Ports/Chemo
Been out of commission for a while. Had the flu & am still trying to recover. Then my mother-in-law passed away Sunday, been a chaotic week!...
In the meantime, I saw the Oncologist for the first time. He explained how they would suck blood everytime I go there, did the BRCA test (which ended up being denied by my ins.!), answered all my ?'s, then proceeded to tell me he was going to install a port for the Chemo. Which he says will consist of Taxotere, Carboplatin, & Herceptin. I can't stop thinking about it! I'm feeling VERY anxious and nervous about the port. The thought of something being implanted into my chest scares the H-LL out of me! I called the Onc. yesterday & told him of my fears, he basically told me not to worry and to try to have a nice weekend. I felt he was being an arrogant jerk. He made me feel like I was acting like a big baby! Have any of you had any of these drugs for your chemo? What were your experiences with them? How long & often will they do Chemo? Or does it just depend? I just read briefly a story on here about a port and it wasn't encouraging, so can anyone else out there tell me something that may calm my fears? What have been your experiences with a port?(He says I'd have to have it for about a year!!)God how I wish I could "undo" this Cancer!
Cathy
Comments
-
Cathy .. Here is a copy of my recent posting from Friday, 9/4
Port placement .. Thursday, 11:01 am
Ibuprofen is my friend, however, it does not stop the pain when I walk, grab for anything with my right arm. My port brushes against my clothing when walking .. I am right handed so ... perhaps I am using my arm more than I should?
Inside upper arm .. is this a regular/normal placement? My onc suggested this site.
Did I mention that I laid on a gurney for 2 hours in a hallway waiting for my surgery, as my surgeon was called to an emergency consult. When surgeon finally arrived, he proceeded with numbing me 1 shot after another, never waiting or testing my site. There was time during my surgery ,,when I screamed in pain and agony. I am over 35 years of age, c-sections, thyroid cancer, cervical cancer, IVF's .. biospy's etc .. I have a high tolerance to pain .. Example: My C-sections .. never ever did I take - 1 pain shot, just codeine/tylenol tablet every evening before going to bead ...
I KNOW when someone is trying to make up time .. I was pissed -- my surgeron was pull into another surgery before I could open my mouth.. I did mention to his staff my that I felt that I was not given the proper time to numb, .. I stated to his staff - it was my assuptiom .. this was his attempt to cut time off of his schedule, as he was running 2 hours behind. All 3 surgerical team members looked at me, and said nothing.
I am starting my chemo on 9/8 .. same 3 that you are on Taxotere, Carboplatin, & Herceptin
for 6 cycles .. 6 cycles x 4 weeks (3 chemo wks, 1 week off) equals 24 weeks .. 6 months.
I hope I didn't scare you ... This is not typical .. but typical for me.
VickiSam0 -
port
I have a port and I am on the same meds you will be taking. I have my port in my upper lt chest. It is more of an annoyance that anything. I was sore for a few days after it was placed, but not too bad. I do wear a t-shirt under my scrub tops at work, because it is high up so it is visible in a lot of clothes. The dr just uses the biggest/best vein they can for port placement so you don't get an IV every time you get your meds. I only get sided effects from the taxotere. It is pretty bad for me for a few days after, then I try and do normal things so I don't sit around feeling sorry for myself.I get very tired after every treatment, more from all the benadryl they give than the drugs. Let me know if I can help you out in any way, I just finished round 3 of 6 last week, so I am halfway there! monica0 -
I had a port put in last
I had a port put in last July, I still have it in. At first it is so annoying!! But after awhile, i forgot about it. Seat belts and bra straps really bothered me, and so did carrying a shoulder bag. I don't blame you for being scared, I was terrified at the thought of a port and chemo. I was on Taxol and Herceptin. I did not have any major problems at all. I was tired, had some constipation, mouth sores, but I never got really sick, Here are some suggestions:
1. Drink lots of water
2. Take walks, try to walk at least 30 minutes each day
3. eat healthy. Eat fruits, veggies, applesauce. I did well eating smaller meals, and lighter meals.
