Hi, I'm a newcomer
I will feel more comfortable about writing as the days go by, I will join in. I have never done this (blog) anywhere online before.
I do have one question now though. For those who have had bilateral masectomies how and where do you get your blood test? Dr. gave me a referel to go to the lab. The lab does not draw from the port and I don't want to risk Lymphadema drawing from either arms and I will have to do this often through chemo. So do all of you get your blood work from your port to check wbc and rbc? Who does it, office or labs? Thank you It's nice to finally join. Hopefully this goes through ok.
Comments
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Good question
Welcome Annette, I wish you had no cause to be here but glad that you found us in your hour of need. I have had a lumpectomy on left side mastectomy on the right. I have lymphedema on the left so no draws are allowed there. On the right side (mastectomy side) I have no lymphedema issues so I have blood drawn on that side. Perhaps others will chime in with a better answer. I too had never blogged or chatted online until I had cancer and came here, this site is wonderful!
Hugs,
RE0 -
WelcomeRE said:Good question
Welcome Annette, I wish you had no cause to be here but glad that you found us in your hour of need. I have had a lumpectomy on left side mastectomy on the right. I have lymphedema on the left so no draws are allowed there. On the right side (mastectomy side) I have no lymphedema issues so I have blood drawn on that side. Perhaps others will chime in with a better answer. I too had never blogged or chatted online until I had cancer and came here, this site is wonderful!
Hugs,
RE
Welcome, I had bilat mast. June 09. My chemo treatments were at a cancer center about 80 miles from my home. I had my blood draws done at a local hosp.. I draws were taken from my arm. I asked my onc before I did anything, I never had any problem related to those blood draws. God bless you and we look forward to getting to know you better.
Alison0 -
Hi Annette!
Glad you joined
I was told to avoid the side that I had the cancer on (my right). So, I have them use my left arm to draw blood or take my blood pressure.
And yes, my oncologist will also send me to the lab located in the same building.
Blessings,
Sylvia0 -
I am bilateral so have bloodsea60 said:Hi Annette!
Glad you joined
I was told to avoid the side that I had the cancer on (my right). So, I have them use my left arm to draw blood or take my blood pressure.
And yes, my oncologist will also send me to the lab located in the same building.
Blessings,
Sylvia
I am bilateral so have blood drawn on my older arm. having said this I have had IV's BP's and blood draws in both arms without issues. I tend to point out the good vein so they dont do alot of poking around. You can have BP's in the leg. they can run higher in the legs. I also ask them to use a manual Bp cuff to take my blood pressure, so they dont pump it too high. (my blood pressure is low) instead of the machine. P.s. welcome to the site0 -
I have not had bilat, but
I have not had bilat, but two surgeries on right...I have totally crapped out veins...so when I need draws I go to the lab at the hospital...they are more experienced, are port certified, and also have butterfly (tiny size) needles...I can't use right side and veins gone totally in left side...but I Never Ever go anywhere but to hospital lab...love, shy0 -
Welcome to the bc network
Annette although I'm sorry you had the need to join us. I had bilateral mastectomy June 22. I had no lymph nodes involved so surgeon said I could get blood draws from either arm. Since I'm considered a "hard stick" the phlebotomist has to use tiny needles. So far I've had no problems. She finds a good vein on either arm near elbow or either hand. They are not allowed to access my Purple Power Port! I go to the lab at my cancer center where I see my oncologist. I started Aug 10. Tomorrow I go for blood work, see oncologist and then 3rd chemo. On Wednesday I get my Neulasta shot. I go to the lab the following 2 Tuesdays and then 4th chemo on Oct. 12. So far my blood tests have been good enough to stay on the 21 day cycle like you've indicated. When do you start chemo? Do you know what cocktail you'll be having? I take Decadron the day before. The day of chemo I take Emend. My coctail is Taxotere/Cytoxan and I'm given fluids and Benedryl via iv beforehand. The following 2 days I take the Decadron & Emend. So far the Neulasta shot has made me achy by the 3rd day and lasts about 3 days. Extra strength Tylenol has worked well for me. I've had no nausea or constipation following chemo. Drink lots of water before, during and after. I've had mild diarrhea treated with Immodium. I use plastic silverware. Eat small frequent meals to avoid heartburn or reflux. My hair fell out 15 days after 1st treatment. I wear hats. For me the worse side effects have been extreme bloating and weight gain, and my head and face break out from the Decadron.
