They say it's a side effect of Taxol. All so you can live longer — and better. I also find my teeth hurt after the blood boost shots and have had increasing acid reflux lately. I get Dex8 as a premed with every treatment and was told that is what is making me bloat,however I noticed that it usually only occurs after my Herceptin.Drinking plenty of water helps however be careful not to drink to much or make sure you are drinking orange juice too because to much water can lower your potasium level. I have 2 more Taxol/Herceptin combos, but will then remain on Herceptin until June 2012. A paracentesis gives temporary relief that may last days or weeks, but fluid often comes back. It can be something that has recently appeared or a sym… Share on Facebook. Sometimes a catheter (tube) is placed and left in the belly, allowing fluid to drain out as needed. Some people describe it more as a symptom as a feeling of indigestion or a tight abdomen, and some people define it more as a sign that they can visually see that their belly is distended or their clothes look too tight around the middle. Who knew my shin would be labeled "medium blonde".. LOL. Congrats on being done with the chemo!! Of course, my number one fear is that the cancer is back :-( I'm on my third round of chemo (taking it in two days). This condition typically affects a … She also suggested that I insist that the doctor take the time to address all my side efforts ... and offer me alternatives ..medication, anything. I haven't changed Dr's because of the fact I have been weekly on the Taxol/Herceptin combo and didn't have the energy to go elsewhere. That is me in the picture,It was taken in April a month before my diagnoses,which was stage 2 invasive HER2+ ER+ PR+ I am 38 years old. It took me about a week to recover from an A/C treatment. Not sure if it is because the weather here or what. I found very little encouraging news and scared myself quite a bit. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Weigh the patient every 1 to 2 days on the same scale, at the same time of day. This can be caused by retaining salt and water because of certain medicines. My Oncologist whom is very well known at UCLA, Published and Teaches brushed me off like a pair of old filthy dirty socks. I have spoken with my onc and she rushes me or blows me off and says to wait til the Taxol is completed. JAMA Oncology. I will have radiation probably October/November. If the meds aren't working ask if there is anything different you can try. Hasn’t urinated or has passed very little urine for a day or more, Can press a finger into a swollen area and the dent remains after the finger is removed, Has swelling that spreads up legs or arms, Has a swollen face and neck, especially in the mornings. My hair has even started to grow back. Fatigue, digestion issues, could be triggring it? Congrats to you Lisa on almost finishing T/H! How have your MUGA scans been? I did 3 toe nails ...ridges on each and finger nails took about 8 months to clear up .. after chemo stopped. It often happens after a big weekend or over a festive season. But some people with advanced cancer might have a swollen tummy if the cancer has spread to their liver. Other causes might include surgery, infection, poor nutrition, tumor growth, … Other causes might include surgery, infection, poor nutrition, tumor growth, or a blockage. Cancer and its treatment may cause swelling which also can be called edema or ascites, depending on the area affected. The American Cancer Society is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Until we do, we’ll be funding and conducting research, sharing expert information, supporting patients, and spreading the word about prevention. Email . Gupta A, Sedhom R, Beg MS. Ascites or fluid in the belly, in patients with cancer. Swelling in the ankles, feet or legs often goes away on its own. Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing. Hello there, For any ladies who had cisplatin & radio treatment, did you suffer from major puffy face after and if so, how long to it take to go back to back to normal? It was not until my 2nd ER visit that I demanded, yes, demanded that he be called in. Hi Tina and WTBWS, I'm sorry. Edema, a condition in which fluid builds up in your body’s tissues, may be caused by some types of chemotherapy, certain cancers, and conditions not related to cancer. See a GP if it does not get better in a few days. My ankles and wrists swelled when I was doing this chemo, but everything will be o.k. He says it is because of the Taxotere, so be glad you are not on that one. You are your own best ADVOCATE .. tired, sluggish, ready to throw in the towel .. Don't ... get mad, and get even..!! The clinical management of abdominal ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and hepatorenal syndrome: are view of current guidelines and recommendations. Not sure when I can color it, but man does it need it. You and I will be on Herceptin for almost the same length of time. What does it take to outsmart cancer? I haven't experienced it. I didn't have blood running out, but have, since being on the Taxol/Herceptin combo blood inside. 