On a journey blindfolded

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I have T2N1M0  and had my first chemo session over 3 weeks ago but spent 10 days in hospital with sepsis on 4th day after chemo session.  Seeing consultant in 3 days and pretty nervous.  After first chemo I can eat just about anything without pain and it is wonderful, however my left foot and ankle is on fire and extremely painful I cant touch the skin and walking is near agony. Has anyone else experienced this, is it a side effect of chemo?  Both feet and ankles have swollen with oedema.   Was supposed to have chemo yesterday but postponed till next week, I hope.  Hospital just gave me dihydrocodeine for pain.   

  • Hi Teresa, I have the same numbers as yourself. Had my heart stress test yesterday, lap pre-op Tuesday, lap on Friday. So not 100% sure that they can operate right now but they indicated they would.

    Obviously, being in my position, I am unable to help you but wanted you to know others are out here listening. I'm sure others will be able to help but why aren't you asking your medical team? 

    If you don't mind me asking how do you get your chemo delivered. Do you have a picc or Hickman line and when do they put it in. 

    Good luck going forward. I hope your legs get better soon. Keep posting. It's good to talk.

  • Thanks.  I cant have surgery because of pre-existing conditions.  I had IV chemo on 31st March and hope to have second treatment on Friday but I suppose that depends on what the consultant says.  I have been able to eat normally since first chemo - haven't done that in 6 months, have even been eating apples.  But the pain in my feet is really bringing me down and affecting my mobility.  I just don't know if the redness and swelling are as a result of chemo.  

  • Hi Teresa

    its possible for chemo to cause oedema but it can also have other causes. Have you ever had it before?

    If not then I would suspect the chemo. Talk to your cancer team about it (if you haven’t already) and they should be able to help.

    Meanwhile I have copied this from the government website…. Hope it helps and that things improve for you soon.

    Ways to prevent or lessen edema

    Steps you can take to prevent or lessen edema-related swelling include:

    • Get comfortable. Wear loose clothing and shoes that are not too tight. When you sit or lie down, raise your feet with a stool or pillows. Avoid crossing your legs when you sit. Talk with your health care team about wearing special stockings, sleeves, or gloves that help with circulation if your swelling is severe.
    • Exercise. Moving the part of your body with edema can help. Your doctor may give you specific exercises, including walking, to improve circulation. However, you may be advised not to stand or walk too much at one time.
    • Limit salt (sodium) in your diet. Avoid foods such as chips, bacon, ham, and canned soup. Check food labels for the sodium content. Don’t add salt or soy sauce to your food.
    • Take your medicine. If your doctor prescribes a medicine called a diuretic, take it exactly as instructed. The medicine will help move the extra fluid and salt out of your body.