Triple negative diagnosis first chemo new yrs Eve

Hi

I have to do 5 injections. I haven't blacked out with them though but I do get my husband to do them for me because I can't quite get my head around sticking a needle in me. I do them just before I go to bed. I pinch a lump of fat in my tummy (there is plenty of it) and then look away as my hubby sticks the needle in. I try to alternate the sides to have the injection. For some reason the right side is more comfortable than the left although for the first time in 3 cycles it did hurt last night. Is there anyone who could do it for you. You might even be able to get a district nurse to do it for you. It also might be worth phoning your unit for advice if you blacked out.

Good luck with the rest of your treatment. 

Hi , good luck with your treatments. 

I would suggest doing the injections lying in bed, you could elevate your legs on a pillow first. That way if you feel faint the blood wont just go to your feet and you hopefully wont pass out. Make sure someone is either you if poss and dont sit up to quickly afterwards.  Hopefully you will get used to them xx

Hi, I have just started chemo for triple negative too and had a similar experience to you when starting the injections, it was scary!  My oncologist has taken me off the injections and, as I am having weekly chemo, is monitoring the white blood cell count to see how things go.

I wonder if there is any alternative to these injections out there which would do the same job with the white blood cells?

Best of luck with your treatment. x

Hi HockeyNut, thanx for replying x I’ve no hassle doing injections altho tried the thigh today and ooooo it stung!! So back to tummy tmrw. Felt lots better today after injection as did lying down and with legs up too but find when I take it I’m asleep with ten mins which don’t mind. 
glad I’ve found some similar folks. Anyone here got PICC line ...got kidney function test nxt wk then PICC line on 10th. 

and49xx

Hi Flossie73, 

glad to hear I’m not the only one! I felt ok today so will keep it up an hopefully b ok? Do u have PICC line? I’m bkd to get one nxt week. R u having gene testing too? 

good luck xx

Hi

PICC iv Lines are great - saves so much hassle with all the needles and protects your smaller lower arm veins from chemo too.

There is a Maccy Info page and a video about PICC Lines here.

Several ladies have them fitted so hopefully one will reply and can answer any Q's you have about them. J had a Groshong iv line which is chest entry - that was in for 15 months with no issues.

You will need a waterproof sleeve to keep it dry when showering etc though. Ask if they supply these otherwise you will need to purchase one.

Hope this helps a bit, G n' J

Hi And49, can't sleep at the moment so lovely to get your reply.  Yes, I had a PICC line fitted on Christmas Eve (same day as my first chemo session).  I was nervous about it but the fitting went really well - no pain during the procedure and just a little tender for a few days afterwards.  You'll be fine I'm sure!

I'm going to have the gene test as my sister was treated for thyroid cancer in her late 30's and we also have a first cousin who was diagnosed with breast cancer (not sure if it was TNBC) around 8 years ago when she was in her 40's.  I've got two nieces in their twenties and want to give them that whether to get tested/checked if needs be.

Glad you are managing to keep up with the injections.  My consultant said that there is a "pegylated" version which releases more slowly.  I'm seeing her on the 7th Jan so will find out more then.

Keep strong and good luck too. xx

Hi Flossie73,

thanks for positive on the PICC line it’s put my mind a bit more at ease xx I’ve had good couple of days with no problem from injections just the bone ache but can handle that. I had endocrine problems prior to diagnosis and my cortisol wasn’t great so think when on steroids I was getting best sleep I’d had in yrs and now I’m finished it’s difficult to get decent sleep. Oncologist very mindful I’m hypothyroid and hyperparathyroid as well as the not great adrenal production as it all affects immunity so might have to check it all out next bloods as adrenals tend to get lazier when they’re being aided? Oh the joys! As for genes investigations I’m very for it as 2 daughters, nieces, cousins and granddaughter all will b at risk. R they also testing for the ovaries gene with u? Gosh it all takes over ur head doesn’t it! 

and49 xxx

Hi G n J,

thank u for PICC line info it’s great getting real replies and seem positive so will go ahead. I’m at hospital on 7th for kidney function testing so think I’ll pop to Macmillan centre there and find my feet a bit too. I’ve also taken up crocheting hats and had lots of interest from mates for them so hoping they will let me make some to raise monies? I’m definitely going to lose the hair and thinking of having kids do something positive like a “shave the head” night so it’s not too freaky especially for younger kids an im not one for wigs etc so been crocheting beanie hats too. 
I’m rambling!!! Take care and thanx for all ur advice.

and49xxx

HI again and49, 

Certainly does mess with your head! - so much to take in in a relatively short space of time.  Have you got a supportive breast care nurse you can speak too?  MIne is lovely but only works part time.  Interesting to think of steroids allowing you to get a good nights sleep...shame you cannot stay on them for longer between cycles!

Like you, I am concerned about immunity, due to not being on the filgrastim at the moment.  As a family, we are all trying to eat really healthily.....it's difficult  though as our 10 year old son has Autism and is a very picky eater.  He would live on cereal and chocolate if he could :). How old are your daughters if you don't mind saying?  We have told our son the facts that my lump is "small and treatable" and he seems to be accepting of that at the moment.  

Here's hoping that you have a restful night and we don't both resort to the "awake" thread in the early hours!!

Flossie73 xx