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Anonymous's avatar
Anonymous
Not applicable
14 years ago

Port is in!

Well the Port (PowerPort) is finally in and I'm so pleased I went down this track. Every person I spoke to at the hospital supported my decision to have the Port inserted as opposed to the PICC line. I can use the Port for all treatment, including CT contrast liquid and dyes etc so I am rapt. Thank you to all my pink sisters for such great advice xx.

Now I'm just nervously waiting for the Port's first use, which will be on 24th November, just prior to my 2nd cycle of chemo when I need to get blood taken (and then chemo later in the day). I havent bought any Emla patches yet, as they appear to be very expensive..$18 for 2 patches! A tiny tube of Emla cream is dear too, costing about $70!...outrageous! Does anyone get  Emla patches supplied by the hospital or do you have to buy them?  I'm hoping the hospital will supply me with at least the first one so that I can see if they work etc...or perhaps I should just buy a 2 pack and see how it goes??

Thanks again for the advice. Take care all, Celeste xxx

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  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    Not applicable
    14 years ago

    Thanks for your post. For me, the side effects from the chemo/herceptin so far have included nausea (mild), diahorrea, headaches, stiff joints, dry crusty yet runny nose, metallic taste in the mouth, dry skin, sleeplessness, fatigue, loss of appetite and general crankiness! My hair started coming out today, in small handfuls, so I'm organising with my friend who is a hairdresser to have it shaved off in the next few days. I didn't think losing my hair would bother me last time, so I just let it fall out....but i found it quite distressing leaving it to fall out so my friend ended up shaving it off for me...then I felt much, much better. I will get her to shave it off soon before it starts falling out in big clumps...then I'm sure I'll be ok. It was funny because when I lost my hair last time, I got many compliments saying I had a very shapely head and looked quite beautiful bald! I did buy a wig last time, but never ever wore it. I preferred to wear scarfs, bandanas and hats, and even made myself some lovely headwear from a pattern I bought. Luckily I have still kept all that stuff! Looks like I will have to update my photo once the hair goes...thanks again Jo, take care Celeste xx

  • pisces_tas's avatar
    pisces_tas
    Member
    14 years ago

    hi celeste, glad port is in.

    will you lose you hair again with new treatments? what do you plan to use, a wig, scarves ( 50's retro style perhaps? )

    just wondering... kathy.

  • jo1234's avatar
    jo1234
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Celeste, so glad you are all ready to go. By the look  of things you took the right option as it sounds as though it will save you a lot of pain and mucking around through out the coming months.  

    You are being so brave, i really dont know how people do it, i would be still hiding under the bed. Truthfully i would. Well done to you for being brave.

    I see some really sick ladies who have had chemo and are having radiation now. They are just so sick, it is so sad what you guys have to go through to combat this disease. It's not right.  I feel a bit guilty cause i dont need  the chemo.

    Hows the sickness going, hope it is bearable. How is the hair going, or has it gone. Have  you shaved it off. Looking at your photo i think a scarf around your head  would really suit your face. Your eyes are  pretty and they look like they would suit  a lot of things. I think you will be ok with what ever comes your way now so good luck with the chemo,

    Cheers Jo xx