Newbie & IV question |
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Shelly Rae 
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Joined: Apr 25 2009 Location: US Status: Offline Points: 318 |
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 Topic: Newbie & IV questionPosted: Jun 02 2009 at 5:51am |
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HI, I have been hanging around the board but haven't posted. I had a mastectomy on 4/8 tumor was 6.8, x 6.5, x 5.0 (I know huge, I have dense breasts that started to soften with age) the time of the operation the sentinel node showed clear. When they tested it later it was positive for micro mats. Adriamycin week later I had 24 nodes out and they were all clear. Stage 3A, Grade 3, Triple Neg. I had my first chemo. yesterday. The first meds went through the IV fine some pain from one. Than the started the push of the Adriamycin and my arm hurt and started to turn red and hives appeared on the red part. This was after only 3cc of course they stopped right away. They called it flashing. My question is has anyone heard of this? They said they had seen it one or two other times, but not with hives. They started another IV lower in a new site and I had no problems.
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trip2
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Joined: Jun 03 2007 Location: Under Palm Tree Status: Offline Points: 8549 |
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Posted: Jun 02 2009 at 10:55am |
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Hi Shelly Rae and welcome to our forum.
I am so sorry you had this problem with your infusion.
So you did not have a port installed?
I myself have not had this experience but it does sound similar to a problem a couple of members have had, hopefully they will see your post.
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Stage 2 2003
Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
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mainsailset
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Joined: Jul 27 2008 Location: Washington State Status: Offline Points: 5004 |
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Posted: Jun 02 2009 at 5:36pm |
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Hello Shelly Rae - It's been my understanding that Andriamycin is always given through a port, not an IV because it is particularly hard on the veins and I know it was one of the main reasons I had a port put in. Hope Im misunderstanding you.
When I had the taxol I had some hives which went away fairly quickly but I know the nurses watched me like a hawk in case it was indicative of any breathing issues.
That must have been pretty unnerving to go through. Btw, my tumor was also quite large, actually 2x the size of yours and the AC as well as the taxol did a great job on it. So good luck with it, but please be sure that it's ok to use an IV, you have me worried.
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SagePatientAdvocates
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Joined: Apr 15 2009 Status: Offline Points: 4748 |
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Posted: Jun 02 2009 at 8:18pm |
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Dear Shelly Rae,
were you advised to see a Certified Genetic Counselor for counseling/possible testing for BRCA mutation? re: lymphedema http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lymphedema/ds00609/dsection=causes http://www.aol.com.au/lifestyle/story/Trying-to-prevent-lymphedema-after-breast-cancer/1493621/index.html good luck to you.. all the best, Steve |
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I am a BRCA1+ grandson, son and father of women affected by breast/oc-my daughter inherited mutation from me, and at 36, was dx 2004 TNBC I am a volunteer patient advocate with SAGE Patient Advocates
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Nancy
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Joined: Jul 23 2007 Location: Altoona, PA Status: Offline Points: 3814 |
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Posted: Jun 03 2009 at 8:32am |
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mainy,
Lori did not have a port or PICC line, and she did have the "A" 6 times. Her veins are not good at all now, so Shelley if you can, it might be in your best interest and health to ask your onc if you can get one or the other. When Lori has blood work they have to use a pediatric needle in her hand. Pretty difficult. Of course they can only draw from the right side...mastectomy was the left.
With the "A"" you can blow the veins, and the A can actually burn your arm, if the person infusing does not have the experience. Check on the port or PICC line Shelley.
Hugs,
Nancy Edited by Nancy - Jun 03 2009 at 8:37am |
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Nancy
DD Lori dx TNBC June 13,2007 Lumpectomy due to incorrect dx of a cyst mastectomy July 6 2007 chemo ACT all 3 every 3 weeks 6 tx Aug-Nov 28 rads ended Jan 2008 |
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Nancy
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Joined: Jul 23 2007 Location: Altoona, PA Status: Offline Points: 3814 |
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Posted: Jun 03 2009 at 8:34am |
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Nancy
DD Lori dx TNBC June 13,2007 Lumpectomy due to incorrect dx of a cyst mastectomy July 6 2007 chemo ACT all 3 every 3 weeks 6 tx Aug-Nov 28 rads ended Jan 2008 |
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SagePatientAdvocates
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Posted: Jun 03 2009 at 8:55am |
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thank you Nancy
Steve |
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I am a BRCA1+ grandson, son and father of women affected by breast/oc-my daughter inherited mutation from me, and at 36, was dx 2004 TNBC I am a volunteer patient advocate with SAGE Patient Advocates
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trip2
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Posted: Jun 03 2009 at 9:02am |
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Steve,
Thank you for the great links. We have discussed lymphedema a bit here in the forum but probably have not given it the attention it needs.
