I haven't blogged for a while because I have had a few set backs and didn't really want to keep reliving them or scare anyone by a rant. Prior to my fourth chemo which was my first Docetaxel I had to have a PICC line inserted but three days aftert my whole arm swelled up and I ended up in hospital. Very scary for me and had to wait until Monday to have ultrasound. It was discovered that I had a DVT in my arm so now I have to self inject a blood thinner for the next three months. The PICC had to be removed and this Wed I am going into hospital to have Port inserted ready for Thursday's chemo (2nd last one). I am very apprehensive and nervous that my body will reject the port and I will have another difficut situation to get through. I am trying very hard to challenge my negative thoughts about this but it is easier said than done. Prior to my discharge from hospital when the PICC was removed I was told that they would ring me to set up an appointment with my oncologist to work out what they were going to do so that they could continue on with my chemo treatment. They didn't and after a week of waiting I had to chase it up. This all makes me very nervous. I am more anxious now than when I started chemo. My anxiety is more to do with what could go wrong once I am home.

Thanks Deanne for your understanding and support. Physically at the moment I am feeling pretty good and know that I can get through the Docetaxel with all it's little side effects. Fortunately my nails haven't been affected. I only had some lower back discomfort and red skin following neulasta injection. Did have a visit to Emergency due to temp of 38 on day 6 but only there for four hours as no infection. These set backs have rattle my cage and knocked my confidence. I guess I need to go back to one day at a time. Best wishes Joy xx

Crikey,you can't take a trick!As Deanne said,stay on this network,it works wonders in keeping you steady when everything around you seems shaky.You are definitely on the home stretch Joy.Once you get the port in,you should have a much better time of it.I didn't have a port,but there are many posts on here that are testimony to how good they are.Keep smiling Joy,you are nearly there.You CAN do it. Cheers xox Robyn

Thank you. I do feel better already for coming back here and sharing this. Fear is a terrible thing and overcoming it is a challenge. I hope that by this time next week I will have regained my confidence. I know that in three weeks and three days I will be having my final chemo treatment. I just really hope that all goes well with this port. Love Joy xx

Nervous about Port | BCNA Online Network

41 Replies

Bearteggie
Member
12 years ago
As you already know I developed blood clots from PICC line and I had to self inject for 90 days with Clexane. I hated it so much but made it easier for myself by doing it just before my nightly shower.

I don't have any other advice re blood clots but I am sure your team know what they are doing and if you notice any further changes eg more swelling go straight back to the hospital.

All the very best with the rest of your chemo treatments and I hope you don't have any more dramas with your port.

Best wishes

Joy xx
Mia1965
Member
12 years ago
Hey there Sue, welcome to the family huny. :)

It isn't a club one would join by choice but never the less we are all in the same boat right??? :) I had a PICC line that caused a blood clot at the end that went near my heart. I had the PICC removed and had Clexane for 16 days there after. The doc put another PICC in my right arm but instead of having to endure the Clexane daily I decided to take Warfarin instead. My GP had cancer himself and also had dramas with blood clots too. So on his advice I did the other option to Clexane. Every 4 days I had a blood test to make sure the levels were good for the Warfarin. If they were ever too erradic I would then have a shot of the Clexane, which from memory was only twice. My veins collapsed from the chemo which is why I had the PICC in the first place.

I kept the PICC in for two weeks after the chemo stopped in case I was admitted to the hospital due to an infection like I had after my first chemo. It is a terrible 'Merry-Go-Round' to be on but you do eventually get off hun.

I had my BC in 2011-2012, so I am in my third year since diagnosis.

I hope you have an easier time with your treatment huny. :) Take careXXXMIAXXX
sueblue
Member
12 years ago
Hi. My name's Sue & I've just joined this site so still learning how it works. Had my first chemo (TAC) 11 days ago.4 days ago my right arm swelled up, scaring me as that's my good side. Next day ultrasound found a blot clot at my portacath and more in my upper arm. I hadn't know that was a possible SE. So have been injecting Clexane for last few days. Any advice or info re this would be appreciated. Nurse needed to access 2 veins in hand just to fill 3 vials for testing. Still 5 more chemos to go.
sueblue
Member
12 years ago
Hi. My name's Sue & I've just joined this site so still learning how it works. Had my first chemo (TAC) 11 days ago.4 days ago my right arm swelled up, scaring me as that's my good side. Next day ultrasound found a blot clot at my portacath and more in my upper arm. I hadn't know that was a possible SE. So have been injecting Clexane for last few days. Any advice or info re this would be appreciated. Nurse needed to access 2 veins in hand just to fill 3 vials for testing. Still 5 more chemos to go.
Mia1965
Member
12 years ago
Hi Joy, i hope you are doing ok?

