Swollen arm

Less than one minute read time.

I hadn't intended to update my blog until after our next clinic appointment on Thursday, but something rather strange has happened.  I finished the short course of radiotherapy on my shoulder and neck over two weeks ago, but just yesterday I noticed that my left arm has swollen to double the size of the other one, right down to the hand.  In fact my face, neck and shoulder are all swollen too.  It's a most peculiar feeling, as if I was congested in some way.  Not exactly painful but uncomfortable.  I wonder if anyone else has had this sort of reaction to radiotherapy?  I had the loss of voice and difficulty swallowing, but those have both receded, so I'm just left with this strange swelling.  I was sufficiently alarmed to call the hospital hotline last evening to report it and find out if there's anything I should be doing to alleviate it, but so far they have not given me an answer as they are so busy.  I'm waiting for a call now.

Anonymous
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    I have injections of fragmin daily for the same reason. I see the haematologist about mine. (I have a blood clotting gene so was already seeing haematologist before diagnosis).  Even though I have the gene I have been told that I will be having the injections for 6 months (it takes approximately 3 months for the clots to go) then tablets for another 3 months. That's just a precaution.

    Hope everything goes okay for you tomorrow. X