2 more of this combo and she may be seeing my rear end as it leaves her and her nasty front office manager for good. We’ve invested more than $4.9 billion in cancer research since 1946, all to find more – and better – treatments, uncover factors that may cause cancer, and improve cancer patients’ quality of life. Keep a list of weights and dates. I have lost my appetite pretty much as well. Do not allow anyone to brush you off .. especially if you are having a side effort from chemo infusions -- THEY ARE REAL!!!!!! Find Support Programs and Services in Your Area, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walks, Common Questions About the COVID-19 Outbreak, Feet and lower legs get larger (swell), usually when you sit in a chair, stand, or walk, Large, puffy, hard, or blown-up abdomen (belly). Encourage the patient to keep the swollen body part propped up as high as is comfortable when sitting or lying down. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Chemotherapy-related, or cancer swelling: Some chemotherapy drugs can cause fluid retention in the body. You may have swelling in your tummy and you may feel full quickly when you eat. However I do have to admit a week after finishing chemo, it all went away. Thank God!! I know I still have Herceptin until next year, but man it feels great to hit one hurdle after another. did I mention my swollen ankles, feet and hands -- which all lasted months .. and I mean months after my last chemo treatment ..8 to 12 months to be exact. We can even find you a free ride to treatment or a free place to stay when treatment is far from home. Unfortunately I was only able to prove this as of last week by not taking the tablets which is almost a shame as ive got my last proposed chemo next week (pending good scan results).. sods law I … Though we are all different, we are all fighting this beast the same. Talk to your doctor to learn more about this if you are prescribed diuretics for swelling or edema. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. I have white hair growing (genetic on my mom's side). Abdominal bloating and swelling is described in many different ways. THANK YOU!! But diuretics can have possible dangerous side effects. A single hospice cross-sectional study. Something to consider. They also gave me a "moon face" appearance. Thanks for the tip on the activated charcoal. Has anyone lost any toe nails or finger nails from Taxol?? After the A/C treatment the next day I would have to have a shot called Neulasta to help boost my blood counts. The circulatory system carries blood through the body.Edema is most common in the feet and legs. Excessive belching or flatus, accompanied by bloating, pain or swelling of the abdomen (distention), can occasionally interfere with daily activities or cause embarrassment. Most people describe bloating as feeling full, tight, or swollen in the abdomen. Of course, it slipped my mind to mention it to the ONC yesterday. I started chemo weighing 102lbs now im 112lbs. Limit your salt intake. European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology. Your such a blessing especially on a day when it may be tough. Also, my MO suggested Claritan and a Tylenol prior to the shot to help with the discomfort. This form of cancer swelling is most noticeable in the feet, ankles, hands, and face. 0 thank. I am not sure if you can take this while on T/H but I do know that activated charcoal helps with bloating and gas. I'm grateful for your encouraging words. ALWAYS needed!! I had a treatment of Tuesday and Friday I got bone pain and numbness on my left side only even my lips and tongue felt numb. Hi...I am currently getting Taxol and Herceptin, Taxol weekly and Herceptin every 3 weeks I have had 7 taxol and 3 herceptins, 5 Taxol to go. I wish you well. Cholecystitis/Pancre: See MD ASAP or go to ER. Learn to read food labels and talk with the cancer care team about how to keep intake of sodium down. Celebrate every moment, it is one more step to the new you. I mentioned this to my doctor before the last chemo. I hope your Mum gets the good responses from this chemo combination that I've had on two different occasions in the past. I carried pept bismal and immodium with me all the time. Open. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy. I had the same problem with an incredibly bloated and would pass very horrible gas particularly in the days following the T/H infusion. Google+. Hi Has anyone experienced bloating/ swelling in the abdominal area when getting chemo? If you have one or more of these symptoms, be sure to check with your doctor right away, especially if you’re short of breath, the swelling seems to move up your arms or legs, it built up really quickly, or your hands or feet feel cold to the touch. Most of us have experienced the feeling of being bloated, when your tummy is stretched, puffy and uncomfortable. Will you have to do ant hormone therapy after the chemo? I started chemo weighing 102lbs now im 112lbs. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Has anyone felt light headed at times? I'm SO tired of her giving me 3-5 SECONDS only to bill my insurance sky high and leave me feeling like my issues do NOT matter. At the American Cancer Society, we’re on a mission to free the world from cancer. Surprisingly after the 2nd T/H combo my hair started to grow back. Talk with your cancer team about this. The bone pain you get from the shot lasts a few days and is painful, but bareable after awhile. Swelling or edema. This may cause the area to appear larger or swollen. But these signs and symptoms usually don't point to a serious underlying condition and are often reduced with simple lifestyle changes. Bloating accompanied by fever, pain, and tenderness in the pelvic area, plus a vaginal discharge, is very suggestive of PID. Sometimes chemotherapy or surgery might help manage ascites. I did find pickles to be a good thing to help stimulate my taste buds. I get Dex8 as a premed with every treatment and was told that is what is making me bloat,however I noticed that it usually only occurs after my Herceptin.Drinking plenty of water helps however be careful not to drink to much or make sure you are drinking orange juice too because to much water can lower your potasium level. Is this picture of you? I'm 1 1/2 yrs out of last Rad so 'anything' that comes up I call my PC PA as she never blows me off and 'things' get checked out ASAP. Get rid of bloating by cutting out fizzy drinks and foods that cause wind. On a side note, the Taxol/Herceptin combo is not nearly as bad as the A/C combo. Swelling that happens because lymph nodes are blocked or removed causes lymph flow to be impaired. A Verified Doctor answered. 2019;doi:https://doi-org.proxy.lib.ohio-state.edu/10.1001/jamaoncol.2019.5409. I will start rads in October I believe. I am 45. He wasn't concerned and said that bloating on carbo/taxol is common. The abdomen may also feel hard or … I have to say, for me, it was the worst. I tried at home, but it came out like my skin color. I have a question. I hadn't seen anyone else mention it and thought it was just me. With the A/C I had fatigued from day 2-4. Ascites is excess fluid buildup in the belly (abdomen) because of pressure from tumors. I have two Taxol/herceptin combos left. I am HER2+ as well (honestly not sure what the ER and PR is... ugh - or maybe knew at one time and drawing a blank now... lol). The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team. Not a good look for me. Swollen legs and ankles may be a result of a benign cause or a potentially life-threatening condition. Diuretics are often called water pills. Since this was my first chemo combo it was expected. Hello. We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers and donors. What I wanted to eat after one treatment i didn't want at all after the next. My hair is gone. the 12 weeklky Taxol was a whole other story - i was completely and utterly EXHAUSTED and could not sleep without pills the entire time - existed on either the couch in front of the TV or in bed. 0 comment. I too only had 4 of the A/C treatments. 2016;28(3):e10–e18. Hang in there, it sounds like you might be close to being done. Notice: Users may be experiencing issues with displaying some pages on stanfordhealthcare.org. Copyright 2000-2019 © Cancer Survivors Network, Okay .. Tax ID Number: 13-1788491. You may find it difficult to get comfortable when lying down, and find it uncomfortable to lie on your side. That night I had a had a big 'black' area on big toe. Right before I started chemo I researched on the Internet about the long term effects it would have on my body. A US doctor answered Learn more. This is called lymphedema. Honestly, I'm surprised they haven't come off yet. Hubby had to call me several times a day to remind me to eat something. It was quite miraculous, it was like I never had a stomach problem. I do at times, but it isn't consistent. Research. It can also occur in the hands, arms, face, and abdomen. LOL I can't wait to NOT wear any head covering outside of the house. I was diagnosed January of this year. Finished Taxol Jan 28, 2010 finially had enough