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
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
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
- 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
