My husband was recently diagnosed with stage IV melanoma which has spread to his lymph nodes. So far he has felt just fine (physically), and treatment will start next week. However, the day after an MRI (with compound) two weeks ago, his arm where the IV was became extremely sore as did the areas where the tumors are near his armpit, chest and neck. His forearm was red and swollen. This lasted about 3 days and slowly subsided. I googled and read about extravasation which is a problem that occurs when contrast leaks into the tissue around the vein with the IV was placed. An article I was reading said it was rare but it happens, and it described his exact symptoms. We assumed that’s what had happened. Than late last week he had a CT scan and it happened again. He was in agonizing pain all weekend. Saturday you could tell through his shirt that his peck muscle on that side was swollen. Sunday that was gone but there was swelling around his neck and shoulder. Today he is starting to feel better. He just thinks it’s the cancer; the tumors starting to cause pain. I think it’s pretty odd that it happened each time after those two tests. However, I researched and was unable to come up with any information that MRI’s or CT scans caused this kind of discomfort, and I know the same compound is not used in both tests. I’ll ask his Dr. at our next visit, but meanwhile I’m just wondering if anyone else has experienced this. I know we have more serious things to worry about down the road, but I am just wondering if all this pain is from the cancer or from the test.
Thank you
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