Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 4/7/2007

Question
I was diagnosed with stage three rectal cancer last year in May 2006.I went through four weeks of chemo/rad treatments the I got real sick after they gave me an injection for a low red blood count so they decided to have me take a week off from the treatments.I was receiving the chemo through a mediport catheter in a subclavin vein and when they tried to draw blood from it nothing came out,so they tried the arm itself(left arm)with no results.They were able to get blood from my right arm.They disconnected the port and sent me home for that week off.After three days I noticed my left arm started to change colors to a purple color.When I went back in to restart the treatments I got a radiation dose the I told them that something was wrong with my left arm.The told me to go to the emergency room and there after running some tests with an ultrasound,they found a blood clot where the port was located.After a week in the hospital they were going to try to remove the port but they were not very certain if it was a good idea.So I told them I was going home so they started me on blood thinners(Lovenox 180mg a day)for three months.I went back and finished the chemo/rad treatments but developed a severe
pain in and around my left shoulder area and my finger tips on my left hands are numb and hard with no elasticity in them and with sores on them too.I recently had the port removed back in November and just finished the Lovenox injections that I gave for six months not three.I thought that the port was causing problems,but actually I believe that the blood clot has caused some sort of damage in my shoulder and the fingers.Because I am suffering from these complications on top of the cancer,I am holding off on the surgery and don't feel that I can recover from it in my current situation.I am worried that I might lose my fingers and or arm.What do you think of my situation?

Answer
It is very probable that your shoulder-arm-finger problems are associated with the blood clot you had. Without an examination however I can not come further than that. Get a second opinion from a vascular surgeon on that soonest! And some treatment for it too if necessary/possible! AND please do not postpone your rectal surgery if possible since that surgery really is important!