4. Avoid greasy foods
5. If you get mouth sores, have your doctor prescribe "magic Mouthwash"
6. Ginger ale helps an upset stomach, not too much or you will get gas
7. I did have a lot of indigestion so my doctor prescribed Prilosec.
Unfortunately, we cannot undo the cancer, but we can beat it! I cannot believe everything I went through. I feel really good now. I had 12 chemo treatments. Take Care.0 -
Ports
This is what I posted earlier to Vickie Sam ." I was given a choice of local or general anesthetic when I got my port. Since I had a hematoma that needed to be drained (from my mastectomy), I ended up having a general anesthetic anyway. I had very little pain from my port. It was a godsend during chemo. I had it removed last spring (it was on my right chest wall below my collarbone) with a local anesthetic and Valium and that was not very painful either. Oooh, and I loved that Valium! " I had my port for about a year, and I am very thankful that I had it.0 -
My port isn't too bad
I have a port in my upper right chest, about 2 inches from my color bone just in the top of my right breast. Having it put in wasn't bad. I had valium and something they called awake anesthesia.(I forget the drug) I was pretty groggy but I remember a lot of it. They had a screen so I didn't see anything and they did ask a few questions during the procedure. There was a nurse who sat right at my head and talked to me for a lot of the time. It was a little painful the first couple days but advil took care of it. It bugged me for month or so but I don't really notice it too much now. I was really glad to have it once chemo started and I thought about that stuff going through an IV. It seems much easier and safer than an infusion through an IV. Much easier on your arm. They have to do blood tests before each chemo and it makes that so easy. They can remove it as soon as your chemo is over.
I didn't have any of those chemo drugs, but I am currently on Taxol, which is in the same drug family as Taxotere. It's really nothing on the nausea and sickness side, at least for me. I get muscle and joint pain and some tingly numbness in my fingers and toes, but it is pretty manageable so far. I still have two treatements to go.
You are not being a big baby and doctors are jerks sometimes. It's normal for you to be anxious and scared. I know I was then and I still get that way now. Just remember that everything you're doing is getting you closer to being a survivor. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.0 -
Cathymickeymom said:My port isn't too bad
I have a port in my upper right chest, about 2 inches from my color bone just in the top of my right breast. Having it put in wasn't bad. I had valium and something they called awake anesthesia.(I forget the drug) I was pretty groggy but I remember a lot of it. They had a screen so I didn't see anything and they did ask a few questions during the procedure. There was a nurse who sat right at my head and talked to me for a lot of the time. It was a little painful the first couple days but advil took care of it. It bugged me for month or so but I don't really notice it too much now. I was really glad to have it once chemo started and I thought about that stuff going through an IV. It seems much easier and safer than an infusion through an IV. Much easier on your arm. They have to do blood tests before each chemo and it makes that so easy. They can remove it as soon as your chemo is over.
I didn't have any of those chemo drugs, but I am currently on Taxol, which is in the same drug family as Taxotere. It's really nothing on the nausea and sickness side, at least for me. I get muscle and joint pain and some tingly numbness in my fingers and toes, but it is pretty manageable so far. I still have two treatements to go.
You are not being a big baby and doctors are jerks sometimes. It's normal for you to be anxious and scared. I know I was then and I still get that way now. Just remember that everything you're doing is getting you closer to being a survivor. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Cathy,
I didn't mean to scare you either with my experience with my port but you can see that there are very few ladies that seemed to have a**holes that performed the surgery. Once it was over I was fine and am glad that I have a port.
As for treatment everyone is different. I had Taxol w/Herceptin every week for 12 weeks. Now I am on Herceptin alone every three weeks for a year.
Hugs,
Margo0 -
porttommaseena said:Cathy
Cathy,
I didn't mean to scare you either with my experience with my port but you can see that there are very few ladies that seemed to have a**holes that performed the surgery. Once it was over I was fine and am glad that I have a port.
As for treatment everyone is different. I had Taxol w/Herceptin every week for 12 weeks. Now I am on Herceptin alone every three weeks for a year.
