John had his second dose of Cisplatin on Dec 11. Since then, he has been suffering from diarrhea (probably from adjusting to being on Nutrien), an infection at the insertion point of his feeding tube and last night he developed a swollen left calf. When I called the nursing supervisor, I was advised to take him to emergency asap as chemo patients often suffer from blood clots. Indeed, the diagnosis came back today confirming the suspicion. Now he has to be referred to the Thrombosis Clinic and has been put on blood thinners. It has not been a good week for us at all. I believe that at the end of the treatment, I will probably become very good at catching curve balls.

To all who are on chemo, please do not overlook any swelling in the legs and don't wait to see if the swelling subsides. The patient needs to be looked at as soon as possible.

Sorry to hear this.
Unfortunately anyone with a diagnosis of cancer is at increased risk of a DVT - deep vein thrombosis. It is not just those undergoing chemo. Something we all need to be aware of
Gloria, you like all us caregivers will be a champion at catching those curved balls. You caught this one.
Hope all goes smoothly now for you both,
Tammy

Thanks Tammy.

I would just like to add that John did not have a fever, the swelling was not red, nor was it painful. It was just swollen ( right calf was 15" but left calf was 18"). Yet in the radiologist's report, he is described as having 'extensive dvt'. It could easily have been dismissed as edema.

Sorry he's having such a hard time here's to hoping for smoother waters ahead.