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Paris · 01-15-2008, 11:34 AM

I was on taxotere and definitely noticed I would swell up as soon as I took decadron which I thought was odd because it's supposed to help prevent the fluid retention issues of taxotere. Anyway, I was looking forward to all that going away after I finished chemo but then I started herceptin and I still have problems with swelling. Ironically over the last two months I started getting lymphadema as well as swelling in my ankles, abdomen and wrists. I saw a lymphadema specialist for the arm and a cardiologist because I was concerned the fluid might indicate a cardiac issue but he didn't seem to think I was retaining fluid. I am small framed to begin with so it's hard to "prove". I felt like I had to do alot of convincing to get further testing done. I hate feeling like a hypocondriat. Do the doctors think I enjoy sitting in their waiting room?

Thank you Suzan for posting this thread!

Jamie

01-15-2008, 11:34 AM	#22
Paris Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 73	I was on taxotere and definitely noticed I would swell up as soon as I took decadron which I thought was odd because it's supposed to help prevent the fluid retention issues of taxotere. Anyway, I was looking forward to all that going away after I finished chemo but then I started herceptin and I still have problems with swelling. Ironically over the last two months I started getting lymphadema as well as swelling in my ankles, abdomen and wrists. I saw a lymphadema specialist for the arm and a cardiologist because I was concerned the fluid might indicate a cardiac issue but he didn't seem to think I was retaining fluid. I am small framed to begin with so it's hard to "prove". I felt like I had to do alot of convincing to get further testing done. I hate feeling like a hypocondriat. Do the doctors think I enjoy sitting in their waiting room? Thank you Suzan for posting this thread! Jamie __________________ Diagnosed 11/06 IDC left breast Stage 1, High Grade w/extensive High Grade DCIS. Right breast extensive hyperplasia w/calcifications. ER-/PR- HER2+++ Bi-lateral masectomy 12/15/06 w/expanders SNB Node Negative Chemo Taxotere, Cytoxan 2/07-4/07 Herceptin Started 5/07 Exchange surgery 6/15/07 Herceptin stopped after 12 rounds due to herceptin induced cardiomyopathy On heart meds 'til? Age 40 at diagnosis Cancer may have been a defining moment but it does not define me!