Hugs,
Margo
Personally ... I think the person who invented the port is a genius! I am a first class chicken when it comes to needles ... so when the oncologist told me I would need chemo I almost ran out of the room. All I could think of was being poked and prodded constantly with NEEDLES!!!! Then he told me that I should have a port installed to make it much, much easier. All I could think of then was having this thing like a light socket sticking out of me and then being "plugged in" for chemo. That also frightened me. BUT ... after getting on this discussion board and asking questions about the port ... I began to feel much more comfortable about the whole thing. I guess many people who do NOT have the port "installed" have problems with veins collapsing ... which would require MORE poking and prodding ... so that just about changed my mind right then and there. But then when I was told that the port is actually installed UNDER the skin ... I felt much more comfortable. The surgery to put it in was very easy. I did have general anesthesia ... but it was out patient and I had no problems. Mine is inserted in the upper left side of my chest area. The incision was about an inch or so ... then there's a tiny incision in the neck where the thing is connected to the jugular vein.
I had chemo for 12 weeks ... and every week I went I was sooooo glad I had the port. Several people on this discussion board had suggested getting a prescription for EMLA cream ... and I did. You put it on the port site an hour before your treatment, cover it with a bandage ... and then by the time you to your appointment ... the port site is numb. I very rarely feel anything when the needle is inserted. If I do feel anything ... it's just a little "sting" ... and that's it. No poking around looking for a good spot to "stab." I'm still having herceptin infusions every 3 weeks until March ... so I'm sure I made the right decision about having the port put in.
They do draw blood often ... but that can be done with the very same needle stick as the one they give you the chemo treatment. One little stick ... and that's it.
The port inventor was a genius!
hugs.
teena0 -
I never had a second thought
I never had a second thought about rather or not I wanted a port - pictures of what can happen to veins used for IV's only confirmed my decision.
Unfortunately, there are those who have had real problems with the implantation and I feel so sorry for them - but for me - I had very little discomfort (no pain) at all. (Actually, the only 'pain' I felt was when I tried to pick the stalls the next day so Hubby had to do them for a week [lifting the manure fork caused a sharp pain - mowed my yard with a push mower with no pain at all though]. Oh well - I'm strange. LOL)
I had only seen my surgeon once before he did the port. I have IBC so chemo is the first line of action before surgery and I had only seen him right after the biopsy and he sent me straight to chemo. He told me that it usually took 30 - 45 min. but I might very well take longer as "you're tiny". "TINY"? - me? - no way! - I'm 5'6", 160 lbs. - that's not "tiny"! I thought he was being sarcastic and told him so (the pre surgery relaxers were already taking effect). He very patiently explained to me that I am smaller boned (I still think I'm more a medium bone), narrow shoulders and hips (have to agree with that) and legs are portotional much longer than body (again have to agree) so that made the area he had to work in "tiny". I apologized but I still don't think I'm "tiny".
I was given Vicodin and Hubby made me take it that afternoon and evening - I didn't even feel like I needed reg. tylenol but I humored him and took 1 both times (refused to take 2 which the bottle said I could) but when he WOKE me up at midnight to take another 1 - I flat refused. I did take 1 in the morn and at noon (Aug 26th) because I was going to first chemo and didn't want to have any problems - didn't have any - they numbed the area and all I felt was a little pressure when they inserted. That is the last pain meds of any kind I have taken (so far). There was some slight discomfort and tenderness to touch but pain - no.
I was started on A/C every 2 weeks (2nd dose will be on Sept 9). Dr. said that if it doesn't give the results he's looking for then we'll try something else - I see him (blood work done too) Wed before 2nd dose so will find out more then. There are different ones used for different reasons. I was given a lesson/class (and a loose leaf notebook with gobs of info to take home) for about 1 hr. directly before the first chemo. I have no idea how long I'll have my port in - it depends on so many things - chemo now, then surgery, then chemo, the rad. as it stands now but who knows what the future holds.
