What If I Have Swelling?
Generalized swelling (swelling all over) or leg swelling can be due to
• medication effect
• hormonal effect
• poor circulation in veins and/or lymphatic vessels
• weak kidneys
• heart problems
• liver problems
• allergic lymphedema
Swelling in a small area or in one arm or leg can be due to
• damage or blockage to the lymph system of the area
• blockage of a vein
• other local problems
Your doctor can tell you whether
•your swelling indicates a significant problem in important organs, such as your heart or kidneys, or is basically a cosmetic issue
•your swelling is expected to be temporary or permanent
• there are medicines or other measures you can take to relieve the swelling safely
You need to notify your doctor if the swelling is new or if fever, pain, tenderness, redness, heat, or overlying skin changes in the swollen area develop.
What Does It Mean If I Often Faint?
Problems that can cause you to feel faint include
• anemia
• deconditioning (the loss of normal strength and tone in muscles and blood vessels because of reduced exercise and activity)
• damage to the nervous system
• heart rhythm problems
• hormonal imbalance
Am I at Increased Risk of Heart Problems?
Certain cancer treatments carry some risk of heart injury:
• high-dose Adriamycin – risk is directly related to the total dose of Adriamycin received over your lifetime
• high-dose radiation to the chest
How Do I Know Whether I Have Heart Problems?
Call your doctor if you develop
• shortness of breath
•chest heaviness, tightness, squeezing, or pain
• chest heaviness or shortness of breath with exertion, such as walking up stairs or lifting groceries
• swelling in your feet and legs
• fever
• light-headedness
• loss of consciousness, no matter how brief
• palpitations (abnormally rapid throbbing or fluttering of the heart)
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