Hi
I had my 2nd FEC last Tuesday and have developed a sore arm from point of entry of cannula all the way up to my bicep. I can feel the vein used all the way up and it feels as if my tendon is ‘too short’ and I cannot straighten my arm out without some discomfort.
I just wondered if this is anything to worry my chemo unit/doc for or is it usual? This did not happen on my 1st FEC.
I am due to have a portacath inserted next week so this hopefully will be the last time they use my arm.
Any advice welcome
Anita xxx
Hi Anita67
Sorry I can’t help with your arm, I hope it feels better soon. Hopefully when the port is in you won’t have to deal with that anymore. I was just wondering how FEC 2 went for you on Tuesday? I also had mine, have felt a bit rubbish these last few days but am hopefully coming out the other side now. Amazingly STILL have my hair … Best of luck with your port (and your arm) maybe you shouold give the unit a call just to be on the safe side?
Take Care
xx
Hi Anita
I had a simular expericnece to you my gp gave me some ibruprohen gel that has really helped. Mine too started after the 2nd FEC but got worse after 3rd thats when I saw gp. I now find that when I go for my bloods it will start the arm feeling sore again.
Hope that helps
karen
Thanks Karen
I think I have some Ibuprofen gel in the back of the cupboard… will hunt it out.
Roll on the portacath!
Thanks again
Anita xxx
Hi eal69eal
The chemo went well last tues and haven’t really felt any side effects this time (except the sore arm). A little tired at times but nothing I couldn’t cope with. I still try and be as close to my ususal routine as possible - just picked son up from school and done a bit of shopping in M&S! (food as I am still on the eat as much as I can diet) Infact I bought a lovely prawn salad in M&S, ate it and wasn’t satisfied - so followed it up with an egg and bacon sarnie! Gonna be as big as a house side…but who cares!!!
I’m glad about your hair - I have been totally bald since last Thurs and very short for a week before that. It was really annoying me so I thought - get it off the sooner the better. We have had some laughs about it and NO upsets. My 8 year old has taken it very well and brought all of his mates to have a look! My OH says he finds it a bit weird looking at me and the other night thought I had my a*se on the pillow instead of my head! Its a bloody good job I have a sense of humour and that I haven’t lost it!
Hope you feel better soon
Anita xxx
Anita,
Get the arm checked by a doctor or nurse. I got phlebitis in the arm I got my second chemo in, and ended up in hospital on iv antibiotics. The ibuprofen gel is a good start, but you may need antibiotics too. Speak to your nurse about whether your veins are up to the chemo - mine aren’t, they have tracked etc, and I’m getting a Hickman line fitted on Thursday. Don’t forget to check your temp daily, and if it’s above 38C call for help.
Glad you are feeling ok. It’s funny - it’s usually the woman who suspects she has an a**e next to her in the bed!!!
Take care,
Sue xx
Hi Anita
I’m glad you have a sense of humour, I think we all need it to get us through. If I ever get upset about my boobs hanging in different postcodes at the moment my OH always manages to crack a joke that has me in stitches. I have an 8 year old too they are amazingly accepting aren’t they?. Glad you seem to be sailing through the chemo, long may it continue for you till the end - and then a big party…
Take care
Pip xx
Hi Sue n’ Pip
Will get the arm checked out tomorrow - even though it seems to have eased a little with the ibuprofen and paracetamol. Temperature is ok - showing no ill effects from tues.
Just told the OH about your a*se comment - had a good giggle!
As for a big party - I’m already planning that!!! A nice celebration with family and close friends who have really helped over the last couple of months - can’t wait!
Anita
Hi Anita
Had similar problems with my arm with FEC before Christmas. Would certainly get the arm checked out for phlebitis but might also be worth asking about whether you’ve got a form of cording.
I’m currently seeing a physio for cording in my operation arm and mentioned the vein in the chemo arm. She feels that it is cording following chemo and has given me some exercises.
Crispy
Hi All
Got an appt with doc later today as it sure does sound like phlebitis. Will let you know
Anita
Anita 67
This happened to me on my second FEC. I found that a heat pad alleviated the soreness a bit, pain killers didn’t touch it.
Mine tended to go away just before the next cycle. It didn’t happen every time, but I know how you feel.
Good luck with the rest of your treatment!
Sarahf
Hi All
Yes it is phlebitis but as I haven’t got a ‘red track’ it isn’t serious. If that starts then it is ANOTHER course of anti biotics!!
Thanks to all who gave advice
Anita xxx
Good luck with it Anita, Hope it gets better soon.
Lol
Pipxx