TERRIFIED of Treatment
I’m not sure I can convey in writing how terrified I am I’m not sure there is a word to describe it the worry I feel is debilitating, I already suffer from anxiety and this is just exasperating it, i ...
Forum Discussion
Dear KMAC46,
I'm sorry that you are having such a difficult time with anxiety.
I don't have any constructive advice to help with that, I wish I did.
Rebbeccamarie sounds like she really understands.
The others have all had some good advice.
Regarding the port. I love mine. It took a little to get used to. I'd send a photo if I knew how.
The port shows as a round slightly raised lump. Not visible with most necklines.
The procedure was relatively simple, with a light anaesthetic.
I've had a mastectomy with axillary clearance. I was advised not to use the arm on that side, for BP's, injections etc.
I don't have great viens in my other side. Therefore few choices for viens. Hence, the decision to have an Infusaport for me
was easy. They also take my bloods from this port prior to Chemo.
So the procedure for Chemo.
At home I put Emla cream over my port site, to numb the skin.
I check in. Then one of the nurses accesses my port. Which means she puts the needle into the port. A short piece of tubing is already attached. From that blood is taken, before every Chemo session. For me, I then go out of the Chemo suite and see my Oncologist soon after. Each time I see him, he reviews my bloods, and discuss any issues I'm having.
I then go back to my Chemo chair, and the nurse connects my tubing, and Chemo is given.
After Chemo, my port is flushed with saline and Heparin. Then time to go home, with nothing more than a small piece of tape over the port. I take that off a few hours later. I can shower normally, nothing is attached.
I'm using the Cold Cap ( to keep my hair) which adds 1 1/2 hrs on top. That is more time spent at Chemo.
I'm in SA, at a private Hospital.
Before I started Chemo, I was given an education session. This was very helpful.
Explaining the issues re Chemo, possible side effects, and a little on how to cope. Showed me inside the Chemo suite.
It did help to prepare me.
For you and the port. It is your decision.
Are you allowed to use both arms for needles?
If so that is great. And you may have great viens. If this is so, you may manage without a port.
I hope this is helpful, regarding the port.
Did your Doctor look at your arms and viens?
I too started Chemo as COVID peaked, I'm still not allowed to have anyone in the Chemo suite with me.
I don't know if other places in SA, still have this rule. I still have 4 Paclitaxel sessions to go.
I truly wish you, all the best. Maybe after your first treatment, it will seem easier. Get that one behind you first.
Try not to worry about too much about side effects. Everyone has a different experience.
The side effects that I have had, have been quite manageable, not debilitating. I've been 'lucky.'
Keep in touch. Let us know how you get on.
We all care and are interested in your progress.
I'm sorry that you are having such a difficult time with anxiety.
I don't have any constructive advice to help with that, I wish I did.
Rebbeccamarie sounds like she really understands.
The others have all had some good advice.
Regarding the port. I love mine. It took a little to get used to. I'd send a photo if I knew how.
The port shows as a round slightly raised lump. Not visible with most necklines.
The procedure was relatively simple, with a light anaesthetic.
I've had a mastectomy with axillary clearance. I was advised not to use the arm on that side, for BP's, injections etc.
I don't have great viens in my other side. Therefore few choices for viens. Hence, the decision to have an Infusaport for me
was easy. They also take my bloods from this port prior to Chemo.
So the procedure for Chemo.
At home I put Emla cream over my port site, to numb the skin.
I check in. Then one of the nurses accesses my port. Which means she puts the needle into the port. A short piece of tubing is already attached. From that blood is taken, before every Chemo session. For me, I then go out of the Chemo suite and see my Oncologist soon after. Each time I see him, he reviews my bloods, and discuss any issues I'm having.
I then go back to my Chemo chair, and the nurse connects my tubing, and Chemo is given.
After Chemo, my port is flushed with saline and Heparin. Then time to go home, with nothing more than a small piece of tape over the port. I take that off a few hours later. I can shower normally, nothing is attached.
I'm using the Cold Cap ( to keep my hair) which adds 1 1/2 hrs on top. That is more time spent at Chemo.
I'm in SA, at a private Hospital.
Before I started Chemo, I was given an education session. This was very helpful.
Explaining the issues re Chemo, possible side effects, and a little on how to cope. Showed me inside the Chemo suite.
It did help to prepare me.
For you and the port. It is your decision.
Are you allowed to use both arms for needles?
If so that is great. And you may have great viens. If this is so, you may manage without a port.
I hope this is helpful, regarding the port.
Did your Doctor look at your arms and viens?
I too started Chemo as COVID peaked, I'm still not allowed to have anyone in the Chemo suite with me.
I don't know if other places in SA, still have this rule. I still have 4 Paclitaxel sessions to go.
I truly wish you, all the best. Maybe after your first treatment, it will seem easier. Get that one behind you first.
Try not to worry about too much about side effects. Everyone has a different experience.
The side effects that I have had, have been quite manageable, not debilitating. I've been 'lucky.'
Keep in touch. Let us know how you get on.
We all care and are interested in your progress.