Is it lymphedema or chemo SE in ankle?

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Chloesmom
Chloesmom Member Posts: 1,053
edited May 2015 in Lymphedema

Am 5 weeks PFC and have progressive increase in neuropathy in both feet. Left is worse. Both ankles are swelling and the nurse at MO said it can get worse before it gets better. The left ankle is so puffy you can only see 1/2 the ankle compared to right. Am wearing compression hose, elevating it and spin ankle pumps. Worried this will trash my lymphatics if it hasn't yet. Arms are ok. Any thoughts

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  • MamaDuck
    MamaDuck Member Posts: 3
    edited May 2015

    I also had terrible ankle swelling after chemo had ended (you had Taxol I'm guessing?), but it went away after a few weeks. I already had lymphedema in my left arm, but it wasn't really affected by the chemo after-effects, and I haven't had any issues with my legs since. Hope yours return to normal soon, that treetrunk thing is so uncomfortable!

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  • MamaDuck
    MamaDuck Member Posts: 3
    edited May 2015

    I also had major leg swelling for several weeks after chemo (Taxol seemed to be the culprit), but it went away after about 6 weeks, right before my surgery. I did develop lymphedema in my left arm almost immediately after surgery, but I don't think the leg swelling contributed to that, probably had a lot more to do with having an axillary dissection and cording! Hope your legs improve soon, that tree trunk situation is certainly uncomfortable and it's great having cankles in the summer when it's too hot to wear pants!

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  • Meadow
    Meadow Member Posts: 2,007
    edited May 2015

    I agree MamaDuck, Taxol did a number on my feet. And welcome!

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited May 2015

    The summer after DX (LE had already developed about 5 mths before while 1/2 way through Taxol (9 weeks post UMX), my right ankle (same side) decided to 'puff up' to the size of my calf. I called my PA as I had very recently had my every 6 mths check up. She was baffled as there were no issues with heart/lungs/kidneys. She sent me lasix to try for a few days. It worked - swelling went down and has never come back in almost 5 yrs. Will never know why/what happened but it did, left and never came back. No, I had not injured/sprained/anything it just st happened and left.

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  • MamaDuck
    MamaDuck Member Posts: 3
    edited May 2015

    Thank you, Meadow! I read a lot here, just didn't join until recently. Wish I'd found this site when I was actually doing treatment! Better late than never, I guess!

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  • Meadow
    Meadow Member Posts: 2,007
    edited May 2015

    Absolutely MamaDuck!

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