What does it mean when a cancer patient has swollen feet?

Edema may be due to the cancer itself keeping fluid from draining, or may happen as a side effect of treatment from chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, or steroids. It can also be a result of poor nutrition. Edema can happen in many parts of the body. The most common are the legs and feet.

Do feet swell at end of life?

Swelling to Feet, Ankles and Hands As a person ages, the kidney function decreases naturally. A very common cause of edema in a dying person is protein malnutrition. Fluid is most evident in dependent areas that are below the heart like the ankles and feet. In bed ridden patients, the hands and hips may swell as well.

What kind of cancer makes your feet swell?

Some types of cancer, like kidney, liver, and ovarian cancers, are more likely to cause edema. Chemotherapy. Some types of chemotherapy, including cisplatin and docetaxel (Taxotere), can cause edema.

Does edema mean end of life?

Oedema can happen if someone has a specific condition, like chronic heart failure, kidney failure, or liver disease. But it can happen to any patient at the end of their life as their body begins to shut down.

Does edema mean end-of-life?

How do you know when end-of-life is near?

Pulse and heartbeat are irregular or hard to feel or hear. Body temperature drops. Skin on their knees, feet, and hands turns a mottled bluish-purple (often in the last 24 hours) Breathing is interrupted by gasping and slows until it stops entirely.

What is end stage cancer like?

You will likely feel very tired. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms at the end-of-life phase. Even when you lie still, cancer saps the energy from your body. Expect to feel drowsy and weaker day by day.

What are end of life signs?

Pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, incontinence, constipation, delirium, and restlessness are just a few signs that a loved one is going through the dying process.