An uphill battle..with steep hills!!

LFTTF
LFTTF Member Posts: 12
in Anal Cancer #1

So my latest update for everyone who has been reading my updates.  I had my picc line put in this past Thursday. That was an experience in it's own considering they tried 2 piccs the first time with no success, but was successful with the third.  Didn't help with my nerves what so ever! I started my contiuous infustion chemo on Monday along with radiation.  So far all is was going well until today (third day of treatment) I woke up with a little soreness and tenderness in my right armpit area (picc arm).  I went in for the usual radiation therapy then asked to speak with the nurse about the sorness.  They didn't notice anything that put up red flags right away but did order an ultra sound.  Found out I had a blood clot.  So my picc was taken out today and my chemo was stopped until tomorrow.  I fee like i'm trying so hard to be positive only to be pushed backwards to start all over again.  My friends and family have been great but i'm losing the drive to keep pushing and it's only been 3 days of treatment!

 

Has anyone else been through something similar? I feel like it's just bad stuff happening and nothing good....

 

Any response or comment is appreciated!

 

LFTTF

Comments

  • Marynb
    Marynb Member Posts: 1,118
    #2
    LFTTF
    Hi. I am glad that you have started treatment, but sorry you are feeling anxious. All that I can say is that you need to be prepared for anything to happen. Some days will be better than others. The goal is to get to the end of the treatment, so hang in there and understand that it will not be a straight line. All bodies are different and do not always respond as expected or hoped.

    I did have problems with getting ports put in and ended up having picc lines put in. They ended up using guided imagery after the first line poked my heart, etc.

    This process will require that you use all your strengths. There will be some things that go wrong and will be beyond your control. Just keep an eye on the finish line. When you start a marathon, you never know how it will go. This treatment is similar. It is doable and you can do it!

    I hope that you are at a reputable hospital.
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #3
    LFTTF

    I'm sorry your treatment has gotten off to a bumpy start, but hopefully, once you get back on track, things will run smoothly the rest of the way.  As Marynb has said, you have to be prepared for whatever might happen and just go with the flow.  That is very hard sometimes, especially when you don't feel well.  I had a port, not a picc line, so I can't really comment on the difficulties you had with yours.  My port worked like a charm and I never had any problems with it.  I hope your picc problems are behind you now. 

    You will get through this, you will.  Just take it one day at a time.  We are here for you anytime you need us.  Take care.

  • sandysp
    sandysp Member Posts: 868 Member
    #4
    I was very uncertain in the beginning

    I was not certain that I could do the treatment either when I began it. But I completed it and don't regret a day of the hell I went through now to get that diagnosis, "NED".

    I was stage threeA and had been in failing health for some time. Cancer hurts too. You have a terrific chance of beating this but it will surely beat you if you retreat.

    Rest as much as you can. It's all pretty overwhelming but we are here for you.

    Good luck,

    Sandy

  • Phoebesnow
    Phoebesnow Member Posts: 600 Member
    #5
    sandysp said:

    I was very uncertain in the beginning

    I was not certain that I could do the treatment either when I began it. But I completed it and don't regret a day of the hell I went through now to get that diagnosis, "NED".

    I was stage threeA and had been in failing health for some time. Cancer hurts too. You have a terrific chance of beating this but it will surely beat you if you retreat.

    Rest as much as you can. It's all pretty overwhelming but we are here for you.

    Good luck,

    Sandy

    Tx

    Sorry you have had a rough time from the start.  You just have to put one foot in fron of the other until you get this done.  My rad oncologist told me that I would want to quit, but I had to keep going andeverything will be ok.  He was right.  Just keep going and before you know it these six weekswill be over.    We are with you every step of the way.  We will feel your pain and your victories.Sleep and plenty of water wil help you make it thru.

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