Port a cath didn't work again!!

Less than one minute read time.

FormerMember

11 May 2010

Hi everybody,

I had my chemo no. 5 today and it is the 3rd time I have used the port. It is still very painful to use (even the nurse cried today because she saw how much it hurt) and as usual it would not give them any blood. They said I should have a lineogram (x ray) to check why it doesn't. I am allergic to the contrast they use for ct scans so they said I can't have the x ray as they use the same stuff. Now the nurse is saying that she can't use the port without checking it with an x ray. So what do I do? I only had the port put in because the onc said my veins are too difficult to access and anyway would not hold up through the chemo regime.Now it looks as if I should have it out!! I'm fed up with it all. If anyone has any experience of these things please tell me about it.

Thanks Jen XX

FormerMember over 14 years ago

Oh Jen I was wondering how you got on with it this time. It sounds like a really difficult situation not to mention a real pain!! I cant believe they cant resolve this some other way, its crazy. Good luck with whatever happens though, I will be thinking of you xx
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FormerMember over 14 years ago

Sorry to hear about the port, Jen.

Just want you to know (for what it's worth) just how proud I feel for you - you just keep facing these demons and beating them.

Well done you!

Gary xxxx

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"One step at a time"
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FormerMember over 14 years ago

ouch..its not nice is it when they cant find a vein to get your chemo into you....

i had the same problem they couldnt get a line into my arm. or my hands...tried 7 times on my hand in castle hill hospital and it soo hurt i walked out of the hospital though i did go back in.

they couldnt even get a hickman line in when they tried using an x ray machine as well

ended up with a line in my groin the 3 times i was in castle hill hospital for 5 days of r-dhap chemo..it was the only place they could find were the veins didnt pop...

mind you id had 14 lots of chemo and loads of blood tests and scans before the r-dhap

hope everythings go`s good for you in the future

and i soooo hate needles...

i hope they can sort something out for you when you have your next chemo...

i know one thing i wont ever let anyone stick a needle in my hand / wrist ever again...
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FormerMember over 14 years ago

Thanks Gary and Graeme,

Just spoke to the oncologist and he said that it is not uncommon for ports not to give blood ( didn't tell me that before!!) so as long as the drug flows in, which it does quite well, then it is ok to carry on. I just hope the pain lessens each time. I have had 17 chemos now, some oral, several IV and I know I am in for the long term so I need to try to persevere with the port.

I agree Graeme that hands are a no no. Btw I was born in Hull but I live in London now.

Gary, hope al is well with you.

Love Jen XX
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FormerMember over 14 years ago

Thanks Chrissi,

we must have crossed in the post!

Jen XX
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