Anxiety waiting for immunotherapy response

Hi Ochno 

My cancer has never made itself felt in any way at all. The original breast tumour was deep in my somewhat large breast, I couldn’t feel it, none of the doctors could feel it. Without a routine mammogram it would have been some time before I knew. 

My liver mets have not caused ascites, or jaundice, or any pain. If I hadn’t had a CT scan it would have been some time before I knew. 

Treatments have however been felt, but I still think it’s been worth it despite all the misfortune I have had from treatment. 

Hope your upcoming treatment is effective and bearable. 

Well put annanv,     For some reason I just wasn’t seeing it that way.   I’m a wee Scottish ginger with a touch of fierceness, I’m ready for whatever Monday brings.  

Just finished my first cycle of Gemcarbo, 2 weeks on then a week recovery.  All going fine.  As thought I’m  mTNBC, still await PD L to see if immunotherapy might be added.  Only problem I’m having is veins not cooperating very well.  Portacath awaiting authorisation.  I shall persevere.  Seems approval can take a month.  Onco and chemo team chasing.  Tolerating chemo well, though liver ALT have jumped.  Hopefully the weeks rest might see them sort themselves out..

It's really good news that you have tolerated the first cycle of chemo!

My veins don't co-operate well nowadays either, I think they get wise to all the needle attention and try to wriggle out of the way! Pesky things...

Hope you continue to feel OK, that's the most important thing.

Stay strong

Kate

Thank you!   I’m like a blinking pin cushion, all black and blue.  They had to keep turning flow rate down so the infusion took ages.   It literally was a bleeping long day.  Head chemo nurse said it can’t continue like that so hopefully she’s rattling a few cages!  she told me moisturise moisturise and massage gently to keep circulation going.  

All good so far, nothing too major.  Keeping on, keeping on x

Hi Ochno

At my treatment clinic, they put heated (microwaved) pads on your hand for 15 mins first, to widen the veins, and kept the heated pad on over the cannula during the treatment, to keep the vein warm. Don't know if they do that in your treatment place?

Hopefully you'll get a portocath fitted, and that will make it much easier, before your next treatment.

Good luck!

Kate

Hi there, I haven’t seen them do that with anyone yet.  I just get a slapping about.  It always feels as if the infusion comes directly from the fridge it’s so cold brrr

next cycle begins on the 19th.  Maybe? Though doubt it?

having an afternoon of stomach cramps, oh the joys x

Hi Ochno, Sorry you are having problems with your veins hiding, that's what mine do too! I have been advised to keep me hands and arms warm right up until they take blood and drink plenty of water and then drink some more water! 
Why not ask about the heat pads, or buy some! If you don't ask, you don't get!

Maybe I’ll take a wee hot water bottle in…might look a bit weird in Spain but hey needs must xx

Hi, Who cares what it looks like?? If it works, it would be magic!