Question about chemo side effect
 

I'm on navelbine, xeloda/ herceptin. My stomach is getting bigger, but I'm not gaining weight! I took a diuretic, but it's still big. Anyone have familiar effect or know what it is? It can't be cancer yet; I just had scans! Thank you HavahJ

Havah,

Do you have to take steriods with this combo?

Take care,

Hi Jan -
I had the same thing happen. It was due to swelling of my liver within its capsule. My med onc measured the lobes of my liver (from the outside as he could feel them) and told me that often happens.

My waistband got tighter and I had to use rubber bands through the button holes and around the button to give myself some slack. My wieght also did not change very much.

I did have to take a small amount of steroid with my treatment (only on the day of treatment), but since there was a worldwide shortage of Decadron at that time, my doc agreed to halve the usual dose for me, since I did not have bad side effects.

Keep asking your questions and we will try to help you through this episode.

I was thinking liver too, check for Hep C etc. Bev