It's doable and necessary....... Wishing you well through your bc journey.
{{hugs}} Char0 -
When I had a port, I had my
When I had a port, I had my blood drawn by a chemo nurse at my center. They were great. You don't say if you had lymph nodes removed from both sides. If one side was prophylactic (no lymph nodes removed), then you can have blood pressures taken and blood drawn from that side with no danger of lymphedema. Wishing that you continue to do well with your chemo...xoxoxox Lynn0 -
Cahjah75 thank you and all the other repliescahjah75 said:Welcome to the bc network
Annette although I'm sorry you had the need to join us. I had bilateral mastectomy June 22. I had no lymph nodes involved so surgeon said I could get blood draws from either arm. Since I'm considered a "hard stick" the phlebotomist has to use tiny needles. So far I've had no problems. She finds a good vein on either arm near elbow or either hand. They are not allowed to access my Purple Power Port! I go to the lab at my cancer center where I see my oncologist. I started Aug 10. Tomorrow I go for blood work, see oncologist and then 3rd chemo. On Wednesday I get my Neulasta shot. I go to the lab the following 2 Tuesdays and then 4th chemo on Oct. 12. So far my blood tests have been good enough to stay on the 21 day cycle like you've indicated. When do you start chemo? Do you know what cocktail you'll be having? I take Decadron the day before. The day of chemo I take Emend. My coctail is Taxotere/Cytoxan and I'm given fluids and Benedryl via iv beforehand. The following 2 days I take the Decadron & Emend. So far the Neulasta shot has made me achy by the 3rd day and lasts about 3 days. Extra strength Tylenol has worked well for me. I've had no nausea or constipation following chemo. Drink lots of water before, during and after. I've had mild diarrhea treated with Immodium. I use plastic silverware. Eat small frequent meals to avoid heartburn or reflux. My hair fell out 15 days after 1st treatment. I wear hats. For me the worse side effects have been extreme bloating and weight gain, and my head and face break out from the Decadron.
It's doable and necessary....... Wishing you well through your bc journey.
{{hugs}} Char
Cahjah75 it sounds like you are ahead of me and similar coctail. I started chemo last week, sept. 13th. was so nervous but I did fine. I also had Taxotere/cytoxan. Cancer also didn't spread to lymph nodes but they tested many. I drank so much water after chemo even during the night I was up all night using the B R. I was so afraid not to. Next time I have chemo which will be Oct. 4th. so I don't drown myself, how much water is reasonable and should I get up very often during the night to gulp more down?
I know I will enjoy coming here and sharing.
The onc.office called yesterday and told me to go to the hosp.this week where they will draw blood from my port. I was glad about that. When I have my app. with onc. doc. I will ask more questions about future draws since I get a cholestral blood draw every 6 months.
Till next time.
thank you all
Annette0 -
Welcome Annette, I did not
Welcome Annette, I did not have masectomy, I had lumpectomy to my left breast and a port put in on the same side. All blood work is done in the same office I have my chemo treatments done, at first they did it from the port, but then the port stop giving blood out so they do it from my right arm now. All blood work and bp are done to the right arm.
Hope this helps.
Lupe0 -
I had a single mod. rad.
I had a single mod. rad. mast but when talking with the surgeon I was told that when/if I go for reconstruction that to get the best results I'd need a prophaltic mast. on the left but it would not cause any reason to not go ahead and use left side/arm for BP or draws because it would not involve lymphnodes.
Just what I wast told.
