blood tests
blood tests Been to Gps this morning to get bloods taken ready for chemo tomorrow, only problem was that after 3 attempts they couldn’t get any as veins are disappearing fast. My arm is now really bruised and sore and the thought of having even more needles attempted tomorrow for both bloods and chemo is filling me with dread. Has anyone else had tis problem? and what is the alternative they can try if any? Nurse this morning wanted to try and use other arm that i had lymph nodes removed from but i told her onc had said that must not be used due to risk of lymphodema, would really appreciate answers and advice as i say i am really dreading tomorrow and have another 8 needles to go before chemo finally over
Hi Mounties
I had the same problem after 2 of my FEC’s, not only could they not get blood they struggled with the cannula. I had 4 cannulas to get my fourth cycle and I was told that they would need to put either a Hickman or Picc line insitu for the next chemo - I didn’t get that far as they cancelled any further chemo due to my health.
Bloods were a problem when I had surgery too, in fact you probably don’t want to hear this! But after so many failed attempts by both Drs, Nurses, Phlebotomists and unbelievably and anesthnetist they had to resort to using my feet - this is really painful and I would not advise it by choice.
I was reduced to tears with my chemo infusions and blood taking, after my op I had to have 5 days of IV antibitotics for a wound infection. In theatres they struggled to cannulate me and the blasted thing tissued after 2 days and I then got dug at every day so they could site new ones as they kept tissueing…
Hope you get it sorted.
Lynn x
Lines Hi Mounties
I have similar problems - getting bloods from my right arm is a nightmare. Had two lots of Epi into my veins in my hand but the vein in my arm started to harden and get very sore. In the end I had a Hickman line put in. It is fab! All my chemo goes in and blood come out through it no more needles.
There was some reluctance to give me one because there is a small risk of infection but I felt compared to the misery I enduring it was worth it.
It is bit strange having it inserted - it is done under local in the radiography department and was a bit sore for a week. Now I don’t even feel it, I just tuck the line inside my bra and no one is the wiser.
I hope your domestic life has settled - although I haven’t ‘spoken’ before I have read your posts and think of you.
Hope this info helps - good luck Swanie
Hiudoid Cream Hi mounties,
When I started my chemo last month (E-CMF) I was told that ideally I should have my blood sample taken each time from the opposite side to where I would be having the chemo. I had a right mastectomy in March and total axillary clearance. Obviously I was concerned as I do not want to increase my risk of lymphoedema. I voiced my concerns but the staff were very reassuring. They said that in cases where women have bi-lateral mastectomies they have no choice and they don’t necessarily end up with lymphoedema. They also said that the blood sampling and chemo affects the vascular system and not the lymphatic system. Although I am still not totally convinced I did reluctantly let them take bloods from my ‘bad’ arm on tues. I know that when I change to CMF they will be alternating so obviously my ‘bad’ arm will be used then.
Well, I’ll get to my point now!..I went for my 3rd epi yesterday and was due to have it in my left hand. (I am on accelerated epi, so have it every 2 weeks). Anyway, since my first epi in this hand the veins have become v.v.sore and the pain has been going up my arm, feels almost like an elastic band that is about to snap. I told them this and they said they would need to rest it and so used my right hand again instead. 2 epi’s in 2 weeks in this hand has now really taken its toll and is now v.swollen and bruised. When I left they gave my some cream to apply to the areas, 3 to 4 times a day. It is called HIRUDOID CREAM. I’ve only been using it since yesterday and already I have noticed a difference. I really hope it continues to work well and my veins improve as I don’t want my final epi to be a troublesome one!
Perhaps you could ask about this cream, if you’ve not tried it already. I hope all goes well tomorrow,
Take care and be sure to let us know how you get on,
Kelly
-x-
By fec 5, my veins were objecting to all the blood tests so even though I had the same advice as you, I suggested to my GPs nurse we try my affected side and asked the nurse to be doubly careful with hygiene.
She was and all was fine. It was good to give my poor left arm vein a rest.
Just remembered. My chemo nurse said they do use the affected side when they have too and usually all is fine but luckily I never had have chemo in right arm.
Hope this helps.
Irene