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emrod11's avatar
emrod11
Member
12 years ago

Portacath & my punctured lung

About to start my chemo/herceptin journey on Monday. Have had a rough month with some complications that weren't expected.  Went in for my "routine", very short operation to have my portacath inserted into my chest.  Wake up 3 hours later than I should have in extreme pain.  Hocked up on Endone. panadeine forte and god knows what else, and still in pain.  The nurses were extremely concerned but the surgical registrar (not my surgeon) wasn't and said I could go home which is 40 minutes drive away.

Over the next few hours, I popped probably a few more pills than I should have, but the pain was just so extreme in my lung area.  9.30 pm and my sister came to mind the kids and hubby & I were on our wayback to the hospital.

I had a punctured lung.  I can seriously say the next 6 days spent in the HDU ward was my version of HELL.  I had a chest drain inserted under local anaesthetic (which didn't help at all), and which I could feel for the whole 5  days I had it in.  The doctor that inserted the chest drain also told me I have fat armpits!!!!!

I vomited uncontrollably for 12 hours as a result of a drug that I can't remember (it is like morphine and starts with F).

I was hooked up to oxygen for 5 days and got to rely on it so much that I cried when they took it away.

I became so constipated from all the drugs that I swear I shat out a house brick from which I was screaming in pain and the nurse came running in.  Not my finest moment!!!!!

Then the day before I went home, they pulled the chest drain out. With NO anaesthetic!!!! WOW it hurt but it felt good to have it gone.

Anyway, here's hoping that chemo will be a bit nice to me. starting on Herceptin on Monday, then Tues will be chemo (docetaxel & cyclophosamide).  My parents are taking the kids away on the Saturday after treatment, so I will have some quiet time for a week.  I will miss them so much but at least I can just focus on keeping myself as well as I can.

Cheers

Emma

 

4 Replies

  • emrod11's avatar
    emrod11
    Member
    12 years ago

    thanks ladies!!!!  I will certainly be drinking loads of water, sounds like it helps alot.  Had a nice, lazy day today with my girls and hubby.  Watched movies and ate all day. Cheers Emma

  • emrod11's avatar
    emrod11
    Member
    12 years ago

    thanks ladies!!!!  I will certainly be drinking loads of water, sounds like it helps alot.  Had a nice, lazy day today with my girls and hubby.  Watched movies and ate all day. Cheers Emma

  • LisaC's avatar
    LisaC
    Member
    12 years ago
    Poor Emma! you have had a rough time of it! as if it isn't pleasant enough as it is. Ladies here have given some good advice. Your oncologist and oncologist nurses will be a wealth of information. For me personally I felt that what helped me the most was lots of water, day before, day of and day after - like loads of it. You will be sick of it but just lots of sips, frequently to flush your system. Also walking helped immensely. Don't also be afraid to come on here and ask questions or you should be able to ring the chemo ward or breast care nurse at any time. Little issues may pop up and you can address them as needed. Good luck and glad you have some support around you. Lisa xx
  • Leonie_Moore's avatar
    Leonie_Moore
    Member
    12 years ago

    What a start!!!  Even before you began.  I had both of those "potions".  It is doable so long as you be kind to yourself. The Oncology nurses will give you lots of information with regards to personal hygiene.  My husband was funny.  Because of the toxins in the chemo it is important to make sure that you don't contaminate anyone with your bodily fluids.  He was forever cleaning the toilet!! I found drinking heaps of water helped flush things through more quickly.  Drinking through a straw enabled me to drink lots.  Good luck XLeonie