7
    Update
    I had the CT today, and everything looked OK, still a little extra fluid, but nothing too bad. My onc. thinks it's just a late reaction to the chemo and I should watch for retention and stay with the lasix for a little while. If all goes well I don't have to go back until the end of March! Thanks again for the advice and caring thoughts!

    Colleen
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #8
    It happens to some
    My oncologist keeps checking my ankles every month so I know that it happens to some. My ankles are OK but my abdomen gets larger as the day goes on. Don't know if it is gas, fat or fluid. The oncologist is unconcerned about that. Saundra

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