Hi, I've had odd days with swollen ankles in particular, but this has been a problem for me much of my life. My feeling is that about a week into a chemo cycle I am particularly susceptible, and then instead of going down after a night's sleep it takes at least another day. Chemo, or at least some forms, does seem to bring on water retention.
If you are up to gentle exercise, that may help, especially your wrists and ankles. Otherwise, try raising them, so you hold your hands over your head one at a time or together, perhaps resting them against something. For your legs and ankles, either lie with your lower legs propped on a big stack of cushions (and your arms up on the sofa or head of the bed?) or lie flat on your back with your legs propped up as high as you can get them on the wall. After a while you will feel a draining sensation. (When I was at school, we were shown that if you raised just one hand for a while, it would be paler than the other. At my age, I can also see that the veins in the back of my hand shrink a bit after a while.)
You might also find that it helps to wear support tights if you have to be on your feet for very long. In really hot weather, this is like walking around in a sweat bath, though. You could also try mopping or spraying your arms and legs with cool water while raising them.
If it's very bad and all else fails, then bring it up--perhaps they can give you something to help the water retention. You have my sympathies on this; it's really miserable.
Cheryl
