Hello, I’ve almost completed 8 cycles of chemotherapy and now have a lof of pain in my arms. (upper and lower). Oncologist put in my notes that I have Thrombophlebitis in my right arm. Are there any tips for managing this? Any advice? The bcn told me that it’s “probably permanent” but I’m experiencing a lot of pain in the right one now.
Thank you
Hi, I had the same in both my arms after 3x EC chemo. I was put on blood thinners for months due to superficial thrombophlebitis in my forearms for the remainder of my chemo and I had to get the rest of my chemo via Hickman Line. They checked it all out to assess the damage via an ultrasound too. I’m now on Kadcyla (10 rounds in) and getting this via a port as my veins are ruined for bloods etc.
My arms were very sore and I couldn’t straighten them. I initially also got an infection and my right forearm swelled up so I was on antibiotics, but when it all cleared/settled, I kept on with daily stretches or the forearm/arm. I also applied heat at first (a heated pad) to ease it once a day and help with blood flow etc. I am quite active, so found keeping up with my usual fitness routine a struggle at first, however, I basically made myself still do what weights I could and this for me made the biggest difference as by holding weights/a barbell, and going through exercises it almost meant I broke up any scar tissue at the damaged veins and stretched it out. I spoke to my team about everything I was doing and they agreed with it, but by staying active/using my arms (and it was sore) I got to a point quickly where I realised oh I can straighten it without pain now.
I also got referred to a physio and they showed me and my husband how to massage the veins (using more pressure than I thought, but it does work), as their appearance was awful. We do this daily and it’s made a huge difference to the appearance (which I was very self conscious of). I’d say my veins were more the extreme end of the scale when I stayed, and they’re still obvious tight looking when I put my arms straight over my head, but otherwise not noticeable. I’m only telling you that as it means they’re improving slowly as I can see progress.
I finished EC/Docetaxel in Aug and have been on Kadcyla since Nov. After Kadcyla they feel tight again for a few days so I think it still generally irritates them, but even with that, my veins are improving. I haven’t tried them with a needle yet and don’t think they’d be of use, but hopefully once I’m finished chemo they’ll eventually settle. My team also had no idea if they’d get better (and it’s very frustrating as they all commented on it but no one seemed to actually care) but I’m hopeful now that they will and they are impressed with how much they’ve improved at the hospital too. Just stay consistent working on them and results will come in time 
Thank you so much for your reply. X
Agree with you when you say that the teams commented but didn’t do or suggest anything