I have been having problems with thrombophlebitis in my right arm which started after my second chemo session. I have to do daily tinzaparin injections. Since then I have had flare ups in that arm about 10 days after each chemo session (even though it’s not been administered in that arm since). Now my arm still feels a bit tender.
I did have a PICC line inserted in the other arm but then that cause irritation in the vein so that had to be removed. The veins in both arms now look very noticeable whereas you couldn’t see them before.
I’m rather anxious about all this as I’m due to have double mastectomy done in couple of weeks.
Anyone else had similar problems?
Elinda x
Hello Elinda,
I’m not sure if there are many similarities, but I did have one episode of phlebitis whilst on chemo. I have a history of poor circulation (had my first treatment for varicose veins at age 17!), and had phlebitis in my legs several times prior to BC, although nor for several years since successful laser treatment.
I had my first chemo in July 2008, and 2 days later noticed a prominent vein at the back of my knee, which in another 2 days became red and inflamed. It was diagnosed as phlebitis and treated with NSAIDs, and thankfully cleared up quickly and never recurred.
I had also had a general anaesthetic for a sentinel node biopsy just 2 weeks prior, so I think the combination of recent surgery and my history probably provided more of a cause than the chemo, especially as it turned out to be a “one-off”.
Presumably you have now completed your chemo, so hopefully your right arm won’t be irritated again to cause another flare up. Good luck for your mastectomy - mine was 4 months ago, and I’m now counting down the weeks to reconstruction.
Best wishes,
Julie
Hi Elinda
I had phlebitis in my arm after my 2nd cycle of chemo too. I,m now on cycle 7 and the tenderness has just about settled. I think that it is areatively coomon thing as chemo is an irritant to the veins. I was given some cream by the chemo unit and was told that I could use an anti-inflammatory cream as an alternative. This did seem to help. Also iwas told that the chemo can cause a darkening of the veins which gradually settles over a few months. Hope all goes well with the op.
Nicky