1st recurrence problems - Lymphedema with OVCA ?????

[Sherrygail]

Started carbo/taxol again on Aug. 15th.  First treatment went well. Two weeks later, second treament was a disaster. My body totally rejected the carbo. Then he put me on taxol only weekly until November when it was decided it was not working. So we started Gemzar which appears to be lowering my numbers. My problem now is a painful swelling of the arm.  I know lymphedema is common in breast cancer, but have any of you ovca patients dealt with it?  My 4th Gemzar was the day before Thanksgiving, so I haven't been able to contact my hemotologist.  I will probably drive up there (80 miles each way) tomorrow to show him. Meanwhile I have started doing 4 exercises recommended by Susan G. Komen's website. Of course my arm is not wrapped, but I hope this will help.  I am also taking left over pain pills (Naproxen and Hydocodone) which were left over from last year's hysterectomy. (Any comments, ladies??
Sherrygail

[Jan214]

Did you have many lymph nodes removed with your last year surgery?  Lymphedema is common anytime you remove lymph nodes. You hear about it more with breast cancer, but my onc made me very aware of the possibility of it.  

I have an elderly friend that I take to the Dr sometimes and she has a terrible time with it.  I don't know much about it but I know you HAVE to stay on top of it. You have to be very proactive about your care.  It is easier to prevent than to cure.  There are compression garments, exercises, which you are doing, and dieting that helps.  If it is determined that you do have lymphedema please go to a specialist, they really know what they are doing.  There are special LIGHT massage techniques that they do and that they will teach you to do also.  It helps push the lymph buildup along so some of that swelling/pain will go down.
Whatever happens with that it sounds like you've been through enough and I wish you good luck.
Jan

[Sherrygail]

I did not have any lymph nodes removed, so maybe it is something else. Tomorrrow I will go to San Angelo and simply show up at the hemotologist's office.  If that doesn't work, I will go over to my Gyn/Onc/Surgeon's office.  After that, it will have to be the emergency room.  I hope I can find a specialist if necessary.  A massage therapist would really help in moving some of this buildup.
Sherry