Cancer Survivors Network

I am confused too. Tell us a little more please?

Leeza

Im confused also. Do you have a PICC line?
Deb

thanks for responding, no I had a port put in but they called it a catheter, it was inserted into my skin by my collarbone and then back out again at the top of my left breast, it has one tube that will be used for chemo treatments, originally the doctor showed me one with two tubes, but after the outpatient surgery I had only one tube, I ask the surgeon why and he said that it didn't matter and I don't go back to the doctors until monday for a chemo class and the reason I went with that type of port is so I wouldn't have to get stuck with needles (they always have a hard time) but now I am concerned whether with one tube available will they have to take my weekly blood test in my arm. I am sure I will have lots of questions
thanks
betty

All of my blood draws for tests have been via vein. I was told that the port can be used for draws but the heparin block has to be removed and then put back so it's easier just to do a 'reg.' vein draw. So port's just been used for chemo so far. When I had surgery (port had already been in for 8 weeks), they used a vein in my hand.

Susan

Thanks, it is actually called a groshong catheter, I hope it does both, when I had the outpatient procedure done at the hospital the nurse destroyed my hand trying to start a IV. They had to numb me so they could get it in after that. I am nervous for my first chemo, they recommeded I have the chemo before the surgery to shrink it, it covers more than half my breast, I am currently waiting my results from my pet scan to see if the cancer is anywhere else.

I am rooting and praying for you. Please keep me posted. I have had had about 6 pet scans and get worked up every single time waiting on the stupid results, so I hope you get results soon.

Hello, Girls4444, like many of us, I know what it's like to wait for pet scan results. I hope you get the all-clear very soon.

Welcome, girls 4444--keep us posted on how everything goes--

Hugs & prayers sent your way...

Welcome girl, you can come here with your questions. We've all been through what you are about to go throught. So ask anything. They can also draw blood from your port, I know that for sure since i have to have blood drawn from my port also. They had such a hard time getting a vein, i dreaded giving blood worse than the chemo. I didn't know they could draw blood from my port, and one day my arm was black and blue and my oncologist was like, who did that to you, I told him the nurse did, so since then he has them draw from my port. Does not hurt at all, take care and good luck with your treatment. What type of breast cancer is it. Do you have Inflammatory Breast Cancer? let us know your pet scan results, we can help you..take care

Thanks, I have been told that I have Stage 3 breast cancer, that the lump is 6cm x 6cm, when I get my pet scan results I am hoping to get more information, What questions should I ask? It is all so overwhelming everytime I go to a appointment I try to remember everything they say, I take my husband with me but it is hard to remember it all.
betty

FYI, I had Stage 3 with 4 + nodes 22 years ago. I have had a recurrence this year in my ribs, but I plan on going at least 22 more years! The pet scan measures increased glucose uptake. Cancer cells use more glucose than a normal cell (one reason why a person with widespread cancer can't gain weight). Pet scan is usually done with a combined CT scan so that it is easier to locate where increased glucose uptake is occurring. The main question is is there any evidence of cancer elsewhere? I am praying that you are clean. If you don't already know, your doc should tell you more about your tumor: whether it has estrogen or progesterone receptors and her2 neu status. For a good guide to questions, check out:
http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/DiagnosisQuestions.html
Good luck and please let us know how you are doing!

Welcome girl, you can come here with your questions. We've all been through what you are about to go throught. So ask anything. They can also draw blood from your port, I know that for sure since i have to have blood drawn from my port also. They had such a hard time getting a vein, i dreaded giving blood worse than the chemo. I didn't know they could draw blood from my port, and one day my arm was black and blue and my oncologist was like, who did that to you, I told him the nurse did, so since then he has them draw from my port. Does not hurt at all, take care and good luck with your treatment. What type of breast cancer is it. Do you have Inflammatory Breast Cancer? let us know your pet scan results, we can help you..take care

Welcome..even though everyone wishes you never had to join us here. It would be too cool if there was never any need for newbies. My port works for both most of the time. Like my veins even my port has blood draw issues. This site is the very best place for information and support. I have not been here long. But it is a Godsend daily. Know that many thoughts and prayers are with you.

becky