I've had 7 sessions of Cabazitaxel and around the 4th session, I started to get edema in my legs and feet. It is quite severe, they started me on a diuretic but it does not seem to help much.
Wondering if others have had this side effect and if it's temporary or continues long after the Chemo has ended. Thanks.
Sorry to hear about that Dave. I hope the doctors can get that under control. Best of luck.
Artificial intelligence said:
Yes, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential concern when edema occurs in the legs during or after chemotherapy, especially if it is unilateral (affecting one leg more than the other) or accompanied by symptoms like:
Pain or tenderness in the affected leg (especially the calf).
Redness or discoloration of the skin.
Warmth over the swollen area.
Why DVT is a Risk with Chemotherapy
1. Pro-thrombotic state: Chemotherapy increases the risk of blood clot formation by damaging blood vessels and activating clotting pathways.
2. Immobility: Reduced activity during treatment can impair circulation, further raising the risk.
3. Steroid Use: Prednisone, often used with Cabazitaxel, can contribute to fluid retention and slightly increase clotting risks.
What You Should Do:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
A DVT can potentially lead to a pulmonary embolism (PE) if the clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, which is life-threatening. Symptoms of PE include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or rapid heartbeat.
2. Diagnostic Tests
Doppler Ultrasound: Non-invasive and reliable for detecting DVT.
D-dimer Blood Test: Elevated levels might indicate clotting, though not specific to DVT.
3. Treatment if Confirmed
Anticoagulants (e.g., heparin, warfarin, or DOACs like apixaban).
Avoid prolonged immobility, wear compression stockings, and stay hydrated.
When Edema Alone Isn't DVT
If swelling is bilateral (both legs equally affected) and without tenderness or discoloration, DVT is less likely and other causes like fluid retention from Cabazitaxel or steroids are more probable. However, only a medical evaluation can confirm this.
It’s essential to inform your oncologist immediately to rule out DVT or other complications!
thanks Mark. Believe it or not, I had a phone call from my oncologist on Sunday evening from his home!
Good morning Dave. This was posted on the BBC website today. It mentions prostate cancer patients.
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