I finished up chemo on 9 Dec 2021, I am having an issue with Edema, I have gone to my cardiologist, and it is not a heart issue, it is from my chemo. It comes and goes, I have fluid and swelling on my feet and legs and a little on my arms. I have compression socks that I wear daily, I elevate my feet up quite a bit. I have done some fluid meds, they help some but has not been the total answer. My legs are still weak from the chemo, plus I have a bad knee from before PC. I have done a little walking but I am limited. Does any one have any solutions that worked for you?
thanks
Keith
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JD-guy
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There is not to much you can do since the edema is probably caused by leaking capillary vessels:
"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."
The problem is not caused by increased venous pressure because of heart failure or deep venous insufficiency or by renal insufficiency .You could request diuretics but it may be a problem in reducing your vascular volume because of the leak into the tissues and the increase urine output caused by the diuretics.
I may check out HCTZ, I was on that for a little after I had heart surgery in 2018. Thanks. Thinking about this, my BP is not high right now. I went off all BP MEDS part way thru chemo. I had bottomed out. I will ask about it,. I know it is easier on a person than lasix.
My husband had his last round of docetaxal one week prior to yours. He had some swelling a week prior to that in his ankle and then a week after chemo he gained ten pounds in 2 days from swelling from both feet through his legs and buttocks. It has finally come down his week. He elevated his feet every night quite high (3-4 pillows in bed), cut down on fluids, salt, and walking. Hoping it is just time for you as well.
I started having trouble back in November. I thought I got on top of it and it came back with a vengeance. Our research there is no simple fix, work at it and be consistent. Thank you for your response. B
Elevation, compression, hydration, whatever works. Rest now perhaps but once it improves take plenty of exercise. Try to get mor keep your weight down if applicable.
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