Susan0 -
Hi Annette, when I was in
Hi Annette, when I was in treatment, they always took blood from my port right there at the cancer center before my treatment. I don't understand why you have to go to a separate lab. I am sorry about your diagnosis but am glad that you are tolerating treatment well. Hang in there. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Keep us posted, okay?0 -
On how much water is tooAnnette 11 said:Cahjah75 thank you and all the other replies
Cahjah75 it sounds like you are ahead of me and similar coctail. I started chemo last week, sept. 13th. was so nervous but I did fine. I also had Taxotere/cytoxan. Cancer also didn't spread to lymph nodes but they tested many. I drank so much water after chemo even during the night I was up all night using the B R. I was so afraid not to. Next time I have chemo which will be Oct. 4th. so I don't drown myself, how much water is reasonable and should I get up very often during the night to gulp more down?
I know I will enjoy coming here and sharing.
The onc.office called yesterday and told me to go to the hosp.this week where they will draw blood from my port. I was glad about that. When I have my app. with onc. doc. I will ask more questions about future draws since I get a cholestral blood draw every 6 months.
Till next time.
thank you all
Annette
On how much water is too much...my onc nurse said "8oz for every waking hour and when you get up in middle of the night to let it out, drink 8 more!"
I also start hydrating at least two days before treatments. No one told me this, it just seemed to make sense to me. I don't know if it truly helps, but I feel like it gives me more control over the treatments.
I don't have info for you on the ports and blood draws as I get chemo first then surgery.
I hope this helps.
Linda0 -
AnnetteAnnette 11 said:Cahjah75 thank you and all the other replies
Cahjah75 it sounds like you are ahead of me and similar coctail. I started chemo last week, sept. 13th. was so nervous but I did fine. I also had Taxotere/cytoxan. Cancer also didn't spread to lymph nodes but they tested many. I drank so much water after chemo even during the night I was up all night using the B R. I was so afraid not to. Next time I have chemo which will be Oct. 4th. so I don't drown myself, how much water is reasonable and should I get up very often during the night to gulp more down?
I know I will enjoy coming here and sharing.
The onc.office called yesterday and told me to go to the hosp.this week where they will draw blood from my port. I was glad about that. When I have my app. with onc. doc. I will ask more questions about future draws since I get a cholestral blood draw every 6 months.
Till next time.
thank you all
Annette
I drink between 75-85 oz including water, plain or with True Lemon, green decaffinated tea and diet tonic water) for my toe & leg cramps. You can add gatorade or diet gingerale into the mix. Whatever is appealing but they do stress water. I would not get up during the night to drink. You're the first person I've heard of that is allowed to have blood draws through the port. **** luck to you.
{{hugs}} Char0 -
Sorry but Glad
Hi Annette!
Sorry you had to find this board but glad you did(and you will be too!). If one person can't answer a question, someone else will. I had a masectomy and 4 nodes removed - all neg. I was told no bp and no blood draws on that side. I try and be good about telling a nurse only do a bp on the right side but I forgot when my pcp nurse and I were talking and she did the bp on the "bad" arm. Fortunately, no problems afterwards. I definitely need to stop talking to nurses!
And I also had never done this forum thing till this year and I was dx 2 1/2 years ago - you are ahead of the game!
Hugs, Sally0 -
Warm Welcome, Annette
Many members read for a while before posting. Glad you decided to introduce yourself. For me, too - this site was my first online network experience. We're all here to support & encourage each other, an amazing group.
My own surgery was lumpectomy/right side. Many nodes removed from both breast & armpit. Didn't have a port. My right side is completely avoided for injections, blood draws, BP, etc. ... My left arm is "trashed" because of chemo IVs. So, blood is currently taken from my left hand. At my last appointment - I asked where they'll go next when my left hand is finally trashed, too. Their answer was back of the knee.
I go to a cancer center, which has its own hematologists & lab, within the hospital.
Best wishes to you as you continue your chemo treatments.
Kind regards, Susan0 -
Sorry I didn't explainEil4186 said:Hi Annette, when I was in
Hi Annette, when I was in treatment, they always took blood from my port right there at the cancer center before my treatment. I don't understand why you have to go to a separate lab. I am sorry about your diagnosis but am glad that you are tolerating treatment well. Hang in there. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Keep us posted, okay?
Sorry I didn't explain correctly. Yes they did draw a small amount before chemo and will with each chemo, but this is a big semi monthly draw. I have an app. tomorrow at the hospital where they do this through the port. They didn't tell me about the hospital draw until i inquired so this is where i will go from now on. So I'm good with this.