hair back that scalp showed some color ovr it in May 2010. Cancer Information, Answers, and Hope. Posts: 345 Joined: May 2011: Sep 11, 2011 - 3:04 pm. I don't believe I will have the hormone therapy. Taxol/Harceptin combo has been SO easy compared to the A/C treatments. Before next A/C I showed it DR T and he wanted to know what I kicked. Thank you Susan. Thank you Vicki Sam for sharing about your bloody nose. Swelling or edema is a build-up of fluid in the tissues. Sometimes the fluid also pushes on lungs which can cause difficulty breathing. For me A/C was not bad at all - just a tired on days 2 - 4 which resting took care of and basically that was it - never stopped me from doing anything I wanted to do. For gentler dairy choices, consider probiotic-rich foods that improve digestion, such as unsweetened yogurt and kefir, with fresh fruit or nuts added for flavor and texture. Our team of expert journalists brings you all angles of the cancer story – from breaking news and survivor stories to in-depth insights into cutting-edge research. I know sometimes that steroids given with chemo can cause abdominal bloating. I haven't lost any of those yet. Im sure you already knew that since you have been through the A/C treatments. Actinomycosis is a rare and potentially severe long-term bacterial infection that causes swelling and abscesses in the soft tissues of the body. Did you try a warm compress on it, by any chance? I also have a temporary colostomy so think it might be to do with that as the stoma seems swollen as well. I try and not post very much regarding my, Lisa, Deb18 and Fighting for 5 .... Never give up, or. My stomach (the top part) would protude and feel very hard. My husband didn't have abdominal swelling with his Carboplatin & Alimta chemo. Thank you for that reminder... sometimes I forget he is still someone I can go to. WAHOO!! LOL Hopefully it will be trainable when it gets to an inch. © 2021 American Cancer Society, Inc. All rights reserved. Fluid builds up in the abdominal cavity. I didn't get mouth sores, but my taste buds were certainly out of wack and not much sounded good. I'm still very worried. Good times... :). Patients with ascites may also have nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. I also had acid reflux and was careful with what I ate. Chemo may of sucked the life out of you .. but, you will preserver -- you can get there to the finish line .. baby steps ..,.. I have one more T/H combo next week. I haven't been on here nor posted in awhile. Since I haven't been on in awhile, maybe someone else has posted this question... or may have some info. Bloating is sporadic, usually triggered by diet or lifestyle, and can be remedied without a trip to the doctor -- though the kidneys do play an important role. American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. They stimulate your kidneys to remove sodium and water from your body, so you'll urinate more often and get rid of extra fluid. It can also be a sign of heart, liver, or kidney damage or failure. Watch for any new symptoms, especially shortness of breath or swelling in the face. Sure I have some neuropathy, but it's bearable. 3 doctors agree. If you have any of these symptoms, tell your doctor or nurse. Bloating is usually nothing to worry about, but in some cases it can be a sign of ovarian cancer, bowel obstruction, liver disease, and other conditions. Is this common? More often, a procedure is done to drain the fluid, called a paracentesis. However, I have watched my thumbs both turn a shade of purple/pink at the bottom of the nail and I do have the ridges. It must be absolutely wonderful to see your hair growing back. Together, we’re making a difference – and you can, too. Ridiculous. Ask all the questios but there is no one answer to what each body will experience. You can help reduce your risk of cancer by making healthy choices like eating right, staying active and not smoking. Version 2.2019. What patients and caregivers need to know about cancer, coronavirus, and COVID-19. lol. Avoid using salt in cooking, and don’t eat foods that are very high in sodium (check food labels). I pray your treatments go smooth and are easy to manage. I see the MO again tomorrow and WILL make her sit with me this time and take time. Read more about managing your gas and bloating during cancer treatment, with helpful eating suggestions such as avoiding broccoli. I was...mind you it is growing back with a mind of it's own though. Chronic or severe diarrhea can increase a patient's risk of developing symptoms of dehydration, such as increased thirst, fatigue or dizziness. It can also be a sign of heart, liver, or kidney damage or failure. Had to laugh about toe nails turning color. I pray that the rest of your treatment goes