For every horror story, there is 1 that is the opposite end of the spectrum. Most fall somewhere in-between. I'm going to say the same thing your Dr. said - "Try not to worry." Believe me - I know it's easier said than done but worrying accomplishes nothing positive. Thoughts and prayers.
Susan0 -
Hi Cathy.........
I know that all of this is terrifying and frustrating. But it will all work out. Your doc is doing what is best for you, and you will get through it.
The port is really just under the skin & not implanted deep into the chest. Yes, I find mine to be annoying at times...sometimes bra straps irritate it and I am always conscious that it is there. But it has made chemo and especially the long haul Herceptin infusions easier, So I guess it's a good trade-off.
I will finish my year-long Herceptin infusions late Oct. They have been very easy to do.
Hang in there and don't lose sight of the finish line...
Hugs,
CR0 -
ports
Cathy, you cannot listen to the horror stories of placement, they do happen yes, but it is very infrequent. It is usually a very easy quick procedure, and if you have any hesitancy about it, just remember, the chemo is poison, if it leaks out of a smaller vein (which is the only type of vein they can get to without a port), it can destroy all muscle tissue etc. I did have it leak in my wrist, luckily there is not a lot of tissue to have been damaged, it still looks like a bruise is there after two years. Check out my expressions page, there is a picture of the port placement, and also the picc placement, which is what I had to eventually use.
Good luck with your treatment
Cat0 -
I am new on TCH alsoVickiSam said:Cathy .. Here is a copy of my recent posting from Friday, 9/4
Port placement .. Thursday, 11:01 am
Ibuprofen is my friend, however, it does not stop the pain when I walk, grab for anything with my right arm. My port brushes against my clothing when walking .. I am right handed so ... perhaps I am using my arm more than I should?
Inside upper arm .. is this a regular/normal placement? My onc suggested this site.
Did I mention that I laid on a gurney for 2 hours in a hallway waiting for my surgery, as my surgeon was called to an emergency consult. When surgeon finally arrived, he proceeded with numbing me 1 shot after another, never waiting or testing my site. There was time during my surgery ,,when I screamed in pain and agony. I am over 35 years of age, c-sections, thyroid cancer, cervical cancer, IVF's .. biospy's etc .. I have a high tolerance to pain .. Example: My C-sections .. never ever did I take - 1 pain shot, just codeine/tylenol tablet every evening before going to bead ...
I KNOW when someone is trying to make up time .. I was pissed -- my surgeron was pull into another surgery before I could open my mouth.. I did mention to his staff my that I felt that I was not given the proper time to numb, .. I stated to his staff - it was my assuptiom .. this was his attempt to cut time off of his schedule, as he was running 2 hours behind. All 3 surgerical team members looked at me, and said nothing.
I am starting my chemo on 9/8 .. same 3 that you are on Taxotere, Carboplatin, & Herceptin
for 6 cycles .. 6 cycles x 4 weeks (3 chemo wks, 1 week off) equals 24 weeks .. 6 months.
I hope I didn't scare you ... This is not typical .. but typical for me.
VickiSam
Hi VickiSam
I am new on the same chemo schedule as you. I will take a total of 6 chemo treatments, Taxoterene (the one that messes with your hair), carboplatin (the one that makes everything taste like a rusty tin can, YUCK!) and the wonderful antibody therapy HERCEPTIN. I had a power port put in my upper right chest, it makes getting infusions a breeze. The first chemo lasted almost 5 hours, I brought alot of stuff I did not use, a portable dvd player, snacks, candy, water. I went out to eat after my chemo was done, was not nauseated. Drink, drink, drink, as much water as you can after chemo to flush out your system. Also, get some ginger ale. Avoid fried foods. The worst thing that I have had to deal with is the weakness, fatique that can be with you. My legs sometimes feel like they weigh 1000 pounds. I have managed to keep up my work schedule, I work full time as a nurse. I have had to take off for chemo and md appointments, but so far I think I have done okay. Don't be scared, it will be okay, and you will do fine.
ANGEL NURSE0 -
PORT IS A GREAT THING!