I appreciate all your input...this is so wonderful.0 -
Welcome Annette! I see you
Welcome Annette! I see you have had most of your questions answered. I just wanted to give you a warm welcome and wish you all the best with your treatments. All my blood work is done through my port. I had a bilateral mastectomy with all left side lymph nodes removed so I do BP's on the right. Come here often and you will get some great answers. Again, welcome and keep coming back
~Kari0 -
Hi Annette just wanted topinkkari09 said:Welcome Annette! I see you
Welcome Annette! I see you have had most of your questions answered. I just wanted to give you a warm welcome and wish you all the best with your treatments. All my blood work is done through my port. I had a bilateral mastectomy with all left side lymph nodes removed so I do BP's on the right. Come here often and you will get some great answers. Again, welcome and keep coming back
~Kari
Hi Annette just wanted to welcome you to the board and see that everyone has giving you some good answers to your question already but i find that me and you are simliar in treatments...i had a double mastectomy and was on T/C once every 3 weeks also. I also had a port in my left arm and lyhpm nodes removed from my right so i couldnt use either arm for blood draws unless they used my port. I had to go to the infusion room at my onc's office to do any blood draws cuz we had a hard time finding anyone qualified to do it and i was very picky on who did what...if you arent qualified you arent getting near me and that even applied to a few that were qualified. Just cuz they are certified doesnt mean they still know what they are doin! Can you tell ive had some issues with this? hehe!
Anyway glad you finally joined us and good luck with chemo!0 -
I feel so loved! I do have a couple of ?'s for Jo Jo.jo jo said:Hi Annette just wanted to
Hi Annette just wanted to welcome you to the board and see that everyone has giving you some good answers to your question already but i find that me and you are simliar in treatments...i had a double mastectomy and was on T/C once every 3 weeks also. I also had a port in my left arm and lyhpm nodes removed from my right so i couldnt use either arm for blood draws unless they used my port. I had to go to the infusion room at my onc's office to do any blood draws cuz we had a hard time finding anyone qualified to do it and i was very picky on who did what...if you arent qualified you arent getting near me and that even applied to a few that were qualified. Just cuz they are certified doesnt mean they still know what they are doin! Can you tell ive had some issues with this? hehe!
Anyway glad you finally joined us and good luck with chemo!
JoJo, I am so glad you wrote. I have been following your posts. I just want to send my deepest condolence to and your family. This must be so very hard for you to deal with.
So you had a double mastectomy also. Mine did not spread to lymph nodes, did yours? I am triple neg. Are you? I know you completed your treatment, did you just have chemo or did you get radiation also? I will have my second chemo on Oct.4th. hopefully I will do as well as I did with the first treatment. Nothing real bad to speak of, side effects were very slight.Radiation is not in the plans for me as far as I know. Did you have chemo for 4 months also?
JoJo I am right there with you! I am "Miss Picky"
Anyway, it's good to talk to you. I was waiting for you to post after the funeral.
Take care of yourself...that's what your cousin would want you to do.
Hugs,
Annette0 -
Jo Jo plse check out my replyjo jo said:Hi Annette just wanted to
Hi Annette just wanted to welcome you to the board and see that everyone has giving you some good answers to your question already but i find that me and you are simliar in treatments...i had a double mastectomy and was on T/C once every 3 weeks also. I also had a port in my left arm and lyhpm nodes removed from my right so i couldnt use either arm for blood draws unless they used my port. I had to go to the infusion room at my onc's office to do any blood draws cuz we had a hard time finding anyone qualified to do it and i was very picky on who did what...if you arent qualified you arent getting near me and that even applied to a few that were qualified. Just cuz they are certified doesnt mean they still know what they are doin! Can you tell ive had some issues with this? hehe!
Anyway glad you finally joined us and good luck with chemo!
I'm still getting the hang of all this posting. I've never posted or blogged anything in my life before this. I thought you wouldn't go back so I had to catch your attention on the main screen i guess. I'll get the hang of this.0
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