This can be a very serious, painful condition.
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Stage 2 2003
Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
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Loricarol
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Joined: May 24 2009 Location: Utah Status: Offline Points: 85 |
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Posted: Jun 04 2009 at 6:00am |
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Shelly
Ask for and demand a port a cath. I just got mine. These drugs that we get through our chemo are very toxic and can danage the skin and tissues in your arm. A port a cath is a simple same day surgery procedure and all your chemo will then go through that into a large central vein also all your blood draws etc.
Just wanted you to know there is another way.
God Bless you
Lori
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DX 4/30/2009 IDC, stage 1 ,grade 3,2 tumors,node negative,clear margins ,BRCA negative left breast mastetcomy, 4 cycles of Adramycin and Cytoxan 12 weekly treatments of Taxol start 8/12. No rads.
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Shelly Rae
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Joined: Apr 25 2009 Location: US Status: Offline Points: 318 |
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Posted: Jun 04 2009 at 6:14am |
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Thank you Lori. I am going to call the Dr. today about a port. I have some black and blue marks at both needle sites from Mon. It isn't something I couldn't deal with, but why if there is another way. With this having been the 1st treatment what might the rest do to my veins? I have been doing very well. I am not sick. Only thing is my throat is feeling raw just a tad. bit. It makes me wonder if the Chemo. is doing the trick because I feel so good. I think it has become a new thing for me to 2nd guess every little thing. Take care
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Loricarol
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Posted: Jun 04 2009 at 6:22am |
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Shelly
Good fpr you! call you MD ASAP and tell hiom I WANT A PORT. Tell him the trouble that you had and that YOU KNOW that Adriamycin is toxic should it leak into the layers of your skin. Put him on notice that your aware of the risks and he will be sure to get a port ordered. It may slow your chemo by 1 week but thats all. And yes by the time your done using peripheral veins for chemo they are all often sclerosed (hard) and ruined.
I start chemo June 17th. lets keep in touch. I want to know how your doing! Im getting ACx4 (dose dense) folllowed by Taxolx12 weekly.
God Bless and i will be praying for you Shelly Rae
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DX 4/30/2009 IDC, stage 1 ,grade 3,2 tumors,node negative,clear margins ,BRCA negative left breast mastetcomy, 4 cycles of Adramycin and Cytoxan 12 weekly treatments of Taxol start 8/12. No rads.
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mainsailset
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Posted: Jun 04 2009 at 7:17am |
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Nancy, and all
My surgeon, who has been absolutely great for being straight up, told me that the idea that you can't take blood pressure off the side of a masectomy goes back to the old surgery where they really hacked on you and is not applicable today. He said he has gone rounds and rounds with nurses who are still taught in school not to take BP off m side.
I'm seeing him tomorrow and will ask if taking blood off masc. side is the same situation.
When we all first start our personal journey we don't have the benefit of as much information as we probably need and it's one more reason why as much as I hate the ports I'm a firm believer that they are a viable way to get safe infusions and particularly when I hear of how veins collapse during chemo.
It's important for all of us to look at this treatment in the long run, keep our veins as healthy as possible for after care as well as first infusions.
Anyway, I'll ask surgeon about taking blood on the masc. side.
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trip2
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Joined: Jun 03 2007 Location: Under Palm Tree Status: Offline Points: 8549 |
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Posted: Jun 04 2009 at 2:29pm |
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Shelly Rae,
Maybe a popsicle or some ice cream might feel good on your throat. Just a thought.
Best wishes,
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Stage 2 2003
Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
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Nancy
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Joined: Jul 23 2007 Location: Altoona, PA Status: Offline Points: 3814 |
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Posted: Jun 04 2009 at 4:23pm |
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Mainy,
I am not sure why Lori does not have the draws on the side, but I believe her surgeon told her not to, and she is a nurse and that was always taught?. However, I did find 2 articles about this. There are more but 2 is enough.
Hugs,
Nancy
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Nancy
DD Lori dx TNBC June 13,2007 Lumpectomy due to incorrect dx of a cyst mastectomy July 6 2007 chemo ACT all 3 every 3 weeks 6 tx Aug-Nov 28 rads ended Jan 2008 |
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cg---
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Joined: Jul 20 2007 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 1379 |
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Posted: Jun 04 2009 at 5:27pm |
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Dear All,
Why wait for a port placement and healing time to access it and suffer each time you use it....get an interventional radiologist to put in a PICC line under fluoroscopic guidance and use your PICC line right away.
Why take chances with infection - potential infection and cellulitis just to have blood work, needle pricks, blood pressures taken on a side that has had axillary dissection?
