First. Chemo Session

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I have my first chemo session this Thursday and I’m terrified. I’m worried about having the PICC and the side effects, especially peripheral neuropathy and the visual impairments. I know everyone reacts differently but how common are these two side effects? 

SG007

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi SG007

    I think everyone gets stressed and worried about their first chemo session, I know I was.  Having the chemo by a PICC line is easier than having to have an iv every time.  It’s just the though of the PICC line but once it’s in place it does make having chemo easier.

    Side affects - peripheral neuropathy does affect some people but you don’t usually get it after the first session.  BUT you do have to be careful not to touch anything that is cold and I would suggest that you take a scarf and gloves for when you leave the chemo unit.  Sometimes if the air outside is cold you can find it hard to breath for a few seconds, and that can be frightening but if you take a warm scarf and cover your nose and mouth you should be fine.

    Visual impairment is also quite rare, I did have a bit of blurred vision on a couple of occasions on the day after I had chemo, but it didn’t last long and my eyes are fine.

    As you say, everyone is different and the thought of chemo is scary but once you have your first session behind you other sessions will be easier to cope with.  You may get side affects, I know that I worried that I would get every one that they mentioned to me but, of course, I didn’t.  I do still have peripheral neuropathy - I am one of the unlucky ones but for most people who have it, it does go after treatment finishes.  I had six months of chemo, whereas now it is often only three months.

    Try not to worry too much - I know it’s easier said that done, and if you do have any side affects once you’re home do ring and speak to someone at your chemo unit - as they will be able to advise you.

    Take care, and I hope all goes well on Thursday.

    VickiLynne

  • Thank you for your message. Having read some of the other threads as well about the PICC lines I’m feeling a little reassured it’s probably not going to be quite as bad as I’ve been imagining.

    its all about the fear of the unknown and like you said once my first one is under my belt hopefully I will be able to cope better. Thank you for the other tips as well, I shall be armed with scarf and gloves. I’m hoping that the sensitivity to cold will be a bonus as at the moment I’m running on hot mode and can’t seem to get cool especially at night.

    SG007

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to SG007

    Hi again SG007

    The problem with cold is touching things that are cold, such as items from the fridge.  It is like getting a little electric shock.  So do be careful, but it is hard not to go to the fridge for milk when you make a hot drink.  

    Take care,

    Night night,

    VickiLynne

  • Good morning,

    Definitely the first chemo session is the worst - because you don’t know what to expect. I did experience thorax constriction with IV oxaliplatin , plus my hands were very very sensitive to cold . I couldn’t open doors because the metal handles gave me a shock. So I wore gloves.....much better.

    Be careful drinking cool or cold liquid - it feels like your throat is burning. ......drink Luke warm liquids.

    I had terrible problems with what I could drink. I hated the taste of water (metallic), tea and coffee. I would like drinking Diet Coke one day and hate it the next. So be prepared, have lots of options.

    definately wrap up warm after the IV. Cover your mouth , as an cold air will feel,like your throat is burning.

    I didn’t have a PICC line because I was worried about it going near my heart - I have cardiomyopathy. IV through a vien is painful and makes the arm quite numb for a number of days. PICC lines are the best way forward. I was just frightened because of my dodgy heart.

    Good luck - remember to write down all your symptoms to discuss with oncologist.

    all the best

    Paula

  • Hi Paul

    thank you for your message, my first session when’s as well as I expected.

    The picc line was everything I feared and more. To begin with I was totally fine, they’d given me a relaxant drug and was feeling mellow about everything. Then this woman come out and makes a call asking some one to come and pick her up because they couldn’t get her picc in. So this sets me off, I’m next. The nurse was lovely but half way through the procedure she she wants another opinion which freaked me out. I have a bit of a melt down, saying I don’t want the picc line or chemo crying my eyes out I go to the toilet and manage to lock myself in (by accident) which sets me off even more. They manage to get me out the toilet and calm me down enough so that a third nurse could get the picc line in, which she did really easily blink and you wouldn’t know it been done!
    After all that the chemo was easy peasy!! 

    I’ve noticed the sensitivity to cold drinks and funnily enough sweet stuff it’s like having an electric shock on my back teeth! Also suffering with a bit of peripheral neuropathy which comes and goes.

    with the picc line in it will make the chemo easier, even with the pump I come home with 46 hours.  No I’ve got my first one under my belt I feel much better

    SG007 x

  • Sorry, I’ve just realised I’ve said Paul not Paula my apologies 

    Susan xx

  • Way you go Susan, all downhill for you now.

    ThumbsupGrin

  • Hi SGOO7

    Ah well done  so nice hearing the change in your voice/type Wink its the fear of the unknown isnt it.  That 1st weekend of having the pump in was so scary .

    Good luck with the journey x

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to SG007

    Hi SG007

    I’m sorry rot hear about the problems you had with the PICC line.  I know just how you felt about having it inserted.  When I had my treatment, after the third session (2012)  I was offered a PICC line, and when I realised what was involved I decided against it, as I didn’t know anyone who’d had one fitted at that time, but if I have to have chemo again I would go for one as I understand that once in place, it making having chemo easier.  

    You’ve now had your first chemo and I hope your other sessions will be easier and less stressful for you.

    Take care,

    VickiLynne