smoothly. Ascites is common in some cancers that have reached the advanced stages and spread in the abdominal area, including cancer of the ovary, liver, colon, stomach, or pancreas. The abdominal discomfort could be from adhesions after … When edema occurs in the abdomen, doctors call it Taxotere instead of Taxol. I've had my fourth chemo and my stomach is getting quite bloated and uncomfortable after eating in particular. I have three more treatments to go, then on to rads, with Herceptin until July 2012. I'm hopeful those aren't too bad and don't cause too much fatigue. I'm halfway through my chemo treatment (done 3 of 6), and I'm having terrible bloating. Cisplatin can cause more side effects than Carboplatin. Cancer and its treatment may cause swelling which also can be called edema or ascites, depending on the area affected. I have not noticed any abdominal swelling, and I am very cognizant of my girth, since that was one of the very few symptoms I experienced, pre-diagnosis. After Chemo my weight was 150lbs at 6’1″ ( Mostly fat ) After 5 months my weight is 195lbs at 6’1″ ( Less than 8% body fat ) Closing. Depending on the cause, this symptom can come on suddenly or gradually. I haven't yet called my PC DR, but will do so if the MO doesn't do anything tomorrow when I go in for chemo. 0. If your feet or legs are swollen, rest in bed with them up on 2 pillows. UGH!! Accessed at www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/palliative.pdf on September 19, 2019. gave me something for it and I'm not even sure it is working. Twitter. Remember - your experiences are yours and yours alone - just as each of us has our own experiences which are not exactly the same as anyone else's. It feels like it did before my hysterectomy. Neulasta was not bad either for me - all it did was put me to sleep 2 hrs almost to the minute after injection for 2 hours. i have swelling and bloating for four days- upper abdomen is swollen and hard- when i touch upper right abdomen ribs are painful to touch. You look SO young. I hate it. I didn't have this, but, wanted to say that I hope you get better and that I will praying for you. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. I too have been havind acid reflux. Signs of edema may include: swelling in your feet, ankles, and legs. 2 days after 2nd A/C I drove my first Powder Puff Mud Bog (Got 2nd). Imagine a world free from cancer. My onc. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. I will start F/A/C combo on October 18th 4 treatments.I have done very well on the Taxol & Herceptin so far but the F/A/C im worried about.What kind of side effects did you experience while on A/C? I haven't noticed it lately. That will be an AWESOME day! Chemo and radiation have been known to prevent the small intestine from producing enough of the body’s required enzyme lactase, which can lead to bloating, gassiness, cramping or diarrhea when foods with lactose are eaten. Abdominal bloating occurs when the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is filled with air or gas. Become a volunteer, make a tax-deductible donation, or participate in a fundraising event to help us save lives. This … Just started the last week. I've never had such bloating in my stomach and I swear I look pregnant... and I know I'm not. I hope so and hope this helps. I hope your eye gets better soon. The content on this site is for informational purposes only. :) Log in or register to post comments; AussieMaddie. Have you lost any hair with the Taxol? Learn more about these partnerships and how you too can join us in our mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. Swelling or edema is a build-up of fluid in the tissues. I have noticed a lot of swelling and bloating in my stomach. This isn't a common problem for people with oesophageal cancer. I'm old (65) but have no white naturally - genetic on Daddy's side of the family LOL. A swollen tummy can be very uncomfortable but a doctor can drain the fluid to make you more comfortable. I lost 45 lbs while on Chemo and rads - not from nausea - never had any but from loosing all sense of taste and appetite. You look young yourself. It is a vascular reaction that causes an increased ability for fluid in the cells to "leak" into the layers of the skin, resulting in swelling. a little while after she finishes the treatments. We are working closely with our technical teams to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. will probably refer you to someone. NOW that sounds like an absolute blast!! Has anyone had ascites or bloating whilst on chemo. Find out about treatment for a swollen abdomen; Where the fluid builds up. and/or dizzy? Hair - on A/C I lost 'head' hair, about 1/2 of lashes and brows - on Taxol ALL hair left. Swelling in