Ouch! Stitches pinching and poking

Just my two cents worth on ports. As you prob know I got to do chemo twice due to a recurrence. I didn't have a port the first time and have big regrets. It was offered but at the time I just freaked saying I didn't want anything in my body. I manged ok with the chemo, however it absolutely trashed what were once great veins. My veins have not recovered and that first chemo ended in Feb 2010. As a result every blood test I now have is a nightmare. I can't use my surgery arm which incidentally I have lymphdema in, but you shouldn't use it anyway because of the risk. The chemo ( well the type I had) turned my veins into barbed wire. Only the most experienced phlebotomist can get blood from me, and then it is in the back of my hand. I had to have a port second time, and have wished ever since that I had done it first time. Every chemo was a breeze. Needle in, no dramas. My port is under the skin. I do everything with it, shower, swim etc all the time. I had my port put in one day at the Wesley hospital under a twilight anaesthetic. I swore I was awake the whole time, but they assured me I wasn't and my first chemo there the following day. Once the site of the port healed I have not had any dramas. Actually it's a bit of a joke that I still have it. I just didn't want another procedure to get it out and so left it in until my next surgery. My surgeon will remove it next week when I have my other mastectomy and recon. The only slight pain in the butt was having to get it flushed every 6 weeks, but that takes only a couple of minutes. Anyway I know whatever decision you make will be right for you, just wanted to share my very positive port experience. Good luck tomorrow. Paula :)

I think I will ask that I not have a portacath as well.  I really like to swim in summer and my mother has a lovely pool so unless I'm going weekly I'll see if they can use my veins I think.  I've spoken to someone who wanted to keep swimming and she said she did veins quite easily.  I also think swimming will help my arm.

Cas (always grateful for your wonderful advice Jeanine)

 

It's great that you're getting out and walking - I found that to be the most manageable form of exercise (doesn't involve too much arm movement) and I always feel better after a walk. It's even nicer to have a walk with your partner or a friend - then you get to catch up and don't notice that you're actually exercising - a nice bonus if you feel you'd rather veg on the couch :) You'll get there sweetie - this is a surreal time-out from real life. It makes no sense but you get to do it anyway... Xxx Jeanine

It's great that you're getting out and walking - I found that to be the most manageable form of exercise (doesn't involve too much arm movement) and I always feel better after a walk. It's even nicer to have a walk with your partner or a friend - then you get to catch up and don't notice that you're actually exercising - a nice bonus if you feel you'd rather veg on the couch :) You'll get there sweetie - this is a surreal time-out from real life. It makes no sense but you get to do it anyway... Xxx Jeanine

Rest?  What is this strange word?  lol  I am resting and getting fatter by the day.  I've taken to doing 10 minutes at a pace that I can keep up on my treadmill twice a day and taking myself for a walk down the street as well each day for some sun, fresh air and change of scenery.  I feel like an 80yo.  I'll feel worse before I feel better and I've accepted that but I still need to keep myself going.

I can't see my family allowing me to drive if I become vague from chemo so I may be having a week at home every third week.  That will be my rest.

Cas xx

Thanks Jeanine, but I still haven't had any treatment yet.  The breast care nurse from Breastscreen Australia said don't worry, often the doctors wait 6 weeks before starting chemotherapy.  They would prefer that the scar be given time to heal before hitting you with drug therapy.  So I'm not worried, just impatient :)

I hope that is right about one day just realising it is gone.  These small things are the annoying bits.  I can deal with the big stuff but I don't need the annoying bits.

Cas (hugging back) :)

 

Thanks Jeanine, but I still haven't had any treatment yet.  The breast care nurse from Breastscreen Australia said don't worry, often the doctors wait 6 weeks before starting chemotherapy.  They would prefer that the scar be given time to heal before hitting you with drug therapy.  So I'm not worried, just impatient :)

I hope that is right about one day just realising it is gone.  These small things are the annoying bits.  I can deal with the big stuff but I don't need the annoying bits.

Cas (hugging back) :)

 

Thanks for thinking of me Jeanine.  My GP said these stitches are supposed to dissolve but some of them just decide that they won't.  He was happy to take it out for me.  I was worried about him more than me.  He cut himself badly with an angle grinder a few weeks ago, lost a lot of blood, tranfusion etc but here he is back at work.  His patients just love him to bits as do I.  Anyway, between him, his receptionist and me, we were comparing scars by conversation and it was concluded that mine was still the biggest and best  lol.  I just love going there when I have to.

How do you get past the stitch you have hurting?  Is it a sign that you've done too much?  I was being stabbed for any reason at any time of the day or night but more often when I had been using that arm.  I can now do everything barring lift my elbow above my head (don't want to bust my stiches altogether.).

Cas  x

Brilliant on all counts. Have a great weekend. Paula :)