Swelling

kansasrose · 04-03-2006, 07:59 PM

It's been a long while since I've been here. I am watching a program on ABC about a woman who went into heart failure due to an unnamed breast cancer drug I am wondering if it is Herceptin? Anyway, I have noticed the last few weeks a heaviness in my chest. Not pain, but, heaviness, as if I have pressure in my chest cavity. I also notice that my ankles on the outside are quite swollen, and my feet are tingly and a bit discolored.

I went through a scare several months ago thinking that I had diabetes... the tingling in my feet, the discoloration, a lot of weight gain. But, everything checked out. I have begun to do more exercise. My energy level os pretty good. I guess my question is: are any of you Herceptin gals having long lasting swelling in the ankles? Can heaviness in my chest be nothing? I know that I need to call doc... it's been several months since I've seen any doctor and have enjoyed the reprieve. But, just wanted some feedback. Here are my 'stats"

Stage 3c, 15/17 nodes positive March 2003
Her2+++
4 AC
4 Taxol
35 rads
1 year of weekly Herceptin
completed December, 2004
In many ways,I am feeling stronger than ever. But, I am now a widow, losing husband while undergoing treatment and am raising two kids alone. Any advice from you all is so greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much.

Kansasrose

AlaskaAngel · 04-03-2006, 08:07 PM

I am not taking Herceptin as yet. However, since Herceptin can have adverse cardiac effects and the long-term effects are not well known yet, based on your description I think you see your doctor and consider requesting either an echo or a MUGA scan. I don't know how old your and your heart are, but continued swollen ankles and heaviness of the chest with or without a history of Herceptin should be investigated promptly.

AlaskaAngel

Lisa · 04-03-2006, 09:13 PM

Rose,

It's good to "see" you again. While you've been through so much the past couple of years, you still MUST go see your onc. It might be something simple, or not. But you need to find out.

Love and light,

Lisa

Lolly · 04-03-2006, 09:16 PM

Hi Kansasrose; I second AA's motion, please get thee to the doctor asap. I'm so glad to see you're feeling stronger since you're husband's passing, but you really must get this checked out. Keep us posted, ok?

<3 Lolly

Rozebud · 04-04-2006, 09:12 PM

No idea, but I just popped in for the first time in several weeks to see this post. I'm glad you're hanging in there Rose. I think about you and your children often....especially when I'm visiting my friends in the "T" town.

You're in my thoughts and prayers - the other KS Rose

04-05-2006, 01:06 PM

Rose;

I am so sorry to hear of the added troubles you have been through. When I saw my onc last week he took me off herceptin due to decreased heart function (42 on the MUGA). He explained that this exam sees the actual heart beating and mine was beating in a sluggish manner due to the herceptin. I have a little bit of swelling (and really not much) to my feet and one hand (the non lymph node removed arm). I also feel heavy in my chest. I can't really tell if it's my breast (I had a lumpectomy) or my heart. My doctor is running some other tests and watches my neck and head for mets carefully due to the tumor I had in my left supraclavicular node so perhaps the symptoms are related to that I really don't know. As the ladies say, it is better to go and have things checked out.

Best regards,

Cathy

MCS · 04-05-2006, 10:33 PM

Maybe herceptin combined with high blood pressure?

My mom was diagnosed with high blood pressure with the same symptoms you have ( no bc though). And considering all the issues you are handling now, it could be aggravating any part of your body.

Hang tough

MCS ( Maria)

04-05-2006, 11:08 AM

I have been on weekly Herceptin. At one time, my ankles were swollen, but not discolored nor tingly. I was on a vacation, so I did a lot of walking. I thought that I walked too much that it caused the swelling. Then I saw my onc nurse, she prescribed me a "water pill" due to poor circulation. She said that my heart was not pumping strongly enough. I was off Herceptin for a couple of weeks, until I passed yet another Echo exam. Kansasrose, this may be your situation. I ditto everyone's posts, since you haven't seen an onc for a good while, it's high time you saw one again. Have your ankles checked out soon! God bless.