Chemo looming

I had my Port a Cath put in the day before my first chemo back in January 2011. I had no access in my arms after having a bilateral mastectomy then a bilateral node clearance so a port a cath was my only option. Between my surgery and starting chemo my blood tests were done through my feet as was any dyes etc for scans. The pain in my feet was horrendous. I was very uptight about having my port a cath. I arrived at the hospital at 7am and was taken to a waiting area attached to the theatre, unfortunately due to emergencies I had a long anxious wait and had my surgery late arvo. I wish I asked for a sedative. I was given a few locals in my chest area and relaxed but didn't like that I had to be awake. The surgery was over in a short time though I did ask for another shot after experiencing mild discomfort. I left hospital an hour later and returned for the next two days to have m dressing changed. I had my first chemo the day after insertion so I was extremely anxious. Most people have them removed about 6 months after treatment ends but because I have no access on my arms and the veins on my feet are shot thanks to chemo and poking and prodding my little port a cath mate remains in my chest 2 years later. I have it flushed in the chemo ward every 6 weeks. I don't feel my port a cath at all and I am a tummy sleeper. I have a small scar up near my neck ( 2cm) and a longer one (6cm) where it sits high on my chest. The scar and a slight bump is visible if I wear a singlet top but I have no issue with that. Port a caths can only be accessed by trained staff. In emergency at the hospital I have to ask for a trained staff member as NEVER let anyone else access it. Some doctors have no clue as to what it is. All staff in chemo and cancer wards are highly trained. Some dyes for ct scans etc can be put through port a cath if done by trained staff but most can't. Anesthetists won't touch the port a cath in my experience after having surgeries after it was inserted so I have that in my feet. My oncologist is happy to keep my port a cath in indefinitely as long as I get it flushed which takes two minutes. When you go for chemo etc they put a needle into your skin after locating the little ring in the middle. It is the mildest little prick and taking a big breath helps and it's all over. You honestly can't feel it after that and removing needle is just as quick. Much easier than your veins being jabbed at Any questions just let me know Hope reading this helps relieve done of your anxiety Mel xx

Hi, I had the same treatment as you. I just finished in December and am now in my first week of radiation. I didn't have to many side effects, it was all manageable and much better than I had imagined it was going to be. I sucked on icy poles when I had the FEC and I didn't have any mouth problems and I did the frozen gloves on Docataxel. Drinks heaps of water, rest when you can and worry about tomorrow when it gets here! I had the Neulasta injections after my second round til i finished and I didn't notice any side effects but I did get the achey bones from the Docataxel for about a week after each session. Good luck, sending love and light your way.

Hi, I had the same treatment as you. I just finished in December and am now in my first week of radiation. I didn't have to many side effects, it was all manageable and much better than I had imagined it was going to be. I sucked on icy poles when I had the FEC and I didn't have any mouth problems and I did the frozen gloves on Docataxel. Drinks heaps of water, rest when you can and worry about tomorrow when it gets here! I had the Neulasta injections after my second round til i finished and I didn't notice any side effects but I did get the achey bones from the Docataxel for about a week after each session. Good luck, sending love and light your way.

I shaved my head before chemo started,and I didn't worry about ice gloves.My nails got some dark lines on them,and now 4weeks past chemo,they are hardly noticeable.Cheers Robyn.xox

I had the Neulasta injections for the last 2 Docetaxel chemos after having neutropenia with the first dose. I was able to give them to myself but I'm sure you will be able to get it sorted at the doctors. I was not sure if I really had any side effects as it did not seem much different to the effects from the Docetaxel anyway. I did not try the cool caps but I did wear ice gloves when I had the Docetaxel to help minimize the effects on nails. Seemed to work well. Don't worry about asking lots of questions, we all asked them of those who had gone before us too! We can all help each other on here. Deanne xxx

Thanks for all your information.

Just got a call from the oncologist assistant and they advise to try and go for one and see. They will give me something to calm down first. Hopefully that will help.

Anybody have been given Nuelasta injections for day after chemo to help with building up the white cells? Any side effects? Can't imagine that I can self administer that so have to get help from the local doctor surgery I think.

Also, anybody tried cool cap?

Sorry so many questions.  Still a little anxious but ok. Hope I can keep this cool for the next 2 weeks.

C

Welcome to the website, I am having the same chemo treatment you mentioned. I have finished FEC and had my first docetaxol yesterday. Every thing Deanne and Robyn W have said is spot on, it's all doable. Difficult at times, but doable. They had trouble with my veins very early on and I now have a picc in my arm, so everytime I go, I just get hooked up. I was offered a Port but chose a picc. If you really like swimming, a port is the way to go as you can't get a picc wet. If your oncologist doesn't think you need either, maybe wait and see. Anytime you have a question or a worry, hop on this website and all information and advice that I have received has been invaluable. Wish you well with the process, take care, 

Hazel xx

I had the same chemo as you. I also enquired about picc or portacath but oncologist said I would be fine and I was. However, the chemo is hard on your veins and they do sometimes have trouble with getting the cannula in. I learnt to drink plenty of water for the 2 days leading up to chemo day as this really helps with the veins. With both chemos just follow the instructions that the doctor and chemo nurse give you. Take any medications as instructed, drink plenty of water, look after your mouth care (I used Biotene mouthwash and toothpaste), monitor your temperature (I bought a digital thermometer), walk for exercise if you can ( it really, really helps with side effects) and rest as much as possible. Food wise, I tried to be healthy most of the time but when you feel nauseous just eat what you feel like, it helps. I had my hair cut into a short style before the first chemo. But when it started to fall out ( day 14) after the first FEC, my husband shaved it for me! Your head may get quite sore while the hair is falling out, mine did! Just remember to take it one step at a time. You will get through it but it is not pleasant! I am 4 months post chemo and my hair is growing nicely and I feel well. Life is good again. Let us know how you go. Good luck with it all. Take care. Deanne xxx

I will just say welcome,and I want to reassure you that the fear of chemo is worse than the actual chemo itself ,I believe.I was where you are 6 months ago,and I have just finished my treatment,and feel really well:) I don't want to comment on the chemo that you are having,because I only had Docetaxel.Some ladies find it causes joint and bone pain but for me the side effects were almost nothing,except for tiredness from days 5to 9 after each round.It was very doable:) I didn't have a portacath,but maybe with 6 rounds and a fear of needles,it might be a good thing.I am sure that other ladies with experience in this will be here later to advise and support you.This network is the best,and there is someone here 24/7 if you need a chat:) Take care.xoxoRobyn