Hi Cathy,
I had a power port put in my upper right chest on Aug. 18. At first all I did was complain about it. I would say.....I can't stand that blame.....walnut under my skin! That's what it felt like. I was always used to sleeping on my side. Could not do that at first, but now I don't even know it is there, no pain, no problems. You will feel great about it when you see how easy your infusions are having it.
ANGEL NURSE0 -
Hi VickiVickiSam said:Cathy .. Here is a copy of my recent posting from Friday, 9/4
Port placement .. Thursday, 11:01 am
Ibuprofen is my friend, however, it does not stop the pain when I walk, grab for anything with my right arm. My port brushes against my clothing when walking .. I am right handed so ... perhaps I am using my arm more than I should?
Inside upper arm .. is this a regular/normal placement? My onc suggested this site.
Did I mention that I laid on a gurney for 2 hours in a hallway waiting for my surgery, as my surgeon was called to an emergency consult. When surgeon finally arrived, he proceeded with numbing me 1 shot after another, never waiting or testing my site. There was time during my surgery ,,when I screamed in pain and agony. I am over 35 years of age, c-sections, thyroid cancer, cervical cancer, IVF's .. biospy's etc .. I have a high tolerance to pain .. Example: My C-sections .. never ever did I take - 1 pain shot, just codeine/tylenol tablet every evening before going to bead ...
I KNOW when someone is trying to make up time .. I was pissed -- my surgeron was pull into another surgery before I could open my mouth.. I did mention to his staff my that I felt that I was not given the proper time to numb, .. I stated to his staff - it was my assuptiom .. this was his attempt to cut time off of his schedule, as he was running 2 hours behind. All 3 surgerical team members looked at me, and said nothing.
I am starting my chemo on 9/8 .. same 3 that you are on Taxotere, Carboplatin, & Herceptin
for 6 cycles .. 6 cycles x 4 weeks (3 chemo wks, 1 week off) equals 24 weeks .. 6 months.
I hope I didn't scare you ... This is not typical .. but typical for me.
VickiSam
Yes yours was one of the stories I had read that scared me. What a true survivor you are! You've been through the ringer haven't you?! How dare me complain over a port! My heart goes out to you for all you have had to endure, esp. all the unecessary pain!
I'm not understanding why they use 3 different drugs for chemo..do you know? I don't know the plan just yet, I somewhat remember him saying something about 3 & 2??? That's just for b/4 surgery. Have you had surgery yet?
Prayers & Hugz
Cathy0 -
Hey Monica!mberg said:port
I have a port and I am on the same meds you will be taking. I have my port in my upper lt chest. It is more of an annoyance that anything. I was sore for a few days after it was placed, but not too bad. I do wear a t-shirt under my scrub tops at work, because it is high up so it is visible in a lot of clothes. The dr just uses the biggest/best vein they can for port placement so you don't get an IV every time you get your meds. I only get sided effects from the taxotere. It is pretty bad for me for a few days after, then I try and do normal things so I don't sit around feeling sorry for myself.I get very tired after every treatment, more from all the benadryl they give than the drugs. Let me know if I can help you out in any way, I just finished round 3 of 6 last week, so I am halfway there! monica
Thanks for responding to my fears! I would of thought that pull over shirts would be uncomfortable..? I keep thinking about my big ole' dog (St. Bernard) who can get rough and tends to think he is a lap dog so he'll jump up on me, or lay his 20 pound head on my chest in the middle of the night to tell me he has to go out! Or my cat who likes to lay right next to my face, I'm just afraid of that thing coming loose or causing more problems otherwise. I get that it's better than getting stuck so many times and the possibility of damage to my veins, I'm ok with that part, it terrifies me to think of this "thing" being implanted in my chest for a year!!
Thanks for being there, I really appreciate your help!
Halfway there! Awesome! You look so much like a girl I use to work with at a Diner named Leah! She was so cool! Anyway..take care of you!
