chemo 1st timer

atrue
atrue Member Posts: 29
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
hi all i went to chemo for the first time 2day. i was scared witless, but the only problem i had was when the nurse accessed my port. omg that hurt just had port put in a week tomorrow...still tender.. but other than that went good, also got a stylish purse to carry for 2 days...lol...what a bonus... well take care and best wishes and prayers for all
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Comments

  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    #2
    Ask for Emla cream
    If your dr hasn't offered it, call and get a prescription for Emla cream before your next chemo. It's a numbing cream that you gob on ("gob" being the operant word)an hour or so before you go to chemo, and cover with plastic wrap. Then you won't feel the needle. Of course, this time you are also still very tender from the port placement, but the Emla does penetrate, and really helps.

    I had to use it for my chest port, and also for a belly port, as I had intraperitoneal chemo, right into my belly. I never felt the needles - that stuff is a godsend!

    Enjoy your fancy new purse! (I cussed at mine, every time the pump buzzed to administer the next dose... every 3 minutes for 2 days!) Quite a fashion statement!
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #3
    abrub said:

    Ask for Emla cream
    If your dr hasn't offered it, call and get a prescription for Emla cream before your next chemo. It's a numbing cream that you gob on ("gob" being the operant word)an hour or so before you go to chemo, and cover with plastic wrap. Then you won't feel the needle. Of course, this time you are also still very tender from the port placement, but the Emla does penetrate, and really helps.

    I had to use it for my chest port, and also for a belly port, as I had intraperitoneal chemo, right into my belly. I never felt the needles - that stuff is a godsend!

    Enjoy your fancy new purse! (I cussed at mine, every time the pump buzzed to administer the next dose... every 3 minutes for 2 days!) Quite a fashion statement!

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • lizzydavis
    lizzydavis Member Posts: 893
    #4
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Ask the nurse to use the numbing spray too.
    Ask the nurse to use the numbing spray too. My nurse told me she didn't use it unless it was asked for because some people did not want it. I can't imagine why anyone would not want it. She has a can and sprays it right on your port and it does a little numbing. Worked for me with the emla cream.

    Hang in there with the chemo and keep thinking about the light at the end of the tunnel. Be sure to tell your oncologist and nurse about any side effects so they can keep on top of it. It also helps to drink water while getting chemo.

    Hope everything goes well for you and stay in touch.

    Lizzy
  • EJmauldin
    EJmauldin Member Posts: 12
    #5
    time in the chair
    The first time I went to the lab my hubby went with me, I was scared. I had just been through so much I had never done before. All the Docs, all the needles, just telling you what to do. I felt like the cattle at the live stock market, everyone driving me here and there, not knowing what was going on or where I will end up.

    Now I've done this a few times (about 30) I feel more settled. I bring something to do. I talk to the other people getting treatments and play my games. I have a DS that I play solitare and lots of other card games on. I see some people read, and knit or sleep. Plan on it taking awhile, BP, temp, take a deep breath when they put the needle in it helps not hurt as much. Then they mix your drugs, finelly hook you up. It all takes time.

    I try to pay attention to my nurses, any are filled with info, also if you are very nice they are too. All the ladies at my lab are great. I try to stay up beat and cheerful. I laugh. I tell jokes and try to make their job easier. Most people are grumpy, so I try not to be. All the nurses want to be my nurse. I remember there names and things about them to talk about. They are your caregiver while you are at treatments, so treat them good.
    After my 1st round was over I bought them a fruit tray and their favorite coffee beans. They all remebered me when I started my 2nd round.

    What else do you have to do?

