Morning ladies. A week to go until my first chemo cycle and I am working myself into a frenzy!! I have a very low pain threshold and found it extremely uncomfortable when they injected anaesthetic and anti sickness drugs into my hand before and after surgery. It only lasted a few seconds but I still found it painful. So my question is given that chemo lasts about an hour am I going to be able to cope with the pain? What experiences have you lovely ladies had? Also I’m having a picc line put in to hopefully minimise stress but will this make if more uncomfortable? Thanks Helen xx
Hi Helen
I have just read your other post or would have added to the thrush one!
I have now finished my chemothreapy and had a PICC line. I can only speak for myself honey but I didnt realise that the doctor had actually finished putting my line in. IMy expereince was that it was completely painless. I blessed it twelve fold while having chemo because it makes it a completely pain free process.
The only thing I found was that the first few days after having it fitted, I felt some ‘pressure’ around the area, but that soon went. It takes a bit of getting used to when trying to get comfortable in bed but again, no pain, just awareness of it’s presence.
Same when they took it out. I didnt realise the nurse had done it!
Good luck with your treatment. It’s challenging but you can get through it.
Morgan.
Hi Helen, I had my first chemo 2/3/16. I had a PICC line put in just before I had chemo. The PICC didn’t hurt it was just a little tingly. I was expecting to feel some pain while having chemo but to my surprise I didn’t feel anything, it was a little cold in my arm at first but no pain. I hope this helps to put your mind at rest and good luck with your treatment x
10Hi Helen, my first chemo (Taxol & Herceptin) was March 4th, and although local anaesthetic used, canula hurt and I asked for a PIC-line. It has made a massive difference: my second chemo (taxol) was March 11th & it was painless process to get blood tests/get the drugs. Staff explained every step of the way, and they changed the dressing. I am able to drive & use arm as normal. I am aware of it, but PICC-line is covered by bandage & I keep it covered. Re the “pain” when chemo given - I was given pre meds and anti sickness stuff that made me drowsy. I slept & snored through first chemo, dozed in & out of second. I was using public transport (trains/buses) to travel to & from the hospital. Not brave, my sister came with me. I am also using a cold cap.Will only describe it as “doable” as I want to keep my hair, and this is a way of increasing the odds in my favour.
Good luck to you, make sure you drink at least 2 litres of water the day before, remember to drink on the day, and the day after.
Look after yourself,
Mary (one of the March starters!)