If Adriamycin is 'pushed' too quickly - rather than being introduced slowwly that can happen. Adriamycin can cause the sensation of congestion in the sinuses and face...for some unknown reason sucking on ice chips helps with keeping mouth sores and sore throats to a minimum. The important thing to remember is to flush the fluids and always empty your bladder before you leave the chemotherapy unit so you do not have the toxins sitting in your bladder for the ride home.
I always marveled how everyone got comfortable, read a book, watched TV, slept..I sat bolt upright in the chair with my feet planted firmly on the ground. I scanned the room like a surveillance camera making sure every nurse was adhering to 'sterile precautions' - made sure I read all the labels on the bags to make sure they were mine... Yup - I could have been an operative for Homeland Security documenting the activity of person or persons with the poison!
Gee, the memory of childbirth everyone said will fade....I remember every moment. I even read name tags, and asked what nursing school they graduated from and whether they had taken any upgrading courses.
Love,
Connie
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dmayes
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Joined: Apr 23 2009 Location: Alberta, Canada Status: Offline Points: 183 |
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Posted: Jun 04 2009 at 6:38pm |
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Connie - I can so relate.
My first infusion the nurse told me to make sure they sterilised their hands between patients, check what they are giving you, make sure that if you are not sure of anyting ask questions. I always watched the nurse as she came to me with the next bag - and she actually told me "Deb this is..." - she did use the anti-bacterial foam stuff on the wall - she check my name against the bag, and asked how I was feeling, do I need more water..." Glad I decided to head out of town for all my chemo - they are very good.
I was also impressed that they came and chatted to me - as I was by myself for dose 2 - she was interested in Australia and asked lots about it. I have a daily calendar of pics from home and use my favs as bookmarks - I signed the one I had with me and left it with her - she stuck it by her desk!! I told her I'd pick out a few and give them to her on my next visit. The friends you make on this journey!
Hugs and good night all - Debs
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Debs | Laugh every day, Love every minute.
Dx Mar09 - LB IDC 4.5cm - 0 nodes. BRCA - Cytoxin/Taxotere x4 end Jul09. ReCon surgery March10. |
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cg---
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Joined: Jul 20 2007 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 1379 |
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Posted: Jun 04 2009 at 6:52pm |
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You know Debs...you are in good hands at that place and I am delighted. You think you are alone but you have us with you every time you go for treatments. It must get very crowded in you onc's office with all of our questions, and we are there in spirit.
Love,
Connie
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Loricarol
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Posted: Jun 05 2009 at 4:33am |
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Connie I was unaware (not told) that thee would be pain each time my port was accessed? I did have the port placed 1 week ago and i will admit it isnt very comfortable where they have placed it. It is hard to lie on my right side. I was never offered a PICC line. Im an RN and just figured when they said port a cath that it must be the newest thing available for venous access with the least amount of side effects or risks because it is not open to the surface of th skin. But as for pain where it is implanted it seems abnormally painful. I am out of town now and definetly plan to ask my surgeon as soon as i get home why in the heck! this thing pains me so much where it is implanted. God Bless
Lori
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DX 4/30/2009 IDC, stage 1 ,grade 3,2 tumors,node negative,clear margins ,BRCA negative left breast mastetcomy, 4 cycles of Adramycin and Cytoxan 12 weekly treatments of Taxol start 8/12. No rads.
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dmayes
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Joined: Apr 23 2009 Location: Alberta, Canada Status: Offline Points: 183 |
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Posted: Jun 05 2009 at 4:35am |
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Thanks Connie - it is comforting knowing you are here for me.
And right now - I dont even have one question for him on my list - might have to take my onc some cake instead!
Love Debs
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Debs | Laugh every day, Love every minute.
Dx Mar09 - LB IDC 4.5cm - 0 nodes. BRCA - Cytoxin/Taxotere x4 end Jul09. ReCon surgery March10. |
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musette green
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Joined: May 29 2009 Location: So.Ca Status: Offline Points: 82 |
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Posted: Jun 05 2009 at 10:32am |
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Loricarol,
Maybe this will help you. The next time you see or talk with your oncologist you might ask for Emla Cream. It is a Lidocaine and Prilocaine mixture that you apply to your port site 1 hour before it is accessed. I am a big coward, hate needles even though I work with them daily. The Emla worked great for me-- barely felt the needle enter the port. Plus I got the bonus of having a finger numb, so it made the fingerstick lab draws easier to tolerate!  Lisa |
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DX 10/08. IIB,gr 3, 2.5cm. TNBC, BRAC1&2-, nodes+(left axillary, supraclavicular, ant. mediastinal & IM). Neoadjuv. chemo 4x C/T. Left mast.3/09,completed 40 rads 9/09. Reconstruction pending.
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