My Dad's had chemo for first time and he canno... - CLL Support
My Dad's had chemo for first time and he cannot walk easily, cannot sleep due to swelling/water retention? Any ideas or help please.
Hi, I'm pre-treatment so can't give you any advice based on experience I'm afraid but I honestly think you need to be contacting the medical unit to ask for advice. Did they give your dad a card with contact numbers in case of problems?
Did he have mobility problems before the chemo or has this occurred as a direct result?
Give them a ring and ask advice must be the most appropriate advice here because we all react differently but swelling and immobility needs checking out, particularly if he's retaining rather than expelling water. Good luck and let us know how things go.
Newdawn
Thank you so much. My sister and I contacted Chemo Help Line and they sent out a GP, arriving at midnight, and my Dad is being readmitted tomorrow to help him with the swelling.
Oh relieved to hear that and I expect you are too! A worrying time for you all but I hope they can sort it for your dad and he goes on to complete a successful treatment.
Warm best wishes,
Newdawn
Contact the doctor immediately or head to emergency ... what chemo did he have?
FCR. We did contact immediately, thank you and he's being readmitted tomorrow to hospital.
Hi,
As other's have pointed out your father needs to contact his doctor/consultant as soon as possible or go to A&E (ER). Side effects of chemo are very wide ranging depending on type of chemo and the individuals themselves. I haven't heard of water retention as a side effect of any chemo but I'm no expert. Seek help immediately and get your father any necessary treatment or put yours minds at rest. Let us know how he gets on.
Kevin
Thanks Kevin. We followed advice and he's being readmitted to hospital tomorrow.
Hi DJ,
One potentially serious condition that would cause water retention after chemo or mAb therapy is kidney failure. This needs attention ASAP. Often the heart is drawn into the complication but a quick review of a CMP or Complete Metabolic Panel test should indicate if the kidneys are involved. Look for creatinine levels and if elevated above normal reference range high of approximately 1.5 and a corresponding drop in GFR which indicates kidney filtration rate and you will know if that is part of the cause. Other factors in this test should give clues to how his heart is functioning or being affected by electrolyte imbalance.
The debris from many cells dying as a result of treatment can be toxic to an otherwise healthy body. Inadequate attention to hydration can magnify the toxicity of dead cellular debris. A nephrologist would be a wise choice of doctors to consult - do it soon.
WWW
Thank you WWW. Not sure if you can see my other responses but we sought medical help last night and my Dad's being readmitted tomorrow.
I'm so glad that your dad will be back in the hospital getting the attention needed! Wayne's post (aka WWW) has some good points to ask about when you are discussing things with your father's doctors.
Pat
Looking back from 2020, I cannot thank you all enough for your responses at the time. I felt so lonely and helpless, and suddenly I realised I was not, and I could help my Dad and try to advocate for him. Thank you all. You made such a difference, I hope you know that.
Thanks for getting in touch again, daughterjerry. I'm so glad this group made a difference to you, all those years ago.
How is your Dad doing now?
Best wishes,
Paula
It's OK (getting in touch again). I wanted you all to know that you made a huge difference to the quality of care I was able to give my beloved Dad. I felt supported. Sadly, in answer to your question Paula S, he passed away, but my Mum and I were with him, and he knew how deeply he was loved. Thank you.
I am so sorry to hear this, daughterjerry. It was good you and your Mum could be with him at the end though, and could express your love for him. That is very precious...
Best wishes,
Paula