Hugz,
Cathy0 -
Hi Meena!meena1 said:I had a port put in last
I had a port put in last July, I still have it in. At first it is so annoying!! But after awhile, i forgot about it. Seat belts and bra straps really bothered me, and so did carrying a shoulder bag. I don't blame you for being scared, I was terrified at the thought of a port and chemo. I was on Taxol and Herceptin. I did not have any major problems at all. I was tired, had some constipation, mouth sores, but I never got really sick, Here are some suggestions:
1. Drink lots of water
2. Take walks, try to walk at least 30 minutes each day
3. eat healthy. Eat fruits, veggies, applesauce. I did well eating smaller meals, and lighter meals.
4. Avoid greasy foods
5. If you get mouth sores, have your doctor prescribe "magic Mouthwash"
6. Ginger ale helps an upset stomach, not too much or you will get gas
7. I did have a lot of indigestion so my doctor prescribed Prilosec.
Unfortunately, we cannot undo the cancer, but we can beat it! I cannot believe everything I went through. I feel really good now. I had 12 chemo treatments. Take Care.
Thank you very much for all the advice! It helps hearing others experiences, and I know each is different of course. So are you NED now?
Cathy0 -
My port made my life so much
My port made my life so much easier. It was implanted below my right collarbone. Sore for a few days after the surgery. I had twilight ansthesia. You are put to sleep but not as deep as general so no breathing tube.
When you have your chemo they hook the i.v. needle to your port. It really is a good thing.
My port was in for about a year. As far as chemo goes, I had ACT. AC is very strong and causes intense nausea. But with the 5 meds they prescribed it was not too bad. T(taxol) was much easier to take for me.
Drink lots of water, eat lite, small snacks for a few days after each treatment, rest when you are tired. Good luck, you will be fine. Eil0 -
I was so relievedEil4186 said:My port made my life so much
My port made my life so much easier. It was implanted below my right collarbone. Sore for a few days after the surgery. I had twilight ansthesia. You are put to sleep but not as deep as general so no breathing tube.
When you have your chemo they hook the i.v. needle to your port. It really is a good thing.
My port was in for about a year. As far as chemo goes, I had ACT. AC is very strong and causes intense nausea. But with the 5 meds they prescribed it was not too bad. T(taxol) was much easier to take for me.
Drink lots of water, eat lite, small snacks for a few days after each treatment, rest when you are tired. Good luck, you will be fine. Eil
when i got my port. My first chemo treatment i didnt have one and it took them six times to stick me before they got a good vein to do my chemo. Im on Adriamyacin and cytoxin SP? When they inserted my port they told me i would be in a twilight sleep, but i was out totally. Whatever it was they gave me felt tooooo goooood. haha. My second treatment and blood draw was done throught the port and what a big difference it made. I love it. I dont have pain at the site anymore. Just was sore for a couple of days and my shoulder ached. Good luck and dont worry. The port is a wonderful thing. You will be glad to have it. Also, you should be given nausea meds to go along with your treatment. they help alot
laura0 -
Hey Cat
The port is the best thing ever invented for those of us who hate needles!!! Have you ever met a nurse who hated to have a flu shot, a blood draw or an IV? I am needle phobic and the port is wonderful.
GET THE EMLA CREAM!!! Yes I am shouting because it will numb the area and make the needle stick almost painless...trust me on this...I HATE NEEEDLES!!!
I am on taxol and herceptin after having had 4 cycles of Adriamycin/cytoxan. I get fatigue, and muscle and bone pain and today noticed some constipation which is new. My biggest advise is to try to keep exercising in some way...Take the dog for a walk, stretch, ride an exercise bike and or all 3. It really helps the fatigue which is cummulative.
Hang in there...and please GET THE EMLA CREAM
Hugs
Linda T0 -
Yesterday we were inVickiSam said:Cathy .. Here is a copy of my recent posting from Friday, 9/4
Port placement .. Thursday, 11:01 am
Ibuprofen is my friend, however, it does not stop the pain when I walk, grab for anything with my right arm. My port brushes against my clothing when walking .. I am right handed so ... perhaps I am using my arm more than I should?
Inside upper arm .. is this a regular/normal placement? My onc suggested this site.
