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EMLA cream users....

Patrusha
Patrusha CSN Member Posts: 487
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I picked up my tube of EMLA cream today to numb the skin over my chemo port before infusion tomorrow. The package says I should use an Occlusive Dressing over the cream, which is just a fancy bandaid that makes an air-tight seal. I found some, that would cover the rear end of an elephant and are very expensive!!! Can't I just use a big band-aid like someone suggested to me? I don't think I am too concerned about making it air-tight, am I? I just want to protect my clothes! Any advice?
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Comments

  • Susanbm
    Susanbm CSN Member Posts: 61
    #2
    Your onc nurse can probably give you some of the plastic covers they use while you are receiving your chemo. If not, I used just a piece of saran wrap or a baggie! It's just to protect your clothing! Wait until about 1 hour before your appointment before applying. I usually rubbed mine in on my way to the clinic.
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  • Patrusha
    Patrusha CSN Member Posts: 487
    #3
    Susanbm said:

    Your onc nurse can probably give you some of the plastic covers they use while you are receiving your chemo. If not, I used just a piece of saran wrap or a baggie! It's just to protect your clothing! Wait until about 1 hour before your appointment before applying. I usually rubbed mine in on my way to the clinic.

    Thanks, Susan.... I'll do that. A little Saran Wrap, a little surgical tape along the sides, voila! Then I'll mooch some off of the nurses when they see the pitiful job I did on myself!!! LOL!!! Is there any problem putting the cream on too far in advance? I get blood drawn at 8 a.m. (usual route, through my arm vein) and then don't start infusion until 10. I thought I'd put it on after I get the blood drawn and that would give me a two-hour "numbing". Does that make sense?

    I know they can take blood from the port, too, but right now the doctor's order says to take it from my arm. I don't care about a stick in the arm, it's that sore port area I'm concerned about.
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  • IzzieCat
    IzzieCat CSN Member Posts: 56
    #4
    Hi Patrusha! I use Sran Wrap.....something that I had in my kitchen already....I just cut a square and press it on, and it stays put until the nurse takes it off.....don't waste your money on special band-aids....this works just as well.....

    Best,
    Mary ;-)
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  • Patrusha
    Patrusha CSN Member Posts: 487
    #5
    IzzieCat said:

    Hi Patrusha! I use Sran Wrap.....something that I had in my kitchen already....I just cut a square and press it on, and it stays put until the nurse takes it off.....don't waste your money on special band-aids....this works just as well.....

    Best,
    Mary ;-)

    Cool. Thanks!
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  • lfondots63
    lfondots63 CSN Member Posts: 818 Member
    #6
    Patrusha said:

    Thanks, Susan.... I'll do that. A little Saran Wrap, a little surgical tape along the sides, voila! Then I'll mooch some off of the nurses when they see the pitiful job I did on myself!!! LOL!!! Is there any problem putting the cream on too far in advance? I get blood drawn at 8 a.m. (usual route, through my arm vein) and then don't start infusion until 10. I thought I'd put it on after I get the blood drawn and that would give me a two-hour "numbing". Does that make sense?

    I know they can take blood from the port, too, but right now the doctor's order says to take it from my arm. I don't care about a stick in the arm, it's that sore port area I'm concerned about.

    Hi Patrusha,

    I hope everything worked ok. I usually put it on before I go which should be about 2 hours. More is fine too. Tell us how the first treatment goes. HUGS.

    Lisa F
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