8 pokes and nothing to show for it....

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cats_toy
cats_toy Member Posts: 1,462 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hope everyone is getting ready for a great weekend. I plan on having a couple of strong drinks. I was to go in for my bone scan today, went to the hospital, where they tried eight times to find a vein....one in my hand, my wrist, my lower inner arm, two at the crook of the inner arm, one in each foot and finally tried the jugular. First the CT technician, then the ER nurse tried. They were going to ask the anastheseologist, but he was in surgery, and the stuff they inject has a "shelf life" that wouldn't make it. So, needless to say, the scan was put off til next week. That was two hours I won't want to repeat. haha! Well at least I got to meet a few new people, and even though they were trying to torture me, we had some nice conversations!

Today is also the anniversary of my diagnosis, three years.

Cat
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Comments

  • Cairmaid
    Cairmaid Member Posts: 64
    #2
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    Ouch!
    I didn't have anything injected for my bone scan. I can't remember what they called the scan but it wasn't "bone density." (shrug) There are times when the lab techs can't find my vein to take blood, and other times when it pops right up. Hope you have better luck next week!
  • cindycflynn
    cindycflynn Member Posts: 1,132 Member
    #3
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    No fun!!!
    I think you've earned a drink or two after an experience like that - how disappointing!

    Hope it goes MUCH better next time - and congratulations on 3 years, you ARE a survivor and an inspiration to others!

    ((((HUGZ))))
    Cindy
  • Moopy23
    Moopy23 Member Posts: 1,751 Member
    #4
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    Cats Toy, NOT Pin Cushion
    I am so sorry, Cat. How awful, truly torture. Just thinking of a needle in your hand or foot is painful, let alone experiencing it. Only you could smile and be friendly through those needle sticks, and then later think of it as meeting new people and having nice conversations. You are one special lady. The nurse and technician found that out today.

    Enjoy those drinks, Cat. Today is another one of those days where you showed what you're made of, same as your grandfather.
  • Moopy23
    Moopy23 Member Posts: 1,751 Member
    #5
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    Celebrating Three Years
    Three years, and many more to come, Cat. These "cancerversaries" can be bittersweet, I am learning, even when not spent being used as pin cushion. You, I hope, are feeling the sweet more. (If not, maybe have another drink. Or a Girl Scout Cookie. Frozen thin mints are very tasty, I hear.)

    Wishing you happiness and gratefulness in the milestone you reached today, my friend, and joy in the many years ahead.
  • Christmas Girl
    Christmas Girl Member Posts: 3,682 Member
    #6
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    Not a good way...
    ... to mark a diagnosis anniversary. Not at all. (sigh...)

    Gosh, I wish there had been a better way for you, Cat. Can only hope that things will go much more smoothly, and more quickly, next week.

    Kind regards, Susan
  • Sher43009
    Sher43009 Member Posts: 602 Member
    #7
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    Christmas Girl said:

    Not a good way...
    ... to mark a diagnosis anniversary. Not at all. (sigh...)

    Gosh, I wish there had been a better way for you, Cat. Can only hope that things will go much more smoothly, and more quickly, next week.

    Kind regards, Susan

    Hi Cat. Congrats on 3 years!
    Hi Cat. Congrats on 3 years! Can you drink fluids before the scan? I use to donate blood and one of the techs told me to drink extra water before donating because it plumps up the veins and makes it easier to get the needle in. Hope it helps for next time.

    Sher
  • taleena
    taleena Member Posts: 1,612 Member
    #8
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    Oh Cat... I am so sorry that
    Oh Cat... I am so sorry that you had to go through that.. that is no way to spend two hours... I must say you are much more patient than I am ... I think after three or four I wouldn't have let them stick me again... Let's hope they have an antatheseologist is available from the get go next week...

    Have a wonderful weekend... celebrate those three years..

    ♥ & hugs,

    ~T
  • CarrWilson
    CarrWilson Member Posts: 111
    #9
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    Hot packs
    Next time ask them to "hot pack" you, when you get nervous, dehydrated, cold, happy or whatever, your veins tend to disappear. All of the nurses and techs know how to do this, it is just an extra step that gets overlooked a lot. Hot packs have saved me a lot of bruises.

    Sorry you had to go through this, happy anniversary!
  • ms_independent
    ms_independent Member Posts: 214
    #10
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    nurse talk
    Hi Cat,
    You didn't say what they were planning to do differently next week. So, I'm going to give you my little "insider" talk. The xray department and the MD who ordered the test can plan ahead so you DO NOT have to go through that again. Every hospital I have ever worked in has an IV Team. They are Nurses who have special training and do nothing but IV's all day long. They also have access to special lights and ultrasound-like wands that allow then to "see" the veins under the skin. This tells them if the vein is any good BEFORE they stick it. They can also put the IV under the skin and use the wand to help guide them into the vein. The planning takes time and may delay the test a little but, it may just be worth it to you.
    Of course you don't need to pay any attention to what I wrote. If it helps you, I am thrilled. If not, thats ok too.
    Wishing you the best of luck (and fat veins).

