Hi all,
I’m on both Tamoxifen/Herceptin the later being forever due to lung mets. Recently I’ve noticed that my ankles are swollen does anyone else suffer with this on these drugs? I slept with my feet propped up last night and the swelling went down could it just be water retention brought on by the Tami? I also get the usual joint pain in my thumbs, hands, and feet. Its only a small problem but its starting to worry me although I do try not to get overly stressed about anything anymore as its just not worth it. The other annoyance is acid reflux I’ve been taking Rennie every day at the moment anyone else suffer with this problem? I will go and see my GP if they don’t go away soon.
Any advice would be most appreciated.
Sarah x
Pre-cancer, I had problems with acid reflux for a while which disappeared when I lost about 15 pounds last summer. Then I was diagnosed with BC. As soon as I started on chemo (AC) it came back with a vengeance, not touched by my normal antacids! Then I started on omeprazole, and have had no problems since.
During my treatments I had a CT scan which happened to show up a moderate sliding hiatus hernia. I’m hoping that when Iget the poison out of my system, and lose the excess weight I have regained, I will be able to come off the Omeprazole and be symptom-free once more!
Hi Sarah, I’m another on treatment forever. I don’t have any acid problems but have, what I believe are fashionably called, cankles. 
And I’ve had them ever since my first treatment Tamoxifen. They have stayed throughout all other treatments. I’m very little and can wear medium length trousers to cover them because they do look horrible and it’s all the little add ons that annoy isn’t it?!
I haven’t asked about any thing to perhaps help, I just drink lots, keep very mobile etc. I think fluid retention is one of Tamoxifen’s side effects and it’s stayed with me. I never had this problem before.
Take Care, Belinda…x
i’m on herceptin and do get swollen ankles if I am on my feet for too long. They do go down when I lie down with them raised.
Do any of you ladies wear support stockings or socks? When my feet started swelling I have some flight socks that I sometimes use. If you are going to be standing or sitting for long periods, (not to mention flying!), they can be helpful for comfort and to control the swelling. Preferably applied first thing when you get up, and before you feet start to puff up.
Cankles! Nice one!!
Edit: just a note of caution with compression socks. They can cause problems if too tight or constricting, so if in doubt seek medical advice!
Iv’e used the compression socks for leg swelling, but now I’m. not so unsteady ,(after stopping taxol due to side effects) I have found using the treadmill on the walk programme a little each day has helped my leg swelling , lost nearly 7lbs this week due to losing some of this fluid xx
Oh yes, absolutely, walking works the “muscle pump” mechanism, and is great for squeezing that fluid back where it should be going. Walking *with* compression will get an enhanced effect.
My cankles mostly arise if I am standing about, or sitting for long with my feet down. On Monday I am probably going to be standing a lot, and the forcast is for 30 degrees! Phew!! Why can’t it just settle on sunny and about 23-24 degrees, and just be pleasant!!
Just a note of caution Sarah - if you are getting swollen ankles (not just a one off) and are on herceptin you need to mention it to your onc. If your muga scans are ok then it’s not a problem.
Dawn
xx
Thanks for all your kind words of advice about this problem. Dawn - My muga scans all come back excellent so it can’t be the herceptin. I think its probably the Tamoxifen that has made my ankles into cankles lol. Thanks for making me see the funny side.
The heat is on at the moment and I cannot stress enough how great my oscalating fan is, I’ve finally found something to take the edge off the hot flushes and help me sleep through the night (I leave it on all night, my cats don’t like it but I don’t care I’m lovely and cool)
If anyone wants to be uplifted I highly recommend watching Chic feat. Niles Rogers on the bbc iplayer at Glastonbury Music Festivial they did over an hour of spirit lifting disco/dance music some tracks from the 70’s I cant get those tunes out of my head and its done me the world of good. Happy dayz xxxxx love and light to you all Sarah xx
Oh I will check the music link out Sarah. Thanks. 
I’m the same with my music…all sorts…it takes me to another place. x