Yes I had dramas, don't we all??? LOL!!! I am glad the port has been a much better option for you huny. The doc decided that due to the fact my chemo would not be too long to have the PICC line inserted instead!. For all its problems it was much better than the agony of collapsed veins due to the chemo drugs and the fear and stress associated with having a tube inserted into my arm or hand! . And yes those poor little mites with the Diabetes right? The power of positive thought can be a real challenge. especially when life is throwing a lot of crap at you right??? LOL!!! But onwards & upwards huny, through thick or thin us BC Pink Ladies are true heroes that deserve a medal for their trouble!!! LOL!!! I hope we all get one someday huh? LOL. Until then all the best and take care always XXX Mia.
Mia1965
Member
12 years ago
Hi Joy, i hope you are doing ok?

Yes I had dramas, don't we all??? LOL!!! I am glad the port has been a much better option for you huny. The doc decided that due to the fact my chemo would not be too long to have the PICC line inserted instead!. For all its problems it was much better than the agony of collapsed veins due to the chemo drugs and the fear and stress associated with having a tube inserted into my arm or hand! . And yes those poor little mites with the Diabetes right? The power of positive thought can be a real challenge. especially when life is throwing a lot of crap at you right??? LOL!!! But onwards & upwards huny, through thick or thin us BC Pink Ladies are true heroes that deserve a medal for their trouble!!! LOL!!! I hope we all get one someday huh? LOL. Until then all the best and take care always XXX Mia.
Bearteggie
Member
12 years ago
You did have a hard time with the Clexane. I a having little bruising really probably because my tummy is a little fat. lol. I am very relieved to have had the Port put in and the nursing staff explained exactly how it works so I am not at all worried now about it. The PICC was not nice at all and I am glad it has gone - I just wish that the port was used from the get go because I will probably have to deal with this port for quite a long time for CT scans etc. With the clexane I just think of all those poor little kids with diabetes who have to be injected numerous times a day. I just say to myself "suck it up sister" and then have nice warm shower and forget about it until the next time.

Thanks for sharing your experience and your words of encouragement. It means a lot.

Love Joy xx
Bearteggie
Member
12 years ago
You did have a hard time with the Clexane. I a having little bruising really probably because my tummy is a little fat. lol. I am very relieved to have had the Port put in and the nursing staff explained exactly how it works so I am not at all worried now about it. The PICC was not nice at all and I am glad it has gone - I just wish that the port was used from the get go because I will probably have to deal with this port for quite a long time for CT scans etc. With the clexane I just think of all those poor little kids with diabetes who have to be injected numerous times a day. I just say to myself "suck it up sister" and then have nice warm shower and forget about it until the next time.

Thanks for sharing your experience and your words of encouragement. It means a lot.

Love Joy xx
Mia1965
Member
12 years ago
Hi Joy,

I too had dramas with a PICC line causing pain and swelling in my right arm during my chemo in 2011-2012.

I had the first one removed after about a month or so after having it inserted due to vein problems from the chemo drugs and blood clots near my heart from the PICC's positioning. They told me I would have to have 'Clexane' everyday for two weeks which I did reluctantly. I ended up with massive bruising all over my tummy because of it, but it was a necessary evil and I got through it!!! Then my Oncologist told me I would have to continue this for another 6 months, but I decided to speak to my GP who is also a very good family friend about it. He told me there was another way to do this which was to have 'Warfarin' tablets daily then be monitored every 3-4 days to make sure the levels were appropriate through having blood tests. My GP had a PICC line fail himself due to blood clots forming and had taken this option too!!! So I did take this option because I decided the 'Clexane' was too uncomfortable to endure. Also because I thought if a doctor can do this then so could I!!! However I did have some more 'Clexane' from time to time due to the unusual levels in my blood of the 'Warfarin.' I did have another PICC line inserted before my next chemo but was a little worried about the blood clots coming back. the doctor told me that because I was on the 'Warfarin' it should be ok to have it done again. I had the PICC removed two weeks after the last chemo in January of 2012 due to the fact that if I ended up in hospital again with an infection like I had before, then I would not have dramas again with my veins. Ultimately the mess all worked out finally in the end which is all that matters right?

I wish you all the best with your cancer journey and hope you get through these problems swiftly and easily huny. take care always XXX Mia.
Bearteggie
Member
12 years ago
It seems ridiculous doesn't it. They took an hour poking around looking for a vein. It was so stressful and my arm started swelling up. I am so glad it is all over now and that chemo went well yesterday.

Thanks for contacting me Paul and hope you are doing well also.

Love Joy xx