Forum Discussion
Nervous about Port
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.
41 Replies
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
- Please don't stop posting. We are all here for each other. It is great when things go well for people, however this is a site for support so come on whenever you need it. I often felt when I was going through chemo and all my friends and family told me how inspirational I was that it put so much pressure on me to be that inspirational person. In reality at times I was anything but that person but my friends and family didn't know how to deal with the person who wasn't coping. I only wish back then I had known about this site. Take care. Paula xx
- Sorry, I have come in at the tale end when everything is over. So glad the port went well for you. When you were talking about it going in it reminded me of when mine was put in. A bit comical I thought at the time. We are having a procedure as we have no veins, but before they can perform it they need a vein. So glad all ok now. Rest up. Paula x