Did I mention that I laid on a gurney for 2 hours in a hallway waiting for my surgery, as my surgeon was called to an emergency consult. When surgeon finally arrived, he proceeded with numbing me 1 shot after another, never waiting or testing my site. There was time during my surgery ,,when I screamed in pain and agony. I am over 35 years of age, c-sections, thyroid cancer, cervical cancer, IVF's .. biospy's etc .. I have a high tolerance to pain .. Example: My C-sections .. never ever did I take - 1 pain shot, just codeine/tylenol tablet every evening before going to bead ...
I KNOW when someone is trying to make up time .. I was pissed -- my surgeron was pull into another surgery before I could open my mouth.. I did mention to his staff my that I felt that I was not given the proper time to numb, .. I stated to his staff - it was my assuptiom .. this was his attempt to cut time off of his schedule, as he was running 2 hours behind. All 3 surgerical team members looked at me, and said nothing.
I am starting my chemo on 9/8 .. same 3 that you are on Taxotere, Carboplatin, & Herceptin
for 6 cycles .. 6 cycles x 4 weeks (3 chemo wks, 1 week off) equals 24 weeks .. 6 months.
I hope I didn't scare you ... This is not typical .. but typical for me.
VickiSam
Yesterday we were in Wal-Mart to pick up a few last minute things for a cok out. I had on one of my tank tops that has somewhat narrower straps that allow the inner edge of my port to be seen. An 'acquaintance' I hadn't seen in a VERY long time ran into us. Quickly she says "I didn't know you had a bad heart - isn't it great what a pacemaker can do!" HUNH? Apparently she had noticed the edge of my port and decided it was a pacemaker. Laughed and said "My heart's fine! It's my port" She then looked pathetically at Hubby and for once he had caught on with what was going on before I did. He said "Yeah - it's sad her heart is so bad she's in denial. I have to get her out of here before 'something' happens." Before I could say anything he grabbed my arm and off we went to the back of the store and had a good laugh. Well - at least we though it was funny.0 -
My scerino .. I did not have a choice on port locationCat64 said:Hi Vicki
Yes yours was one of the stories I had read that scared me. What a true survivor you are! You've been through the ringer haven't you?! How dare me complain over a port! My heart goes out to you for all you have had to endure, esp. all the unecessary pain!
I'm not understanding why they use 3 different drugs for chemo..do you know? I don't know the plan just yet, I somewhat remember him saying something about 3 & 2??? That's just for b/4 surgery. Have you had surgery yet?
Prayers & Hugz
Cathy
was to be located .. inner arm is where my onc suggested .. It's been 4 days of misery, however if I had to do all over .. I would do it again, this time however .... INSISTING that the port be located in my upper chest. Inner arm is a nightmare .. I am right handed .. when I walk, pick up a cup of coffee or bottle of water, or try to open a door .. bee stringing straight up my arm. It hasn't been fun, but I know my port is needed for chemo.
I had a bad experience .. that's it. Surgeron, 2 hour wait in the hallway etc.
I am having THC .. first treatment tomorrow .. all 3 drugs, I have been told that I will be in chemo 3 to 5 hours .. first time. I will be monitored closely .. any reactions to my 3 combo chemo cocktail.
Wednesday I go back - neuslta shot .. and bone scan same day. Also, PT scan .. sometime this week.
Friday .. stitches will be removed .. I will bring digital photo's (ruler included in photo's) showing what I have endure these past few day, along with my formal letter of complaint .. I also will bring photo's .. made 10 copies of each view to onc on Tuesday, formal complaint will be filed with onc office as well.
As a side note: I have asked for a 25% discount on my procedure based on my waiting. I would ask for a discount on a damaged washer or dryer, extra wait on automobile repair and so on. Why not ask our medical professionals for discounts -- when they screw up? we paid a high price for medical care ..it's not a free financial ride by any means.
This is my breast cancer and my fight .. I refuse to allow any surgeron or onc to influence any of my decisions.
Good luck to all, stay strong and keep on fighting!
VickiSam0
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