On 5-FU pump and getting CT today

Kathryn_in_MN

Has anyone else had a CT while hooked up to their chemo pump?

My oncologist and the nurse practiioner both reassured me that it isn't an issue. Bummer is I have a Power Port so it can tolerate the contrast so that I shouldn't need an IV started for scans. BUT - I'm hooked up to the chemo so the port is being used. The onc said he really doubts the scan techs will be comfortable with disconnecting and reconnecting the pump to use my port today.

I hate to be pumping more poison into my body along with the chemo. But I've been having a lot of chest pain that just won't go away. It gets way worse if I get cold air on my face, neck or chest (or breath in cold). But it also gets worse if I bend over or exert myself. The onc wants to rule out heart troubles or a blood clot. We assume this is probably oxaliplatin related - more of my weird neuropathies. But I agree that we should rule out anything more serious. I need it at this point for my peace of mind.

My port didn't work again yesterday. It had to be cleaned out again - then it worked. They said it should not clog so quickly. It worked fine for my day #5 fluids - then 10 days later not working again. So blood clots are a possibility of a problem for me.)

Nothing to eat or drink after 11 for me today. Scan this afternoon. Appointment with cardiologist next Wednesday as long as nothing serious pops up needing immediate attention today.

thready

Best wishes
Kathryn,
I hope all goes well today, you have been through it! Let us know.
Take care,
Jan

Shayenne

thready said:

Best wishes
Kathryn,
I hope all goes well today, you have been through it! Let us know.
Take care,
Jan

I Never
Heard of that happening Kathryn, I'd also be scared, and don't know why the rush for the scan while still being hooked up, if you're having chest pain, that needs to be looked at, and I sure wouldn't do both at once. I'd wait till the pump was off me. When the techs who do the scans use the ports, they told me they needed BOTH accessed, (I have a power port-2 barrels) and there must be blood return in both.

I don't see why this can't be scheduled for another day next week, surely there shouldn't be such a rush while you're on chemo. I've never even seen anyone on chemo in my waiting room while waiting on a scan.

Hugsss!
~Donna

Kathryn_in_MN

Shayenne said:

I Never
Heard of that happening Kathryn, I'd also be scared, and don't know why the rush for the scan while still being hooked up, if you're having chest pain, that needs to be looked at, and I sure wouldn't do both at once. I'd wait till the pump was off me. When the techs who do the scans use the ports, they told me they needed BOTH accessed, (I have a power port-2 barrels) and there must be blood return in both.

I don't see why this can't be scheduled for another day next week, surely there shouldn't be such a rush while you're on chemo. I've never even seen anyone on chemo in my waiting room while waiting on a scan.

Hugsss!
~Donna

I get way too sick
I wouldn't be up to going in for a scan for several more days if I don't go today. No way to get it done on Saturday or Sunday (and I don't think I could do it Sunday anyway). Monday I get the blasts out both ends at once - it has been awful - always my worst day (but we do have a new plan that might help this time). Tuesday I'm still really weak and sick. The earliest I could do it would be next Wednesday if not today. They are too nervous about a blood clot to let it wait that long. So I agreed to go ahead today.

DoriW

Kathryn_in_MN said:

I get way too sick
I wouldn't be up to going in for a scan for several more days if I don't go today. No way to get it done on Saturday or Sunday (and I don't think I could do it Sunday anyway). Monday I get the blasts out both ends at once - it has been awful - always my worst day (but we do have a new plan that might help this time). Tuesday I'm still really weak and sick. The earliest I could do it would be next Wednesday if not today. They are too nervous about a blood clot to let it wait that long. So I agreed to go ahead today.

Good luck
Good luck with your scan today.

The cold air worsening your pain sounds like a smoking gun for it being oxi related, so let's hope that is all it it.

For some reason, they (medical professionals) have never been willing to use my Power Port for anything other than chemo and (sometimes) taking blood.

Very best wishes. I've been reading your posts here and on the Colon Club site and I've seen that you have really been struggling with treatment side effects. I am pulling for you.

Dori

just4Brooks

Oxy, Oxy, Oxy
Sure sounds like the Oxy to me. Paind in your large bones is a bad part of Oxy. Nasty drug!! I think you'll be fine. Seems like everything you are having is what i had while on Oxy. PM if you need to!!

Kathryn_in_MN

Blood clot in lungs
I got my answer. Blood clot in my lungs is why all the chest pain. I am in the hospital now.

lesvanb

Kathryn_in_MN said:

Blood clot in lungs
I got my answer. Blood clot in my lungs is why all the chest pain. I am in the hospital now.

Oh my
I'm glad they found out what was up but jeez you've been through a lot already. I'm sending healing thoughts your way. Blood clots are an issue for cancer patients and while on chemo. I had one in my leg in the popliteal vein right after radiation and chemo ended before my surgeries. After that no problems but I was on coumadin for a long while.

holding you in my heart, Leslie

Unknown

Kathryn_in_MN said:

Blood clot in lungs
I got my answer. Blood clot in my lungs is why all the chest pain. I am in the hospital now.

This comment has been removed by the Moderator

grammadebbie

Kathryn_in_MN said:

Blood clot in lungs
I got my answer. Blood clot in my lungs is why all the chest pain. I am in the hospital now.

So Sorry
Dear Kathryn,

I'm so sorry that you ended up back in the hospital. I'm glad that they found the blood clots and pray that they are to resolve this quickly. You have really been through it and have been such a fighter. Don't let this get you down, we are all here for you. I will continue to pray for you. Hugs

God Bless you,

Debbie (gramma)

thready

Kathryn_in_MN said:

Blood clot in lungs
I got my answer. Blood clot in my lungs is why all the chest pain. I am in the hospital now.

Oh No
Kathryn,
I am so sorry, I hope all goes well, but I am so glad you did not wait to have the scan! Please take care.
Will be praying for you!
Hugs,
Jan

Annabelle41415

Such a Struggle
You have had such a big struggle since you first began this new journey especially with the port and the infections. I am hoping and praying that things go better for you that you are not facing this trouble each and every time you go in for infusions or blood draw. You need to have some more peace with this whole situation and I feel so bad for you. I hope that this situation gets resolved for you soon.

Kim

wickedoldwench

Blood clots
My prayers are with you. I got done taking chemo about 8 weeks ago and still feel miserable. I am going in for an ultra sound today of my arm....blood clots.
I am in Minnesota also.
Kathy

wickedoldwench

Kathryn_in_MN said:

Blood clot in lungs
I got my answer. Blood clot in my lungs is why all the chest pain. I am in the hospital now.

Blood clots
I am so sorry.
5 FU is what I was taking too. I got blood clots in my arm. Started taking blood thinner and then had to have a tooth pulled so off the blood thinner for three days. Now my arm is swollen again and hurting....back for another ultra sound today.
I honestly don't know if I would do chemo again if I knew about all the side effects before hand. Not only blood clots but neuropathy too. It's nasty stuff. One positive note. The scans says that my cancer is gone. Now that's very good news. I am sending all my prayers your way. We can make it Kathryn!!!!
Kathy