Lumps in veins following chemo

[rubyellen46]

I have been receiving carboplatnin and taxol intrvenously for the treatment of ovarian cancer (stage 1c) every three weeks.  i have had three treatments.  The veins in my lower and upper arms have lumps in them.  They are painful when touched.  What are they?  Should I be concerned?  Could they be dislodged and cause lung, hear or brain problems?  

I also have pain in armpits and breasts.  I do not know if related.  

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

dear Rubyellen,

It is hard to say without an exam. You could have scarred veins. you could have phlebitis. It could be that some of the chemotherapy went into the tissue around the veins and is causing a tissue reaction. It is least likely to be blood clots given the location.

usually elevation and warm soaks on the arms is helpful. If there is any redness, addition of antibiotics to treat possible infection is reasonable.
best wishes

[rubyellen46]

Continued.  The pain in armpit, breast and chest in continual through the three weeks.  I also have very swollen and painful lymph nodes in groin which physician says are reactionary from hysteectomy on 11/18..