    :), El
  • fauxma
    fauxma Member Posts: 3,577 Member
    #11
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    So sorry that this was
    So sorry that this was unsuccessful. And all those useless sticks, ouch. Congrats on the 3 year anniversary though. Do you have to refrain from food and water before this test? My sister has terrible issues with blood draws, IV's, etc. She finally had a nurse that told her unless you are told no liquids as in surgery and some tests then be sure and drink lots of water. When you are dehydrated your veins react and it makes draws, IVs etc more difficult. She has never had it as bad as this though. I hope that the next time is successful and yes, have a few drinks. You deserve them. Again, I say OUCH and sorry.
    Stef
  • sbmly53
    sbmly53 Member Posts: 1,522
    #12
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    Yikes! I'm sorry you had to
    Yikes! I'm sorry you had to go through that. To the wonderful advice offered here, I would just add - call ahead to remind them of this experience so they will be better prepared with the right person for the job.

    I have poor veins and when I find someone who can actually draw me, I take their name and ask what their schedule is.

    Sue
  • cats_toy
    cats_toy Member Posts: 1,462 Member
    #13
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    thanks for the sympathetic words, advice and congrats..
    I have had bad luck with my veins from day one. I remember when they were doing the picc line, they used the ultrasound machine, and the tech stated she never had a problem....until me. I left that day with no picc line, my arm twice its size, bruised AND she hit an artery. So this is no surprise to me. I went in after that for the port, which also never worked, then eventually got the picc done right as my onc refused to let me have another chemo treatment through my sad veins.
    Everyone's good advice is very appreciated, and I will be calling the hospital the day before to make sure they remember, and I will make sure I drink even more water than normal, thanks for the tips!
    They did try the hot packs, dangle the arm, run it under hot water, and swing it around to try getting the veins pumped. They actually hit a vein three times, but as soon as they tried flushing, it either hit a valve, or blew the vein. My arm was throbbing last nite, but this morning, all is normal again, so no lasting trauma.
    I drink water all day and actually had a glass before going. The ER nurse was supposed to be the best, except for the anastheseologist, who will be doing it next week. I did laugh after the first one and told them no one ever got it on the first try, and I was the one who told them to keep trying. But I really did not expect this.
    And that three years has passed, what a trip. But I did get to meet all of you here and I feel so blessed for that alone. Thank you all again!
    Cat
  • Moopy23
    Moopy23 Member Posts: 1,751 Member
    #14
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    cats_toy said:

    thanks for the sympathetic words, advice and congrats..
    I have had bad luck with my veins from day one. I remember when they were doing the picc line, they used the ultrasound machine, and the tech stated she never had a problem....until me. I left that day with no picc line, my arm twice its size, bruised AND she hit an artery. So this is no surprise to me. I went in after that for the port, which also never worked, then eventually got the picc done right as my onc refused to let me have another chemo treatment through my sad veins.
    Everyone's good advice is very appreciated, and I will be calling the hospital the day before to make sure they remember, and I will make sure I drink even more water than normal, thanks for the tips!
    They did try the hot packs, dangle the arm, run it under hot water, and swing it around to try getting the veins pumped. They actually hit a vein three times, but as soon as they tried flushing, it either hit a valve, or blew the vein. My arm was throbbing last nite, but this morning, all is normal again, so no lasting trauma.
    I drink water all day and actually had a glass before going. The ER nurse was supposed to be the best, except for the anastheseologist, who will be doing it next week. I did laugh after the first one and told them no one ever got it on the first try, and I was the one who told them to keep trying. But I really did not expect this.
    And that three years has passed, what a trip. But I did get to meet all of you here and I feel so blessed for that alone. Thank you all again!
    Cat

