Had to have my chemo in the arm involved with thew surgery yesterday, which really worried me, as all the info we are give seems to recommend not to use that arm for anything!!!
I have been complaining about a sore chemo arm since my last zap three weeks ago, but last Thursday a lump like a golf ball appeared, and proceeded to become very red and inflamed, GP did not know what it was and gave me anti inflammatory cream, and anti -biotic’s to start if it got worse. It did so started anti- biotic’s, first off put cold compressions on it, then suddenly realized this was probably a phlebitis, and put hot compressions on it. Oncology nurses did not know what it was either.
Anyway out come was chemo in surgery arm, and so far no apparent side effects.
just to reassure you, I have had 8 out of 10 chemos in my affected arm and have never had any probs (touch wood!). The nurses on my chemo unit advised me that there is no additional risk of lymphoedema as the whole process is sterile and uses the vascular system and not the lymphatic system.
My non-affected side just never wanted to play the game!! The staff at the unit where I go said they’ve had loads of ladies who have refused to let them use their affected side, so they didn’t. However, many of these ladies still went on to develop lymphoedema!!
Thanks so much has made me feel so much better. It is only all the warnings you get that worry you, the oncology nurse like yours was really positive about doing it.
Thanks again Kelly
I also have a very sore arm, i can barely bend it now and the veins are raised and hardened. The hospital said this should settle down in a few months time. I am half way through my chemo and have now changed to the other arm. They advised that this would be ok and so far no problems as this half of my treatment is different and a bit more gentle. They did say that if i should get any problems with this arm there is always a hickman line which can be put in permanently which i believe goes on your chest somewhere and stays until chemo is finished. So they are always options.