Cannula has failed

Less than one minute read time.

FormerMember

30 Apr 2010

Now her cannula has failed and Sal cannot face them trying to get another in. She is in SO much pain when they try and it is REALLY wearing her down.

After a lot of shouting (well, virtual shouting, I didn't actually raise my voice!) they have agreed to install a Hickman on Tuesday. In the meantime she needs the meds and so they are going to put a cannula into her right arm... the side of the ANC. The oncologist said there is a risk but when needs must.

So, she has to last 3 days with this cannula. Do I think it will last that long? Well no. None of the cannulas to date have lasted more than 1 or 2 days and to be fair, they aren't meant to. 72 hours is the recommended time according to her blood nurse (can't spell flabottomist!!!).

We'll see.

FormerMember over 15 years ago

dear snaxmuppet, I have been reading about your wife's terrible time with this treatment - I too had terrible time but am still here today. I just wanted to say I had a portacath inserted in my chest wall in the end and it was the best thing ever - although I had 2 as 1st one got infected but don't regret it. I cant believe I got through my terrible time but, believe me, if you take little steps each day I am sure your wife will find her inner strength to fight her unfortunate situation - its enough dealing with ca. let alone infections/sickness. My portacath was inserted at Barts on NHS and I have to say, their care was great. I sincerely hope your wife finds the strength to get through this, even coping 1 day at a time and 10/10 to you for supporting her - you will both need all the strength to get through the treatment. Please keep blogging and I look forward to reading the final one where your Sal comes out the other end, triumphant. God bless.
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FormerMember over 15 years ago

sorry, me again, Snaxmuppet. Just remembered, my neighbour who is a ca. nurse told me to have a small glass of red wine the day before giving blood - this apparently helps the veins flow blood more easily - didn't get to try but I am sure its worth it if your wife or anyone else on here can. Good luck
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FormerMember over 15 years ago

I do hope that Sal gets the Hickman on Tuesday. Well done you for speaking up for her. It's a nightmare when the veins aren't playing. To be fair, I didn't have too much of a problem until the last 2 cycles of chemo, and then they started to protest. I looked like I had been beaten up after my last session.......thank god it was the last!

Let us know how she gets on.

Angela xx
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FormerMember over 14 years ago

Thanks for all your kind thoughts and words.

Nutcracker, we asked about a portacath. The problem they have at Plymouth is there are very few staff trained in them. Sal decided that it would be difficult to always get the same staff each time she went to clinic so the Hickman seems the bst option.

Angela CJ, sorry you had problems with your veins so close to the end! I bet you were cross as well as hurting! If Sal doesn't get the Hickman on Tuesday then I really don't know what will happen. I don't think she will be able to carry on with the pain of cannulas.
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