Forum Discussion

Erica_Shadiac's avatar
Erica_Shadiac
Member
13 years ago

Heart Scan

Today I had a heart scan: one of several I believe along the journey. Apparently one of the chemo drugs (Adriamycin) can have an affect on the functioning of the heart. I originally thought it was Herceptin that was the reason for the heart scans... 

Anyway firstly I had an injection to add something that made my red blood cells sticky - not that I could tell! Fifteen minutes later I was taken into the scanning room I had been in before for another type of scan - very narrow bed you lie on that goes into a big circular tunnel (only about a metre long though and more like a donut than a tunnel..). They also use a flat screen that moves around to be close to the area they are scanning.

So... on this bed they gave me another injection of the radiation which attaches itself to the sticky red blood cells. This way they can see the action of my heart pumping blood around the body. The scan took about 10 minutes. I close my eyes and imagine I am totally somewhere else like lying on the beach or on my back lawn (soon to be a reality thanks to my Timmy).

The only 'pain' was the injections and that is minimal except it is not easy to find a vein on my right arm. I always used the left arm which is easy, for giving blood, etc. A real bugga that my left arm can never be used again for needles etc due to the risk of infection with no lymph nodes to protect it. For the first injection the doctor decided to go with a vein on the inside of my upper arm - nice little bruise there now. Touchy spot. The second doctor decided to go with a vein on the outside of my elbow joint. That was fine. Interesting where they go looking!!

So it could be fun and games with so many IV treatments ahead of me. Maybe the back of my hand may become the war zone.... VERY obvious veins there....

chemotherapy
herceptin

10 Replies

  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Erica,

    Like you, all my good veins were in the arm I can't use any more - there were none visible in the other arm at all.

    I did have a portacath for chemo (absolutely brilliant and pain free), but for all the blood tests that came after it was removed, the nurse used the veins in the back of my hand. There was never a problem. She said it needed an experienced nurse - she was in the breastcare building and was very used to it.

    Good luck with the rest of your treatment.

    Michelle x

  • LouiseTurner's avatar
    LouiseTurner
    Member
    13 years ago

    That's great.....most reading I did said not to go with false lashes but I loved them. I found as soon as I put eyebrows on and lashes I felt heaps better.  It took a while to find ones that worked for me, I actually bought 5 packets thinking I'd need them, but only used 1. I can post them to you if you like. I plan to NEVER need them again! Private message me your address and i'll pop them in the post. Louie

    http://eyelineher.blogspot.com.au/

  • Erica_Shadiac's avatar
    Erica_Shadiac
    Member
    13 years ago

    OOOO Yes please to the web link! I'd also love to learn how to put on false eyelashes and draw eyebrows! The eyebrows I think I got from the Look Good Feel Better workshop. But I have had no mention from anywhere or anyone about eyelashes. Help there would be fantabulous!

    Erica

  • LouiseTurner's avatar
    LouiseTurner
    Member
    13 years ago
    Thanks Erica, this photo was at my brothers wedding. I had had my final AC just 11 days before. I look much better than I felt. This scarf was purchased from LIV, a little boutique store in Gosford. It has a lovely shimmer. I learned how to tie scarves on you tube, ill send you the link. I also learned to put on false lashes and draw eyebrows. I bought a few ready made ones online before treatment, but never wore any of them. Louie
  • Erica_Shadiac's avatar
    Erica_Shadiac
    Member
    13 years ago

    Thanks, Louie. I will be as proactive as I can but I try not to worry too much about things until they are in the now! Love the look of your scarf in your profile pic. Does it have a name or brand or is it your own design?? Is it an effect you 'created' or  ready-made pull on?

  • LouiseTurner's avatar
    LouiseTurner
    Member
    13 years ago
    I have been through the same routine you are starting. With 15 months of treatment and only one arm to use I have found the port great and the nursing staff seem to appreciate how much easier it is to access. However....I had the port placed the day before my second round of AC. Bad idea...dealing with the difficulties of the vile AC treatment and the new port. I hated it for ages, but it has turned out to be a good idea. So, it's not too late to decide to get one later, just more annoying. Good luck with your treatment, it's hard going, but doable. You sound like you're well supported, Louie
  • Mich_x's avatar
    Mich_x
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hey Erica

    No I don't know why not the back of the hand. I always had the back of my hand or the veins on the outside of my wrist. Whether it flows quicker in the areas they used today or not I am not sure. You can always ask for a port if you find that the whole vein thing isn't working I should think??

    Mich xoxo

  • Erica_Shadiac's avatar
    Erica_Shadiac
    Member
    13 years ago

    It was explained to me as it happened. I did wonder about the port idea but my oncologist said he goes on how easily the anaesthetist found veins when I had surgery - and he had no trouble. I will just take things one step at a time. Do you know of any reason why the back of the hand is not a good idea? I think that may be the easiest....

  • Mich_x's avatar
    Mich_x
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hey Erica

    You explain your experience so well which is great for some of the girls that haven't gone down that path yet. It isn't a bad experience and like you say not really painful except trying to find the right vein. Did they explain all about it as they were going or did you ask. Often I was so frightened of what was happening I didn't ask but I wish I had have now.

    I was thinking seeing as you are having so much trouble with your veins you might suggest that you have a port put in place which makes have your bloods done before each chemo session so much easier. Especially if they are having trouble already?? Just a thought.

    Lots of love, Mich xoxo