IV/IP treatments

kris43
kris43 Member Posts: 275
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
I am to start my IV/IP treatments on October 10th - this will be my first attempt at the IP. I will be getting Taxotere in my chest port and Cisplatin in the abdomen. I was wondering if any of you have gone through this and what I can expect. Also, if you have any suggestions for once you are done with the treatment - i.e. for side effects that may occur. My first 2 treatments were IV only with Taxotere and Carboplatin - but my port has now healed well enough that the doctor is ready to try the IP.

I find myself getting very nervous about this already - I'm not good at the "unknown" and hate surprises. Not a good combination for a cancer patient.

Thanks for your input. My best to you all.
Kris

Comments

  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #2
    Kris, I haven't had IP therapy but can still remember my very first chemo and the fear of the unknown.

    I am sending extra prayers your way. Hugs N Prayers BonnieRose
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #3
    Kris:
    I don't like the unknown either. I would rather be informed and be prepared as to what to expect. Personally, I don't have experience with IP, but I'm sure you will get some good responses from the ladies here. Until then, sending my hugs and prayers to you. We're all fighters, and together we can get through this. Keep us informed as to how you're doing.
    (((HUGS)))
    Monika
  • KyMona
    KyMona Member Posts: 2
    #4
    Kris
    My IP treatment with Cisplatin did not go as planned as the placement of the needle was not correct or the needle was not long enough; I had fever, much swelling, and a lot of pain; wasn't even able to get out of the recliner by myself; however, the IP port was removed, and I am now taking chemo through my chest port, and things are much better. I wish you the best
    God Bless!
  • ginahmk
    ginahmk Member Posts: 5
    #5
    KyMona said:

    Kris
    My IP treatment with Cisplatin did not go as planned as the placement of the needle was not correct or the needle was not long enough; I had fever, much swelling, and a lot of pain; wasn't even able to get out of the recliner by myself; however, the IP port was removed, and I am now taking chemo through my chest port, and things are much better. I wish you the best
    God Bless!

    Dear Chris and KyMona,

    I can understand your nervousness about the IP treatment. I finished 6 cycles of iv taxol/ip cisplatin and iv taxol in September. The ip port was not tender. I put a lot of EMLA anesthetic cream on the skin over the port site 1 hour before to get the area good and numb. The nurses at my center had all been trained prior, but I admit, seeing the big needle, I was VERY NERVOUS and did ask how many patients they had done this with. They always smiled and reassured me. The ip infusions went in over 2-3 hours without any pain, just bloating. 2 liters is a lot of fluid and I felt like it was an instant 9 month pregnancy. Rolling around afterwards did not bother me. After the infusion, particularly when I slept at night, there would be occasional, less the 1/2 cup of leaking, which I told was not unusual. I was shown how to put the gauze over the site where the needle had been placed, told to monitor closely for fevers, redness around the port site etc. For me, the bloating lasted about 2-3 days after the IP infusion.My first time had me anxious,but toward the end, I slept through them (really). I just had to remember that this treatment gave me the edge on beating this thing!
    Good luck!
  • kris43
    kris43 Member Posts: 275
    #6
    ginahmk said:

    Dear Chris and KyMona,

    I can understand your nervousness about the IP treatment. I finished 6 cycles of iv taxol/ip cisplatin and iv taxol in September. The ip port was not tender. I put a lot of EMLA anesthetic cream on the skin over the port site 1 hour before to get the area good and numb. The nurses at my center had all been trained prior, but I admit, seeing the big needle, I was VERY NERVOUS and did ask how many patients they had done this with. They always smiled and reassured me. The ip infusions went in over 2-3 hours without any pain, just bloating. 2 liters is a lot of fluid and I felt like it was an instant 9 month pregnancy. Rolling around afterwards did not bother me. After the infusion, particularly when I slept at night, there would be occasional, less the 1/2 cup of leaking, which I told was not unusual. I was shown how to put the gauze over the site where the needle had been placed, told to monitor closely for fevers, redness around the port site etc. For me, the bloating lasted about 2-3 days after the IP infusion.My first time had me anxious,but toward the end, I slept through them (really). I just had to remember that this treatment gave me the edge on beating this thing!
    Good luck!

    KyMona and Ginahmk - THANK YOU so much for writing with your experience. As luck (or no luck) would have it my white count & platelets are too low and I have been "canceled" for tomorrow and pushed back until the 17th. I've not heard about a large needle, or leaking, just the swelling part. Really, you have helped me get a better visual on what I can expect. I will be in the hospital overnight to be monitored for my 1st IV/IP treatment. All week I have been just sick with stress wondering what it would be like - but your words will hopefully help end the stress for this next week and I can go about business as usual and pray my counts go up and I can just get it over with. Am tired of waiting. Thanks again! Kris

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