Swollen ankles, other woes, and some "good" news, maybe
 

Hello Ladies,

I did a search on "swollen ankels" and see that it may not be so uncommon. Any new information on this side-effect?

Also, about eyes: my eyes have been dry (which doesn't surprise me since everything seems dry) but a few days ago I had a really disturbing glare in my field of vision that didn't go away quickly.

Fingernails appear bruised and sensitive. Middle fingernails on both hands most sensitive. I'm doing Vitamin E oil and tea tree oil (though perhaps not religiously).

Any thoughts or remedies?

I just had a MUGA and it was 62% after 4 treatments of TCH (down from 67%). My doctor didn't feel it was a significant drop. He may be right since I haven't been able to do any steady, hard exercise since surgery in June. BUT, my pulse does seem to be stronger than normal this time around (not fast and BP good).

Finally, I got my results from genetic testing: BRCA 1--one chemical switcheroo of "uncertain significance"--a mutation that is NOT one of the known breast cancer markers. BRCA 2 negative.

Any info will be appreciated.
Cristina
=)

Christina,

I had swollen feet, ankles through the full year that I was treated with herceptin--got really bad after last infusion. Very swollen. Good news is that within one-two months after I stopped hercepin, the swelling disappeared, and I could once again see bones in my ankles. I also had vision problems, which also began with herceptin. That seems to have improved as well. I wouldn't worry too much about swelling, as I remember from my posts that it's very common.

Christina, I did TCH and about half way through chemo I started getting really bad swollen ankles, feet and the lower part of my legs. Super bad edema! I was concerned about heart problems from the herceptin even though my echo's were great. When my pulmonary doctor saw my ankles he had me run over to the hospital stat to see if I had clots. (That's how bad they were.) I had no clots and was put on lasix temporarily until I got through chemo. It was about 2 months after I finished chemo the swelling finally went away. Even when I was just doing the herceptin it was 100% better. I had minor swelling in ankles with herceptin...but not as bad as when I was doing the taxotere and carbpotin. So hang in there...I have a feeling it will pass when your done with your chemo. Of course keep an eye on it though and let your oncologist know.

Chelee

Christina -

I too had swollen ankles throughout my herceptin. It did go after very shortly after my last infusion.
Vision problems somewhat but not sure which drug may be the culprit.

Christina;

I also had terrible dry eyes during chemo. In any kind of light at all they bothered me....to the point that I had to pull the car over to the side of the road at times when driving.....drove me mad....my eyes would tear up something fierce. Wear sun glasses and carry eye drops (just water). However, it did clear up eventually. Your muga sounds alright to me. If it drops under 50 it is a problem.

Cathy

My very swollen ankles were back to normal within a few months of my last herceptin infusion. Somewhere back then I started a thread about swollen ankles...and alot of responses came back. perhaps you could find that? If I was more computer savvy I could probably find the link...but ...!!!

Ah yes, the swollen ankles. Mine started during the Taxotere part of my chemo regime. It was mainly my left leg/ankle, and they sent me for 2 ultrasounds of my leg to make sure it was not a blood clot. Of course it was not a blood clot, and once I started Herceptin in June the swelling would still occur, although not as bad. My last MUGA was a 64.

So count me in as one of the swollen ones.

Another question - I'm 6 months out from chemo, and my hair is growing in very slowly, compared to other women I've seen. I've read that Herceptin can slow the growth rate - any comments would be appreciated.

all the best
caya

Caya,

I'm a year out from chemo and my hair grows very slowly. Before BC it grew very rapidly--too rapidly. It was a pain always getting hair cuts. Not any more. At this rate I won't need my hair cut for another six months. Probably herceptin!