Blood clots after chemo

[Lgottenbos56]

Hi everyone. This site is amazing. When I'm at a low point and my panic is kicking up a notch I usually have a good cry, read some posts and calm down. So the first chemo went really well, minor sickness, pain but tolerable, and all the usual issues. Up till day 8 I thought "I got this". Then day 9 arrived! Luckily I had read as much info as I could about serious side effects so recognized the shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, dizziness, minor fever and very little pain. The shortness of breath sent me to ER and a very good doctor picked up on it. Blood clots in my lungs from the cancer/chemo. I am being treated and should be released just in time for next chemo. Any experiences you lovely ladies wish to share?

[Lindaura]

It’s the cancer that causes the blood clots in your lungs. The cancer secretes something that makes your blood sticky, so clots form.

You will have to learn how to inject yourself with the anticoagulant. It’s easy and hardly stings when you do it yourself.

Breathlessness goes away gradually as the clots disperse.

I had oxygen at home for a while, but soon got my breath back as the chemo killed the cancer and the clots gradually resolved.

You will be fine. Just another blessing courtesy of Ovarian Cancer.

Hope your Chemo kicks the thing hard.

Hugs,

Laura

[bamboo89 in reply to Lindaura]

It isn't strictly true that the cancer caused the clots in lungs - that is one of the possible and relatively common side effects of many different forms of chemo. Having cancer is one of the causes of clots generally, but chemo also causes them, so in this instance, its more likely the chemo that's caused the problem since the treatment is currently being given.

[Solange]

Sorry, I can't advise about blood clots as I've never experienced them. Just want to say how sorry I am that you've had this worry and reassure you that many friends on this site have suffered the same problem so hopefully you'll soon have many replies.

Sending love and a hug, Solange 😊💐

[bamboo89]

What a pain, sorry you got clots on the lungs, well done for having read the info about possible side effects (not everyone reads all of that!) and thank heavens the doctor realised what they likely were so quickly. If you need to do blood thinning injections ongoing, don't worry about doing them too much - you get used to it, its not difficult, just a bit uncomfortable and a nuisance, I've been doing them for over 15 years (not cancer related).

[Cropcrop]

I had a blood clot in my right lung which was found on my MRI scan during diagnosis and before any treatment started. It’s good they’ve found the clot and will now show you how to inject blood thinners (heparin or similar) which will dissolve the clots and your breathing issues will ease. The injections really aren’t difficult to do once you get used to it, you will bruise more readily and the injections sting but they’re really necessary. You may be more prone to nose bleeds so be well armed with tissues just in case.

If it’s any consolation my prof oncologist said that the heparin actually helps the veins during chemo so that’s an upside.

Well done on getting that first pesky chemo out of the way, I’m sorry you’re having to deal with all this but you can get there and you’re obviously well read so are already aware of the possible side effects. Good luck with the rest of your treatments and I hope it does it’s job for you. Take care ❤️Xx Jane

[Maxjor]

When getting Frontline, I noticed a slight shortness of breath but it did not stop me from my normal exercise (I swim almost daily). I had my every third month scan and got a call about 2 hours later saying I had two clots (in separate lobes) in my lungs and they were "mothers" (I am quoting). I was told because of that, I will be on blood thinners the rest of my life. I do not worry about clots now but when I had my debulking (which came after 3 rounds of Frontline chemo) they added one of those IVC filters because I had to come off the blood thinners to have the surgery. (It was removed after I recovered). I started with shots (the "gold standard" then went on to pills after a scan showed no sign of any clots (I could not continue to give myself two shots a day--just hated it). I wish you luck in their resolution and hope its all clear for you after they do resolve.

[Neona]

I had a pulmonary embolism after my surgery and was told I would have to inject with heparin until I had finished chemo as chemo carried a risk of clots. At least you found it and are being treated.

[Emalou71]

Hi, glad you getting treatment for clot. I've been recently diagnosed with DVT in my right thigh / groin area. I'm on weekly Taxol & a trial drug. Im injecting Fragmin daily to keep it at bay.

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