Chemo SE's

[anji111]

Hi, I have had 5 of 6 TCH treatments.  Going for the 6th in 2 days.  I have started to swell (feet, ankles, hands, all over really).  The Dr. told me it was from the Carboplatin.  I went to see my GP yesterday and he said he would test my kidneys after I'm done chemo.  I still have 11 more Herceptin only treatments and Rads.  I would like to know if there is any thing I can do to help with the swelling?  The Dr. didn't want to prescribe anything as I am so close to being finished.  Also, does this mean my kidneys aren't working like they are supposed to?  I would appreciate any input.  Thank you.

[SueYoung55]

Ask them exactly everything they are giving you along with your chemo. They gave me steriods that made me swell up like a balloon!

[rindaaa]

I did TCH too and had the same problems with edema.  (Swelling)  Like you, feet, ankles, lower legs which actually got painful they were so swollen at times.  Hands, fingers etc.

I was misrable...it was hard to get my shoes on.  I had serious pitted edema.  My onc just blew me off so I went to my pulomonary doctor.  He was instantly concerned about possible blood clots since I was on chemo.  (Thats how swollen both ankles and legs were!)  He sent me over for a doppler of legs and all was well.

But regardless...he gave me a script for Lasix and potassium.  That did the trick and I felt alot better.  It was towards my last cycle of TCH that it got that bad.  Then it continued on for about 2 months AFTER finishing TCH.  But then everything went back to normal and I was off the Lasix.  So I'm not sure why your doctor doesn't want to prescrib you lasix temporally to give you some relief...they HAVE to surely know its a SE of chemo.  Your doctor might be afraid of you getting to dehydrated taking a water pill since your still on chemo.  But since you finished your last cycle you should be just fine to start one.  (I'm just going from the information you put here...I am NOT a doctor, nurse or even trained to play one on TV.)  Just my personal experience.

As to checking your kidneys...did your labs show a drop in kidney function?  I think you will find in about 1 month to 2 max...things will have greatly improved.  Hang in there...glad you have the worse behind you.  Herceptin ALONE is a piece of cake compared to taxotere and Carbo.  

Rinda

[anji111]

Sorry it's taken me so long to reply.  I get quite sickly after chemo but am getting back to normal now (what's normal anymore?!)
Thank you so much for responding.  I am so happy to hear that the swelling gets better.  On the day of my last chemo my stomach was so bloated it looked like I was very pregnant.  It's still big,  I can't wear my rings yet.  I've been sick and busy so I haven't been to the Doctor yet but when I do I'll ask him about the lasix.  I think I had steroids too so it's probably a combination of everything.  I'm sure you both know what it's like though, all these weird symptoms and I kind of panicked.  I can't stand it.  It's so reassuring to know that it's not the end of the world and it does get better!  I start Rads on October 19 and I'm sure that will come with it's own challenges.  At least the chemo is behind me now.
Anyway, thanks again.  You are very much appreciated.  :)