    I hope your chemo kills all your cancer.
    God Bless you

    Eileen
  • greybeard64
    greybeard64 Member Posts: 254
    #6
    breathing
    I would definetly ask for the spray and along with that there is a breathing technique that reduces pain. It works for any pain and is easy to do. In this case right before they access your port take a deep breath, then exhale slowly through pursed lips, as you blow out the needle goes in. It may sound silly but it works for me. My wife (a pediatric nurse) told me about. It has helped me tolerate some pretty rough times, taking the edge off the pain and focusing my mind at least partially on something other then the pain. hope it works as well for you.
    Hope this finds ya smilin'
    and good luck with your treatments!!
    chris
  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    #7
    greybeard64 said:

    breathing
    I would definetly ask for the spray and along with that there is a breathing technique that reduces pain. It works for any pain and is easy to do. In this case right before they access your port take a deep breath, then exhale slowly through pursed lips, as you blow out the needle goes in. It may sound silly but it works for me. My wife (a pediatric nurse) told me about. It has helped me tolerate some pretty rough times, taking the edge off the pain and focusing my mind at least partially on something other then the pain. hope it works as well for you.
    Hope this finds ya smilin'
    and good luck with your treatments!!
    chris

    Ah yes, Lamaze breathing techniques!
    Chris - I learned those breathing techniques in my childbirth classes, and have used that for painful situations ever since! Didn't get to use it much in childbirth, as I had very quick and easy labors - popped out the kids like greased corks. However, the training has been put to good use over the years - dealing with pain in physical therapy, and more recently, getting me through pain related to cancer and cancer treatment. It definitely helps!

    Alice
  • abmb
    abmb Member Posts: 311
    #8
    Next time
    Next time you go for chemo, ask them to spray your port, they do have spray to numb the area. Also, ask if they could give you a script for Lido/Prilocaine 2.5% cream, generic for HI - TE 30 gm. My husband applies that to his port about 1/2 hour before treatment and covers with a piece of gauze. He says it helps a lot. He said he feels pressure and sometimes a pinch. Not all docs give a script for it, but I do believe they all have the numbing spray. Just ask, it is uncomfortable enough with everything else you go through why not have something go a little easier. God Bless and good luck. Margaret
  • christinecarl
    christinecarl Member Posts: 543 Member
    #9
    Chemo
    Things that helped me:

    I would take an Antivan 30-45 minutes before chemo, I brought ear plugs, and one of those sleep masks that block out the light and I would sleep through chemo. I was always the girl in the corner snoring through chemo LOL. Worked like a charm for me. Hope the port heals up soon for you. Good Luck!
  • atrue
    atrue Member Posts: 29
    #10
    lizzydavis said:

    Ask the nurse to use the numbing spray too.
    Ask the nurse to use the numbing spray too. My nurse told me she didn't use it unless it was asked for because some people did not want it. I can't imagine why anyone would not want it. She has a can and sprays it right on your port and it does a little numbing. Worked for me with the emla cream.

    Hang in there with the chemo and keep thinking about the light at the end of the tunnel. Be sure to tell your oncologist and nurse about any side effects so they can keep on top of it. It also helps to drink water while getting chemo.

    Hope everything goes well for you and stay in touch.

    Lizzy

    i dont know how to explain
    i dont know how to explain it but it was awful....i got the pump off yesterday and i have been so sick for the last 2 days i didnt think i would make it...port cath is getting better but that chemo is making me so sick..gotta talk to dr about it... he said he thought it was chemo and it was..i am feeling better today...just tired and staying cold...almost quit it but im gonna stay with it..thanks all yal are great prayers for all
  • Linda Z
    Linda Z Member Posts: 25
    #11
    I take a CD player and let
    I take a CD player and let someone sing me to sleep during chemo. It usually works..Have you been taking your nausea pills and diarrhea meds? After the pump comes out I feel like crap for a day or two and at least the drugs keep the effects down. Hang in there. I just had my 5th. I also bought a little stylish purse for the pump. What a treat!!
  • Linda Z
    Linda Z Member Posts: 25
    #12
    I take a CD player and let
    I take a CD player and let someone sing me to sleep during chemo. It usually works..Have you been taking your nausea pills and diarrhea meds? After the pump comes out I feel like crap for a day or two and at least the drugs keep the effects down. Hang in there. I just had my 5th. I also bought a little stylish purse for the pump. What a treat!!
  • adamommy
    adamommy Member Posts: 15
    #13
    Linda Z said:

