Newly Diagnozed

Hi, the surgery to put the port in was pretty easy for me. I did it at a private hospital and they gave me two types of sedatives. I didn't feel a thing. It was a pretty quick op too. Make sure you ask what sedatives they will give you (not just local!).

I've had fine needle biopsies but I actually thought they weren't as reliable as core biopsies. Needle biopsies were the easiest I thought - as they are fine needle. Though I think they may take up to 3 samples from each area. I've also had a vacuum assisted biopsy which was by far the worst. Just ask for local anaesthetic if you are worried about it. 

I think you will find the needle biopsy is much the same thing or just extracting some liquid with a needle and syringe  but same process. Hope all goes well. Kath x

Hi Anne, 

 Thanks for you info about the port-a-cath. It is very helpful for me. I am told that the four monthly blood test I have for my diabetes has to continue the same,  at the pathology clinic. So I am thinking it will only be used for MRI, CT scan and anything done during chemo. which I am told involves the blood test. Thanks for the suggestions you told me.

Good luck to you too.

HI Karenhappyquilter, 

Thanks for telling me about the picc line inserted. I am not looking forward to it. It is going to be next week in hospital under unaesthetic.

 Have any of you had needle biopsy done. I had a core biopsy done last months  which showed cancer but I need another one due to some spots an ultra sound showed in same breast but different area. This new biopsy is really stressing me out.Thanks.

I had a picc line inserted after three chemo cycles when one vein became very sore.  A picc  line is also a good option.  I am glad I had mine put in, although I did cry after it was put in, silly I know.  Just stress, it didn't hurt.  

Hi, I already commented on on another comment - but just wanted to add, I had a port put in which has been good. Make sure they use it for blood tests too. One piece of advice my oncologist gave me was to 'be bolshy' - i.e. be a bit pushy when you need to. So depending on where you are having treatment, get them to do the blood test first and then wait for results for chemo. My clinic does my blood test in 15 mins (just the bit they need, looking at bloods....full blood test ready later) and this means I don't have to get additional blood tests the day before or anything like that.

Also, if you aren't keen on feeling needles, get some embla cream and apply to the port area an hour before they need to use it. It numbs the skin and then you really don't feel anything going in.

Try not to be too anxious about chemo. Probably for the first time you will be....but then after that, try to make it 'me' time. Take a good book, catch up on Netflix/TV...or whatever it is that you can do to relax. 

Keep asking for advice here. I'm just about to finish my chemo, have a short break, then onto 5 weeks of radio. Lots of people have been through a similar journey (although absolutely not the same) and can be a sounding board. 

Cheers, Anne

Hi, you didn't mention what type of chemo you are having - but if applicable, ask about cold capping and whether this is an option. I'm just about to finish 12 weeks of chemo and haven't lost my hair (on my head!) as I've done cold capping. It can add to stress but for me, its been worth it not to lose my hair. 

And I just reinforce what others have said - don't worry about feeling you have to be stronger. Just do what you have to do to relax and get yourself ready for treatment. Focus on you and don't worry about what others thing.

Good luck.

hi PRIMEK, 

              Thanks for your suggestions especially what you said about letting the family know what I am going through and that I need a big hug from them.  I tend to hide it from them when I am feeling down but I know being honest and admit that I am scared is a better way as we do need their love and support. Thanks.x

hi KAREN, 

 MY gosh I have only  been in this group for a short time but you are are all awesome ready to help out ,so a big thanks to all. I think for me personally once I got over the shock of shaving my head , I will accept what I cannot change that I have cancer and have to deal with it.Good luck to you Karen and the rest of thsi group. 

So sorry to hear your news.  I am half way through chemo, some days are difficult, others easier.  I wanted to say like other women that have posted that losing your hair is ok, it's clean, neat, no more bad hair days, lots of pretty hats and scarves and wigs to wear and frankly quite helpful when you have so much else going on in your life.  I plan to always have very short hair from now one, once it grows back.   Trust your doctors and nurses, they will have to work out how to deal with your diabetes and chemo.  Once chemo brain sets in, we are very dependent on experts.  Good luck.