Swelling of foot,ankle and leg.

Hi, 

Not heard this specifically mentioned but I guess it's possible. Any really tender areas? Could it be a DVT? I think you should phone your hospital about this to be honest, just in case. 

It could of course, just be fluid retention, as you were wondering. 

Hope it proves to be nothing much, but seriously feel you should get seen very soon. Please keep us informed.....

Hugs xxx

Hi,

I first noticed  my legs, feet and ankles being swollen  some time during treatment last year, nearer towards the end of the ABVD chemo (ABD by then as I had to drop the  Vinblastin).

At one point I mentioned it to an oncologist I saw in clinic, and he did a test, basically just measuring my left calf compaired to the right, and said they were within a fairly simular size to each other, and so he ruled out DVT. Since then they've not looked into it any further. I've gone up at least 2 or 3 inchs in circumference  on my ankles, and gone up a shoe size, and that is still the same now, moving towards a year post treatment next month.

I'd taken the oncology lack of concern to probably mean its not something they consider important or can do anything about, and since my hormonal malase, I've half decided most of it may as well be put down to water inbalances etc, created by the hormonal inbalance. Perhaps I shoudl mention it again to oncology next month, during my clinic appointment. - not sure if its the same for you, but it really does feel like the legs in particular have just entirely changed shape, most odd actually!

Totally! I've had ultrasound which ruled out vascular disease and now have an appointment for a scan on my veins to rule out hopefully DVT. My left foot, ankle and calf are definitely bigger and when I press the skin the indentation stays there for a couple of seconds or more. The skin on my upper foot feels tight and tender. It seems to me more like fluid build up; I finished chemo nearly 4 weeks ago now and never had this before. 

I will try to talk to someone tomorrow but they are so hard to get hold of - always on voicemail and don't call back, not good  

Linda

Thanks Moomy, I'll try to talk to someone tomorrow but they are always on v/m and don't call back. 

Linda x

Hi Linda, that description does sound like fluid build up, but I do think you need to be checked out in case of DVT. 

If it's just fluid they may well prescribe you 'water tablets' or diuretics, if so take them in the morning so you don't have to keep waking up in the night to go to the loo! 

Hugs xxx

Thanks moomy, being 'of a certain age' I'm up once a night anyway! I have to wait for a scan on my legs ' to rule out DVT' until May 13th - too long in my book as my left foot and ankle (and slightly less in my right) are tight and tender all the time which is worrying having not experienced it throughout my treatment. I  moved to a new flat  last week and registered with a new surgery, and have an appointment with my new doctor next week; I will definitely ask her opinion. 

Putting my feet up as much as possible is difficult when you are unpacking, doing DIY and trying to get straight, but when I do, it seems to make little difference.

Just hoping it's nothing more serious than fluid.....

Linda x

Linda, that's awful, you surely shouldn't have to wait that long?!?!

A good idea to ask your new GP what they think. 

Keeping your feet up is fine, as long as they are well elevated.....but.....

Please, see a GP first before you attempt any self help beyond what you've already tried. 

Hugs xxx

It's so unfair when, having had 5 weeks drug free, you hope to feel much better and have more energy, and you gain new side effects you never got during all the months of chemo!

Swollen feet and legs,aching neck and back - I feel thoroughly decrepit! Plus the very long wait until May 9th to know if I'm all clear. I'm hoping to sign up for a gentle exercise program designed to get back some strength plus a Hatha yoga class to do the same. Maybe that will help me start to feel fitter. My local leisure centre also offers over 60's swimming every day for £15 per year so I'll join up for that too. Does anyone know how soon one is allowed to swim in a public pool?

Linda x

Hi Linda, 

It's really unfair, isn't it? My sympathies (as an unfit 70's year old!) 

Yoga sounds good, a gentle regime is needed.....

I suggested walking on the other thread, if you do a circular walk you can easily get back home at any point if it's too much. 

Do continue to keep up the water intake, hope that isn't what's been going on with your swollen ankles? Sometimes balance of fluids gets upset. 

As for going into a pool, I would ask your specialist nurse about this. Different areas have differing ideas. 

Hugs xxx

I'm so cross!

i was booked for what I hoped was a gentle yoga class last Friday but managed to get a tummy bug on the Thursday with dreadful cramps and diarrhoea for the last 3 days. (Sorry to be so graphic!) I feel better today but still not completely back to normal, whatever that is. I've managed to avoid any nasty infections throughout my treatment so this is very annoying! I'm hoping I can join an exercise class for 'the more mature' tomorrow but will have to see how I feel tomorrow. 

Ab well, there's always next week I guess. 

Linda x