    I take a CD player and let
    I take a CD player and let someone sing me to sleep during chemo. It usually works..Have you been taking your nausea pills and diarrhea meds? After the pump comes out I feel like crap for a day or two and at least the drugs keep the effects down. Hang in there. I just had my 5th. I also bought a little stylish purse for the pump. What a treat!!

    Tomorrow's the big day
    Tomorrow's the day I'm scheduled to start chemo and I'm scared to death. I must have had 10 dreams last night about chemo and all that can go wrong. I had my port put in about 5 days ago. I am scheduled to be hooked up to a pump for two days every 2 weeks. I am scared and don't know what all to expect. My doctor and the nurses have done their best at explaining all of this to me. However I would like to hear from someone who has been through this and lived this. What were your side effects like? Were you still able to care for your children? I have so many questions and not nearly enough answers.

    God Bless You All
  • KelliA
    KelliA Member Posts: 6
    #14
    adamommy said:

    Tomorrow's the big day
    Tomorrow's the day I'm scheduled to start chemo and I'm scared to death. I must have had 10 dreams last night about chemo and all that can go wrong. I had my port put in about 5 days ago. I am scheduled to be hooked up to a pump for two days every 2 weeks. I am scared and don't know what all to expect. My doctor and the nurses have done their best at explaining all of this to me. However I would like to hear from someone who has been through this and lived this. What were your side effects like? Were you still able to care for your children? I have so many questions and not nearly enough answers.

    God Bless You All

    Adamommy..... Good luck
    Adamommy..... Good luck tomorrow.. It's my first treatment with chemo too. I have been nervous and scared also. I have little ones. Three actually. Wish you the best. Let me know how yours goes. God bless.
  • AnneCan
    AnneCan Member Posts: 3,673 Member
    #15
    KelliA said:

    Adamommy..... Good luck
    Adamommy..... Good luck tomorrow.. It's my first treatment with chemo too. I have been nervous and scared also. I have little ones. Three actually. Wish you the best. Let me know how yours goes. God bless.

    Adamommy + KelliA
    Good luck to both of you. The first treatment is the hardest because you don't know what to expect. It is not fun but it is doable. The port will make it much easier. Side effects depend on the individual + the regimen. Let us know how it goes.
  • AnneCan
    AnneCan Member Posts: 3,673 Member
    #16
    KelliA said:

    Adamommy..... Good luck
    Adamommy..... Good luck tomorrow.. It's my first treatment with chemo too. I have been nervous and scared also. I have little ones. Three actually. Wish you the best. Let me know how yours goes. God bless.

    Adamommy + KelliA
    sorry for the double post - how do you delete the post?
  • adamommy
    adamommy Member Posts: 15
    #17
    AnneCan said:

    Adamommy + KelliA
    Good luck to both of you. The first treatment is the hardest because you don't know what to expect. It is not fun but it is doable. The port will make it much easier. Side effects depend on the individual + the regimen. Let us know how it goes.

    Thanks
    Thanks so much for all of the support. I will let everybody know how it goes.


    God Bless You All
  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    #18
    adamommy said:

    Tomorrow's the big day
    Tomorrow's the day I'm scheduled to start chemo and I'm scared to death. I must have had 10 dreams last night about chemo and all that can go wrong. I had my port put in about 5 days ago. I am scheduled to be hooked up to a pump for two days every 2 weeks. I am scared and don't know what all to expect. My doctor and the nurses have done their best at explaining all of this to me. However I would like to hear from someone who has been through this and lived this. What were your side effects like? Were you still able to care for your children? I have so many questions and not nearly enough answers.

