OMG

Hi there,

i had a port put in as I had 6 months of chemo and 12 months of herceptin and there was just no way the veins were going to last. They used to draw the bloods from it and then use it for chemo/herceptin. I used to put emla cream on to dull the pain when they accessed it. The port was only ever used in the oncology wards as they have to be specially trained to access the port so if I had to go to accident and emergency or needed extra bloods done, it meant more needles. So maybe the picc line would be better suited for you. As far as advice goes, the first treatment is usually a bit of an anti climax as you don't tend to feel unwell straight away. If you can, take someone with you. The first one is longer and it can be boring. Fruit tingles and lemonade icy poles were my best friends during chemo. Even if you feel ok, take all the medications they tell you to when they tell you to to try and stave of side effects. Tell your onc's every single side effect as you will be surprised at the things they can do and change to make things better. I was dreadfully ill after my first chemo. I spent 4 days on the toilet with a bucket in my lap. I thought this was just how it was meant to be. If you have more than a day of not being able to keep anything in your system, don't be afraid to go back to the hospital. Watch your temperature like a hawk and keep anyone who is sick or who has been in contact with anyone sick away from you. Good luck with it all. Karen xox