    I'm glad that your arm was
    I'm glad that your arm was not hurting this morning, Cat. Thank you for letting us know how you are. I will be thinking of you next week and sending the most positive thoughts and prayers.
  • Kat11
    Kat11 Member Posts: 1,931 Member
    #15
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    cats_toy said:

    thanks for the sympathetic words, advice and congrats..
    I have had bad luck with my veins from day one. I remember when they were doing the picc line, they used the ultrasound machine, and the tech stated she never had a problem....until me. I left that day with no picc line, my arm twice its size, bruised AND she hit an artery. So this is no surprise to me. I went in after that for the port, which also never worked, then eventually got the picc done right as my onc refused to let me have another chemo treatment through my sad veins.
    Everyone's good advice is very appreciated, and I will be calling the hospital the day before to make sure they remember, and I will make sure I drink even more water than normal, thanks for the tips!
    They did try the hot packs, dangle the arm, run it under hot water, and swing it around to try getting the veins pumped. They actually hit a vein three times, but as soon as they tried flushing, it either hit a valve, or blew the vein. My arm was throbbing last nite, but this morning, all is normal again, so no lasting trauma.
    I drink water all day and actually had a glass before going. The ER nurse was supposed to be the best, except for the anastheseologist, who will be doing it next week. I did laugh after the first one and told them no one ever got it on the first try, and I was the one who told them to keep trying. But I really did not expect this.
    And that three years has passed, what a trip. But I did get to meet all of you here and I feel so blessed for that alone. Thank you all again!
    Cat

    Bad Vein's
    Have the same problem. I now call before any test that requires an IV and I tell them I am a hard stick. This way they have someone waiting for me with an ultrasound or an anastheseologist. Drinking water they say helps put does not work for me. It really is a pain.
  • aztec45
    aztec45 Member Posts: 757
    #16
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    cats_toy said:

    thanks for the sympathetic words, advice and congrats..
    I have had bad luck with my veins from day one. I remember when they were doing the picc line, they used the ultrasound machine, and the tech stated she never had a problem....until me. I left that day with no picc line, my arm twice its size, bruised AND she hit an artery. So this is no surprise to me. I went in after that for the port, which also never worked, then eventually got the picc done right as my onc refused to let me have another chemo treatment through my sad veins.
    Everyone's good advice is very appreciated, and I will be calling the hospital the day before to make sure they remember, and I will make sure I drink even more water than normal, thanks for the tips!
    They did try the hot packs, dangle the arm, run it under hot water, and swing it around to try getting the veins pumped. They actually hit a vein three times, but as soon as they tried flushing, it either hit a valve, or blew the vein. My arm was throbbing last nite, but this morning, all is normal again, so no lasting trauma.
    I drink water all day and actually had a glass before going. The ER nurse was supposed to be the best, except for the anastheseologist, who will be doing it next week. I did laugh after the first one and told them no one ever got it on the first try, and I was the one who told them to keep trying. But I really did not expect this.
    And that three years has passed, what a trip. But I did get to meet all of you here and I feel so blessed for that alone. Thank you all again!
    Cat

    Congrats
    Sorry your bone scan did not go well. I don't have good veins at all either. Thank goodness for the port.

    I am happy to hear about your 3-yr milestone. May you see many more. I celebrate with soft drinks too. Enjoy.

    P
  • cats_toy
    cats_toy Member Posts: 1,462 Member
    #17
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    woo hoo! vein found!
    Went in for the scan again yesterday, the anastheseologist found a vein the first time, go figure, nothing on me had changed. Did the scan, and the tech and the radiologist both said "unofficially" nothing on the scan looks suspicious in any way!
    I am taking this NED as official and I want to thank you all again for your good wishes!
    Cat
  • sbmly53
    sbmly53 Member Posts: 1,522
    #18
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    cats_toy said:

    woo hoo! vein found!
    Went in for the scan again yesterday, the anastheseologist found a vein the first time, go figure, nothing on me had changed. Did the scan, and the tech and the radiologist both said "unofficially" nothing on the scan looks suspicious in any way!
    I am taking this NED as official and I want to thank you all again for your good wishes!
    Cat

    Hooray for Cat!
    I am soooo happy for you! So what song is playing while you are dancing with NED?

    Sue
  • cats_toy
    cats_toy Member Posts: 1,462 Member
    #19
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    sbmly53 said:

    Hooray for Cat!
    I am soooo happy for you! So what song is playing while you are dancing with NED?

    Sue

    song
    Elvis - I got lucky!
  • fauxma
    fauxma Member Posts: 3,577 Member
    #20
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    cats_toy said:

    song
    Elvis - I got lucky!

    Cats toy,
    I am so happy
    Cats toy,

    I am so happy that 1. only one stick 2. NED. Start the dance. So great. Love it. I am happy, can you tell?
    Stef
  • cats_toy
    cats_toy Member Posts: 1,462 Member
    #21
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    fauxma said:

    Cats toy,
    I am so happy
    Cats toy,

    I am so happy that 1. only one stick 2. NED. Start the dance. So great. Love it. I am happy, can you tell?
    Stef

    I can Stef!
    it is shining through the pc onto my screen! Thanks! I was pretty happy about that too
    Cat

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