    God Bless You All

    Adamommy,
    I've just finished
    Adamommy,
    I've just finished my 7th chemo. The first time is a bit scary to be sure, not knowing what to expect.
    I'm hoping you have chemo nurses as great as our's are here at Domincan. They can do a lot to relieve your fears.
    The first time I had chemo, I came home and went straight to bed tired out, even though they gave steroids which in some cases, you go home and CAN'T sleep, I had the opposite effect. I was tired for two days straight, that first week was difficult to feel like doing anything.
    My 2nd chemo, was less tiring, I was tired the first day, and then all right the second and so forth.
    After my 3rd chemo, I came home feeling fine, and each subsequent chemo has been the same for me.
    I was told I'd lose my hair, due to the chemo's I was on. I still have my golden locks.
    The main problem I do have though is the feeling that happens when your fingers and toes get cold. It does make it difficult to cook, I can't hold an egg without pain, season meat out of the refrigerator etc. However, I've learned to get the eggs out and let them warm up so I can handle them, use tongs to turn the meat over as I season it. I use potholders to get the butter and other items out of the refrigerator.
    The Point I guess I'm trying to make, is that you WILL ADAPT to what chemo does to you. You will find ways to do things you normally do, only a slightly different approach to it.
    Best of luck to all of you. And remember no question is too silly to ask. We're all going through this together.
    Winter Marie
  • adamommy
    adamommy Member Posts: 15
    #19
    greybeard64 said:

    breathing
    I would definetly ask for the spray and along with that there is a breathing technique that reduces pain. It works for any pain and is easy to do. In this case right before they access your port take a deep breath, then exhale slowly through pursed lips, as you blow out the needle goes in. It may sound silly but it works for me. My wife (a pediatric nurse) told me about. It has helped me tolerate some pretty rough times, taking the edge off the pain and focusing my mind at least partially on something other then the pain. hope it works as well for you.
    Hope this finds ya smilin'
    and good luck with your treatments!!
    chris

    It Really Worked
    Hey Greybeard64, I went for my first treatment today. I was scared to death. I had worked myself up into an emotional and physical wreck. I hadn't slept for like three days and was physically ill worrying about this day. When it was time to access my port I almost had a panic attack. I then remembered your post about the breathing technique and guess what, IT WORKED! There was not alot of pain, only a tiny sting that was barely noticeable. I have had three kiddos and I tried Lamaze with two of them and it did not work, so I have always been skeptical of these so called "breathing techniques". But I'm not anymore. Thanks alot Greybeard it Worked!
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #20
    adamommy said:

    It Really Worked
    Hey Greybeard64, I went for my first treatment today. I was scared to death. I had worked myself up into an emotional and physical wreck. I hadn't slept for like three days and was physically ill worrying about this day. When it was time to access my port I almost had a panic attack. I then remembered your post about the breathing technique and guess what, IT WORKED! There was not alot of pain, only a tiny sting that was barely noticeable. I have had three kiddos and I tried Lamaze with two of them and it did not work, so I have always been skeptical of these so called "breathing techniques". But I'm not anymore. Thanks alot Greybeard it Worked!

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • tesslee
    tesslee Member Posts: 97
    #21
    atrue said:

    i dont know how to explain
    i dont know how to explain it but it was awful....i got the pump off yesterday and i have been so sick for the last 2 days i didnt think i would make it...port cath is getting better but that chemo is making me so sick..gotta talk to dr about it... he said he thought it was chemo and it was..i am feeling better today...just tired and staying cold...almost quit it but im gonna stay with it..thanks all yal are great prayers for all

    i'm glad you're feeling better
    and you talked with your doctor. i was sick in the beginning (throwing up and nausea) but i got thru that part for now. still have some nausea here lately. the fatigue is the worst for me. keep reading the boards if you can, you will get lots of suggestions for side effects. i'm glad to hear you're gonna stay with it. stay as well as you can.

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