Edema

[kick-prostate-cancer]

Anyone else out there experiencing edema? My husband's sixth and last chemo infusion (Docetaxel) was on March 29th. After his 5th infusion, he started to experience edema. It is still a major problem for him. He's on two different diuretics, compression socks, low/no added salt, drinking water and elevating his feet and legs above his heart. All to no avail. His doctors are stumped. They now feel this will be chronic for him. Had a leg scan - no blood clots. Had an Echocardiogram. Excellent results. Anyone else? Any ideas? (He's still on Lupron).

[Hidden]

I also had this problem during chemo. It got worse when the 100 degree plus summer days started. My legs, ankles and feet would really be in pain. I found that drinking lots of fluids, and keeping my legs up and staying out of the heat helped but didn't get rid of it. It slowly got better for me after I finished chemo. I think in most cases it goes away after chemo is done.

[kick-prostate-cancer in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your response. It's been 9 weeks since chemo. That's our concern. It's just as bad now as when it started.

[Hidden]

Did they rule out Lymphedema?

[kick-prostate-cancer in reply to Hidden]

Did a scan of his lower extremeties. So, I think so, but will check.

[Fairwind]

Is being overweight an issue here ?

[kick-prostate-cancer in reply to Fairwind]

No, it isn't.

[Tall_Allen]

Is he taking prednisone with his chemo?

[kick-prostate-cancer in reply to Tall_Allen]

He was taking dexamethasone the day before each infusion, with each infusion, and the 2 days after. That's it. Nine weeks since his last steroid.

[tango65]

"Fluid retention

Docetaxel therapy frequently triggers fluid retention presenting as swelling of the extremities, pleural effusions, ascites, and pericardial effusion. One of the proposed mechanisms underlying this adverse effect is increased permeability of the capillaries resulting in leakage of fluid into the surrounding tissue.45 The severity of this reaction is proportional to the cumulative dose of the drug administered. Premedication with glucocorticoid starting 24 hours prior and 48 hours following each docetaxel dose decreases the rate of fluid retention from 20% to 6% and increases the tolerability of this drug among patients.46 Studies have indicated that a single dose of dexamethasone, rather than the standard 3 doses, may be sufficient to prevent docetaxel-fluid retention.47,48 Patients should be advised to monitor for signs of increased fluid accumulation in their fingers, ankles, and mid-abdominal areas. Treatment with diuretics may provide symptomatic relief and limit the severity of fluid retention.49"

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[kick-prostate-cancer in reply to tango65]

Thanks.

[tango65 in reply to kick-prostate-cancer]

Most probable it will go away with time. Best of luck.

[kick-prostate-cancer in reply to tango65]

Doctors aren't sure ... it has lasted too long. Some say it's probably chronic. It's painful and a 'pain'! Thanks, Tango65

[tango65 in reply to kick-prostate-cancer]

You said his heart function is fine. What about creatinine, urinalysis and blood albumin.?

[kick-prostate-cancer in reply to tango65]

All his blood work is good, too!

[Greatfaith in reply to tango65]

Thank you so much for that information, my husband has only had one chemo treatment & I really appreciate you sharing the specifics so we can plan ahead. God. Less You!

[Hidden]

Yes my husband too. Swollen left thigh. It happened a few days after his last radiation to the left side pelvic area RO said it is NOT due to radiation. Sent to vascular dr, had scans, no blood clots. MO, RO say it is ‘unusual’ No idea. He lives with it

[DrWrite]

Been having a bit of this myself. Going into fifth round today. Most swelling in lower extremities, but nothing major...yet. Did Dexamethasone the day before each infusion, with each infusion, and the 2 days after. (Sounds like we have the same doc.)