We've just begun, and today's crisis is number of needle sticks during treatment. We had a pre-op visit yesterday as well as the radiation mapping session. Exploratory surgery is on Monday. Radiation and chemo is to start 4/22.

Needles are causing huge problems. At the mapping session yesterday, it took 3 sticks to get the IV in for the contrast. Plus there was another stick for the pre-op blood work. We've just learned that want us to come early for another blood draw before surgery. We haven't told my mom yet, because we are trying to get that changed.

How many more sticks will there be? She'll have chemo weekly, plus 35 radiation sessions. She's against having a port right. Can you add (or correct) the info below? Thanks.

plus:
1. no more sticks - at least once a week, maybe more?
2. veins will be safe for future use
3. improved comfort during treatment, reduced anxiety and discomfort
4. ...

negative:
1. another scar, more destruction of body
2. foreign device on body
3. ....