I'm sorry, I wasn't sure if I should start a new thread for this or not.

I had my chemo port placed today on my left side, per order of my MO.

At, MGH, they have NPs do these procedures in interventional radiology. I have absolutely no problem with that, as I felt they were competent and kept me very comfortable during the procedure.

Let me add a side note here: I have been historically very difficult to sedate in that I require much more of the drug (ver-sed ?sp) than most people. That being said, they had to hit me with 5 times with that stuff and I was still talking through the procedure.

They all said that it shouldn't hurt after the procedure. Now, I KNOW exactly what was done, not only was I awake, but I knew how the procedure went beforehand. They said, if it hurts, then you need to call us an let us know. Knowing what I know, I cannot imagine how it could NOT hurt.

Well, I HURT! Transitional movements are the worst! I'm using ice and taking my pain meds. I don't feel like there is anything wrong or that I'm in an inappropriate amount of pain, though. I've had doctors do minor procedures and say, "Oh, it shouldn't be too painful...nothing that couldn't be taken care of with some tylenol." That is complete BS! I came out and called my OB/GYN on that before when I had to have a special X-ray test years ago. We've know each other for a long time and get along great, so she good take the jab. I said, "You doctors tend to really UNDERESTIMATE the amount of pain something causes! Everyone I encountered for this test that your ordered said that I might feel some light cramping, like menstrual cramps. Well, I've had 2 kids now and that felt like a full-blown contraction during transitional labor!" She kind of smirked a bit and admitted that they do tend to do those things. Sorry for the off-topic, female-experience description, guys!

My ultimate point (finally) is that healthcare providers (in general) should not underestimate the spectrum of possible responses to any procedure. I'm sure that there are those out there that sailed right through it. I'm also sure that there are those like me that feel like I've been shot in the chest.

Kerri, Im so sorry you are in pain from getting the port. Having a port really was a good decision. It will feel better in a couple days.

In the future, when they need to access the port, there is a spray that they use for children that will numb the area so it doesnt hurt so much. You must ask for the numbing spray or they wont offer it to you. Im a bit of a wimp so I would always ask and they would have to hunt some down usually from the chemo lab.

Hang in there, its all part of what it takes to make you well again.

My husband always seemed to have trouble when they tried to access the port, they could never get blood to draw. He quickly learned a good trick that always worked. He would stand up, put one arm out turn his head away and take deep breaths. Worked every time.

I had so many ports the last 5 yrs that I was thinking about opening an unloading cargo dock. It is just something you get used to. Good luck.

oh girl- I'm so sorry! I understand. I thought the Peg tube was one of the most painful things I've ever had done to me and the trach bugged me bad. I am delicatley boned and petite and I think that might had had something to do with it.

So sorry and hoping you make some progress toward less pain tommorrow. xoxo

Thanks, Kate. The pain is a bit better today. They had to take the dressing off a day early in order to make the mask (it goes over by chest and shoulders). I am quite bruised and swollen, so I keep using ice...that is one of the best-feeling things when I first put that ice pack on...AHHHH!

It's funny how of all the painful stuff that we have face, how something that seems relatively benign or easy can hurt so badly!

Thanks for your support .
xoxo

I had the trach for 6 months and it was a pain in the rear but not sommething you can't live with. Just another hurdle on the road to recovery. I live on the tube but was in LaLa land when it was inserted. I was having some other surgey too.

Thanks, Jim. I'm feeling a bit better today. It's still sore, swollen, and bruised, but the ice and pain meds are cutting it well.

It will just take some getting used to, as it is indeed a foreign body. I know it will be worth it because I have junky veins!

I finally got my rads/chemo schedule. I had my mask made and did the setup yesterday. The simulation is Tuesday, Sept 11, then the real deal starts with chemo and rads the next day. Chemo once a week, on Wednesdays...rads M-F x 7 weeks.

Kerri,

I'm thinking of you and your family. You'll pull this with flying colors.

As you know I didn't have rad/chemo same as you, I don't know anything about rad/chemo just what I read on the forum. I'll be on your cheering team!!!

Hopefully the weeks will fly by and before you know it..it will be over.

Keep us posted.

Take care, Connie ((Hugs))

Hi, Kerri
glad you are getting the port pain under control, and that your treatment is moving forward quickly. Hope that you find something enjoyable and distracting to do over the long weekend.
Maria