TERRIFIED of Treatment

Thanks @primek your right I’m actually triple positive I had it the wrong way around

I had a port put in and it was much less stressful than having them find a vein each time.
If your having Herceptin then you probably are not triple negative but her2 positive, which there is wonderful treatment for. Without treatment it can spread rapidly. 
I once worked in oncology and I was incredibly anxious and scared before my treatment. It was easier than I thought and really side effects are later when you are home with people you will feel safe with.
You can do this.
You are stronger than you think.
X

Agree with @Blossom1961 about Epworth, my treatment was at Epworth Freemasons and was excellent. 

Thanks @Blossom1961 that’s great to hear 

@KMAC46 Epworth is brilliant. The motto is, if a patient has a concern, then so do we (or something to that effect) I have been to Box Hill Epworth and Geelong Epworth. Their standard of care is higher than anywhere else I have ever been. 

Thanks @Sister that is exactly how I feel about the port it creeps me out to think about it being in my arm and I’m not thrilled about the procedure to get it put in either I’m just trying to make the best decision for myself.  I am talking to a psychologist that specializes in cancer but have only had one appointment so far I have another one on Monday, I have also sent a email to my oncologist nurse to let them know I’m concerned about having to be by myself so hopefully they will assist me

Okay @KMAC46  First of all I want to say that you've made a stand by voicing your anxiety.  Secondly, being terrified is not unusual.  I joked (sort of) to my surgeon that the balcony doors of my room were locked so that no-one could escape at the last minute.  I was shaking so much in the theatre that while the anaesthetist was working on one arm, the surgeon was holding my other hand.  Add to that your existing anxiety and it's no surprise you're feeling like that.  Regarding the port, I had one, hated it being there (it gave me the creeps for a long time) but am so grateful that it was as it made chemo so much better and left me with veins.  It's a bit strange but you do get used to it.

It sounds like you are doing what you can but you need help to get through this.  I understand that with the restrictions you can't have a support person with you but I think it is important for you to speak to a cancer-focused psychologist or counsellor, preferably attached to the hospital and see if you can have someone from the hospital with you during procedures.  I think that your doctors need to know this is more than just being a bit scared and that you need to be assisted through it.  

Hi KMAC46....I was diagnosed in 2016 and had 4 X AC chemo, followed by 12 X Taxol and Herceptin for a year before surgery. The surgery was double mastectomy with node clearance on the left and sentinal node on the right. Due to other pre existing medical conditions, including the fact that I'd been on blood thinners for almost 20 years with the subsequent scarring to my veins by weekly or fortnightly blood tests, a port was put in. I am now four years post chemo, and still have my port. It has been a godsend for me and all I have to do is have it accessed and flushed, then Heparin blocked every six to eight weeks. I have an extreme needle phobia and am reduced to tears for the finger prick test for blood glucose levels, but have absolutely no problem with this regular procedure, or back before for the chemo. A pushing sensation, and it's in. After the hep lock, the nurse disengages the apparatus with a click, presses a cotton wool swab on for about a minute, slaps on a square band aid type dressing and off I go. I thought I'd just share my experience as regards the port side of things. Big hug...Ally.

Hi @kazb I’m going to Epworth Private in Richmond you said you didn’t have a port how did you go with your veins? Did your doctors want you to have a port and you decided against it or did they not suggest it at all?