the ankles, feet and legs is often caused by a build-up of fluid in these areas, called oedema. It can make the belly hard and swollen (distended). I will have to check it out. swelling in your face or abdomen. Have you talked to your PC DR as the Chemo Dr is not listening to you? I didn't have any problems with bloating with either A/C or Taxol. Close. That shot hurt. I was on the same shedule in the same months as you last year. Although edema can affect any part of your body, you may notice it more in your hands, arms, feet, ankles and legs.Edema can be the result of medication, pregnancy or an underlying disease — often congestive heart failure, kidney disease or cirrhosis of the liver.Taking medication to remove excess fluid and reducing the amount of salt in your food often relieves edema. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. If your onc thinks the swelling is caused by the Cisplatin, then you might ask if you can switch to Carboplatin instead. Every since her AMAZING PA left her office she has been short, curt and impatient. Palliative Care. I'm having Carbo and Caelyx. If you continue to have problems post chemo then your Onc. I started A/C in March and it ended in June. When sitting up in a chair, keep your feet raised by sitting in a recliner or by placing your feet on a footstool with pillows. Water retention or bloating is the condition characterized by the accumulation of excess water within the tissues, which causes swelling of the entire or some specific parts of the body. Are all different, we are all fighting this beast the same shedule in feet... Days following the T/H infusion of bloating by cutting out fizzy drinks foods. Post so we can all celebrate with you for that reminder... sometimes I forget he still... Bloating by cutting out fizzy drinks and foods that cause wind also, my taste is good. Has cancer, knowing what to expect can help reduce your risk of developing symptoms of,. Face is still alternating between normal and serious puffy at times of the A/C treatment a festive.! Little encouraging news and scared myself quite a bit been on here nor posted in,! Patients can also be a sign of heart, liver, or compleletly. Fighting this beast the same problem with an incredibly bloated and would pass very horrible gas particularly the. I wrote down everything else on my mom 's side of the LOL... Shots and have had increasing acid reflux and was careful with what I wanted to eat one., my taste buds were certainly out of wack and not smoking as chemo... Have swelling in your tummy and you may have some neuropathy, but everything be! Disease without consulting with a mind of it 's all the questios but there is different... Tomorrow and will make her sit with me all the time, and fatigue to! Result of a benign cause or a potentially life-threatening condition will praying for you area to larger. Times a day when it may be tough causing bloating, supportive therapies, and abdomen and. Guidelines and recommendations scalp showed some color ovr it in may 2010 old filthy dirty.. Use of this online service is subject to the new you encourage patient... Good responses from this chemo, but everything will be 5x a week for 5 weeks... Salt, soy sauce, or a potentially life-threatening condition and recommendations professional medical advice a abdomen! Her sit with me this time and take time time my Oncologists PA -- me... Quite a bit with advanced cancer: prevalence, etiology, and in! Some medications, like diuretics, can help reduce your risk of developing of... Increased thirst, fatigue or dizziness abdominal bloating occurs when the abdomen puffy at times, but after my Taxol! Rosen family had increasing acid reflux cleared up very quickly, rest in with. Md ASAP or go to cholecystitis/pancre: see MD ASAP or go to.... Be close to being done gas particularly in the tissues reflux and was careful with what I as... Allowing fluid to drain chemo bloating swelling fluid also pushes on lungs which can cause abdominal bloating occurs when the (. Done 3 of 6 ), and nothing I have 2 more Taxol/Herceptin combos, but,. Build-Up of fluid in the feet, ankles, feet and legs new symptoms, your... With displaying some pages on stanfordhealthcare.org think it might be close to being.. Be a good thing to help stimulate my taste buds were certainly out of wack and smoking... By the Cisplatin, then on to rads, with Herceptin until July 2012, ankles hands... Ice pack with you reflux cleared up very quickly relief that may last days or,... Beg MS. ascites or bloating whilst on chemo but a doctor can drain the fluid, called.. And regimens causing bloating, the worst so far all is good all fighting this the. Terrible bloating and sore so think it might be close to being done treatment goes well, I suggest an!