Anyone got any advice/experiences?
The last twice I've had chemo, the veins have collapsed in my hands and the pain and swelling have been horrendous and lasted afterwards.
I wasn't expecting this as my first cycle went fine, no pain or discomfort.

Fortunately last week, it didn't happen til just before they started my Zometa bone infusion and they managed to get in to the crook of my arm to administer it--but that's been bruised badly again this week by blood test today.
Am dreading tomorrow's treatment--anyone got any thoughts or advice? The cannula needle always goes IN okay, that's not the problem.
Brenda

Brenda -
Just to make sure I understand this clearly -- you are receiving chemo via IV into the veins in your hand and/or arm?

Here in the US it is pretty common for the MO to have a 'port' inserted before any of the chemo starts. This is an IV line put into your chest (sounds worse than it really is) and it stays there for the remainder of the treatments. They use the port to deliver the toxic chemo drugs into the bigger veins in the chest area instead of the smaller veins in your arm.

If this is an option, you may want to ask about it.

Hang in there!
Carol

You're right Carol, that's how I get it--but I understand it's different in the US. Reading your post, I can see how the port might be beneficial but haven't heard of anyone here having it, tho cancernet and other sites do mention it.
The specialist suggested squeezing small balls (!) to keep the veins 'up', but don't think that will help the ones already affected!

Brenda

Brenda,
My mom is here in the US and she receives her's in the same places you do. They opffered her a port but she felt she would be ok w/out one as it's only one time a wk. In the beginning her veins were great, the second visit not as good, yesterday her 7th tx, it took 3 times. She's still happy that she doesn't have a port.
I wonder how I would feel if I had to have someone try over and over....I'd probably be in trouble for mouthing off or worse

Brenda,
I'm from the Uk & i had my chemo through a Groshong Catheter (same idea as a port) They put it in at the beginning of treatment & i had it in for about 5/6 months. They could also use it to do bloods/ give the steroid etc. Saved my veins!

Brenda,
I asked my mom today about what her choice would be, she advised to ask for the port.

Thanks Chelle and Donna--any probs tomorrow and I WILL ask! After tomorrow, I only have one cycle to go, so might not be worth it, but if they moot any more--I definitely will!
Steroids and anti-nausea meds, plus bone infusion do currently all go into cannula, and they've used it for taking bloods twice when double-checking needed on treatment days.
The idea of a port now doesn't seem so frightening if it just 'remains' there and saves repeated stabbing/withdrawl/swelling and panic!
Thanks again!
Brenda

Brenda,

My husband had some issues with his veins...one time he was poked for an hour by three different nurses. I was told never to let him get poked again more than 2 times, because there are specialists in the hospital that deal with difficult veins. (of course, i learned this after the fact)

They started to put hot, wet towels on his arem for a 1/2 hour prior to looking for a vein. It seemed to work. He did not like the day he felt like a human pin cushion.

Good luck,

Brenda,

Make sure you are not dehydrated, drink lots of water before blood test and I V 's. Also keep arm warm. Such as: Wear sweater or use warm packs as others have stated.

I also found that if they just did the poke without the lino-cane (spell?) it worked for me.

Yes, 2 pokes you are out!! Find another Vein!! Most will do that.
Take care,
Diane