Hurting arm veins

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Madeline34
Madeline34 Member Posts: 6
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi, I am receiving Transtuzumab for breast cancer without a catheter and I am dreading the idea of another surgery, to get one. My veins are starting to hurt since I already was administered some chemo through them. Does anyone have tips on how to regenerate the veins. Thanks

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  • inkblot
    inkblot Member Posts: 698 Member
    #2
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    Hi Madeline34,

    I'm not aware of any methods to regenerate the veins but you should be cautious and vigilant. You do not want to develope phlebitis. If the vein and/or the tissue surrounding it become red or warm/painful, call your doc right away.

    I never experienced any painful veins during chemo but you definitely should ask your doc about it. I have one vein in my arm, which is useless now...even for needle sticks. It feels like a piece of wire under the skin but I do have others on that side which are still soft and pliable, thank goodness.

    Sending warm hugs and healing thoughts your way.

    Love, light and laughter,
    Ink
  • Susan956
    Susan956 Member Posts: 510
    #3
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    I gave up and did the port. While I hated having the surgery (but it was only a small outpatient thing) for me it was nearly the only option. I was initially scheduled to have ~ 58 infusions (4 A/C, 12 Taxol & Herceptin and 40 more Herceptin only). The port was a great friend during treatment... but I was really glad to have it gone this week. The only advice for making it some easier is drink lots and lots of water prior to treatment and during treatment. It tends to help the veins stay plump... also when they are giving you the treatments... get them to slow down the drip. Prior to getting the port I really had to get them to go very slow due to my very small veins.

    Take Care... God Bless....

    Susan
  • Madeline34
    Madeline34 Member Posts: 6
    #4
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    inkblot said:

    Hi Madeline34,

    I'm not aware of any methods to regenerate the veins but you should be cautious and vigilant. You do not want to develope phlebitis. If the vein and/or the tissue surrounding it become red or warm/painful, call your doc right away.

    I never experienced any painful veins during chemo but you definitely should ask your doc about it. I have one vein in my arm, which is useless now...even for needle sticks. It feels like a piece of wire under the skin but I do have others on that side which are still soft and pliable, thank goodness.

    Sending warm hugs and healing thoughts your way.

    Love, light and laughter,
    Ink

    Thanks for the advice. The pain I describe is actually that"pulling" sensation of the hardened veins. One of them actually ruptured the other day at the hospital. The others are still well but I still have 13 more doses of Herceptin to go.
    Thanks for those hugs and those healing thoughts
  • Madeline34
    Madeline34 Member Posts: 6
    #5
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    Susan956 said:

    I gave up and did the port. While I hated having the surgery (but it was only a small outpatient thing) for me it was nearly the only option. I was initially scheduled to have ~ 58 infusions (4 A/C, 12 Taxol & Herceptin and 40 more Herceptin only). The port was a great friend during treatment... but I was really glad to have it gone this week. The only advice for making it some easier is drink lots and lots of water prior to treatment and during treatment. It tends to help the veins stay plump... also when they are giving you the treatments... get them to slow down the drip. Prior to getting the port I really had to get them to go very slow due to my very small veins.

    Take Care... God Bless....

    Susan

    I had a port and it was "accidentally" removed during reconstructive surgery (this was less than two months ago), so although I know what a great friend they can be, I am still dreading that surgery. Thanks for the advice, those sound like helpful measures, I'll try them out.
    Thanks again,
    Madeline
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #6
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    Time. I had a few veins give up the ghost after countless IV's. One of these actually was used today to get blood...WOW! I was soooo shocked!

    Hugs, Kathi
  • Madeline34
    Madeline34 Member Posts: 6
    #7
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    KathiM said:

    Time. I had a few veins give up the ghost after countless IV's. One of these actually was used today to get blood...WOW! I was soooo shocked!

    Hugs, Kathi

    Wow! Thanks, that gives me hope!
    Big hug back,
    Madeline

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