Swelling on both hands due to chemo port malfunction

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prachigupta
prachigupta Member Posts: 11
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

My mom was diagnosed for bilateral breast cancer in oct, 2009. My mom was inserted for chemo port in October 2009. About 40-45 days ago she started developing swelling in both hands. About 2 weeks back when she went for chemo port flushing, there was no backflow of blood. Appeared that the port was not functioning. Went for Doppler test but no blood clot was found. The doctor who operated upon her for removal of port told her that her port was badly stuck in her artery and he had a lot of difficulty in removing the port. Told her he had never operated upon for such a port removal before in his whole career. He had also told us before operation that malfunction of port might lead to swelling in one or both hands. Her port had been removed but the swelling refuses to go from her hands. Has anyone faced something similar with chemo port before ?

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited November 2011

    Prachi, hello!

    It's possible for a port placed on the left side to cause swelling in the left arm/hand and both legs, but not both arms. When the swelling is in both arms like your mom's it's more likely to be caused by certain kinds of chemo. Is she still doing chemo? The taxanes do cause swelling like you're describing. How long ago was the port removed?

    Your mom has certainly had a rough time with cancer treatment, and I hope she's soon feeling strong again. She's so fortunate to have you to care for her. Please tell us how we can help.

    Be well!
    Binney

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  • prachigupta
    prachigupta Member Posts: 11
    edited November 2011

    Hi Binney

     Thanks for heliping me out..Her port was placed on right side. She had a lumpectomy on right side and MRM on left side. Port removed about 2 weeks ago.Stitches will be removed on monday. Her 6 chemos were finished in April 2010. Her left arm is troubling her badly. Do you think its LE setting in..? Left arm does appear bigger in size. Can't lift up right arm due to sticthes of port. :-(((

    She also had shingles last year on the left side of her neck and face. Her Chemo oncologist prescribed a med with diclofenace potassium 50 mg for the swelling but she could not take it. Had bad vommittings due to it. Seems it caused a lot of acidity to cause that. 

     Sorry for rambling out so much. I could not help it. I am so upset to see her like this.Everytimewe try to move on, something or the other comes up to trouble her. 

    Love and Hugs

    Prachi 

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  • prachigupta
    prachigupta Member Posts: 11
    edited November 2011

    Hi again Binney,

    I was browsing through side effects of diclofenace potassium. Found out it can cause serious water retention/edema. She had previously taken it twice over past 3 weeks (courtsey - negligent doctors) :-( Now I suspect that her swelling is due to this medicine..waiting for her monday appointment now. 

    Here's the link http://www.drugs.com/pro/diclofenac-potassium.html

    A small extract from the above link says "Congestive Heart Failure and Edema - Fluid retention and edema have been observed in some patients taking NSAIDs. Diclofenac Potassium tablets should be used with caution in patients with fluid retention or heart failure."

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited November 2011

    Prachi, you should definitely check with her doctor about the medication, but it sure does sound like she may have some lymphedma in her arm. Do you have a lymphedema therapist you can talk to? I only know of one, in Delhi, but if you can't find any close to where you live you might call this one and ask about resources in your area:

    Seema Grover, PT, CLT
    Batra Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Physiotherapy,  Tel: 11-29958747 #3068

    If the port was not on the left then it is very unlikely that could have caused her swelling, so that's another reason to consider that it could be lymphedema.

    It is so hard to feel helpless when someone you love is suffering. But you're asking the right questions, and you deserve good answers. You'll get on top of this.Smile Do look into getting some lymphedema evaluation and treatment from a therapist who deals with this.

    And do please keep us posted and tell us how we can help. Give her a hug for us,
    Binney

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  • prachigupta
    prachigupta Member Posts: 11
    edited November 2011

    Binney, she does have some lymphedema in her left arm and she is very regular with her exercises and used to keep a control over swelling. I am waiting for her appointment tomorrow. The Hospital where she got her treatment has a good physiotherapy department.She has a history of edema. Her eldest sister who is a doctor too (UK) also told us that the sudden swelling can be a probable cause of the medication..I am realy hoping it is so..because fluid retention can be easily dealt with but not lymphedema. Cry

    But thanks so much for the details of the doctor. I have taken down the details of the doctor you suggested. Its always good to get opinions from different doctors now. I do not trust one doctor now...How can they be so negligent..? Frown

    I will let you know what goes tomorrow. Thank you so much for your concern and love. I feel so good talking to lovely woman like you. Gives me a lot of strength. 

    Hugs from me and my mom. 

    Prachi 

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