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Louise_J's avatar
Louise_J
Member
7 years ago

Chemo Phlebitis in hand from cannula

Hi There,

On round 4 of EC I had a cannula in my hand that was in an awkward position which at the time was uncomfortable although not painful so I said nothing. It swelled and became painful particularly around the thumb joint and site where the cannula had been. I waited a week to see if it would go away but it didn’t. The MRI nurse I saw the following week said to massage it and ice it which I did. The swelling continued to week 2 and I spoke with the nurses who do the chemo treatment and she suggested hiradoid cream cold pack hot packs and it should go away after a week. The breast surgeon says it takes 2-3 weeks as did the Oncologist. It has been over three weeks and still swelling pain and I continue with the hiradoid cream, massage and occasional ice pack now added in Arnica cream. Has anyone else had these symptoms, pain up the arm along the vein and in the hand, bruise like swelling that doesn’t go away and affected grip strength...have smashed the screen on my phone from continually dropping it as I have weak grip strength :(  Any tips to get rid of this? 

Much appreciated for any advice

Louise J xx

2 Replies

  • Yes it seems that way... I’ve tried everything the drs and nurses have recommended so far..thought there may be some magic potion or miracle cream out there :)  Thanks for responding  @primek
  • Time I'm afraid. I had something similar just from cannular insertion that tissued when flushed. It was really painful  for weeks. It would be so much worse on chemo. X