Help!! My legs feel like lead!
I'm 5 weeks out of chemo, and feeling fantastic. I'm walking every day and enjoying being able to breathe BUT I am just about made of fluid (and have been since about cycle 3 / 6). I can't wear my rings and my legs feel like lead or like balloons filled with water. What is going on? I have just started an herbal diuretic (blackmores) but do I need to see a doc?
Comments
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I had that issue - finally my onc gave me lasix - it really helped, but you have to take it regularly for a week or longer to really get rid of the fluid. Make sure you also take a potassium supplement too.
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I put on the fluid with the Taxotere. And it stayed with me for close to 16 weeks. Gradually, it worked itself out of my system. I am now almost 1 full year from post surgery, chemo and radiation. I can now say that at this point (2weeks shy of a year), I feel the best I've felt since before this joy ride started. My running is going better. I feel stronger and have more endurance.
The net of all this talking about myself is to 'give it time'.
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Bomber, how did you get back to running? Did it help 'disperse' the fluid? Thanks for your answers, girls! XX
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I ran during treatment until all I could do was walk(around the 5th chemo treatment). I then walked until I could run. I'm not sure if that makes sense. But I did a lot of walk/running post treatment and it gradually turned into mostly, then all, running. I probably was running again, but no serious distance, within a couple months post treatment. Oddly, I don't know that the running helped get rid of the fluid. The fluid just seemed to run its 16-week course.
As I mentioned, I'm approaching my first full year post treatment. I've run up to a 1/2 marathon distance. I can't call them stellar times but recovered well. Covering that distance also involved some walking. I've also raced shorter distances and wasn't completely embarrassed by my times but still not back to where I was.
Hope this information helps. Good luck! Don't give up but don't be so hard on yourself.
Debbie
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I understand! I was feeling so good on a walk last week that I broke into a little run! Last weekend I did a 2.5 hr hard walk through the bush and was absolutely stuffed that night. The message from my body was: buy some decent running shoes, girl! I plan to do that this weekend. Last night in bed I felt as though, physically, the 'tide' was on the turn. I'll be interested to see what happens over the next week or so. I'm now 6.5 weeks out. Thanks!
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I just re-read what I had initially posted. Sorry for my lazy typing but I left out an essential note. When I say the fluid stayed with me for 16 weeks, it should also be noted that the information I read about the effects of Taxotere do say the fluid can stick around for 16 weeks. That's why I suggest it likely has to run its course.
Debbie
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My fluid seems to be stubborn and sticking around for a lot longer then 16 weeks. It started during my 4th week of radiation and I have not been able to get rid of it yet. I can't wear my rings and that makes me sad too. It has been 6 months now. The doctors just say to give it time and things will get better. My body and been through so much this last year. When I think about it - 6 chemo's, 25 raditations tx, 5 surgeries, geez no wonder it is being stubborn and saying to me "leave me alone!"
I am starting the south beach diet today and my yoga/lt weights this week and then back to they gym next week when I go back to work.
Penny
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