Treatment

Hi Eden,

A PICC line might be better for you if you have a needle phobia as they won't need to cannulate you every time. They do it under local anaesthetic so you won't feel a thing other than a tiny sting when they numb the area. Otherwise you can ask the nurses for Emla cream - you put this on the area where the cannula goes in about 30mins-1hour beforehand and it will numb the area so you don't feel the cannula.

There are options don't worry!

I also hate having injections but in the end found it easier to do myself as I kept jumping away from the needle if someone else did it! If you do it quickly and smoothly, I didn't find that it hurt at all going in. It stings a little when you actually push the plunger but it's over in 2 seconds. You can use an ice cube on the skin before to numb it a little and it helps it sting much less or, again, you can use Emla cream. You can buy this on amazon too.

Side effects are different for everyone so try not to think about the worst as it may not happen but I understand your anxiety. We're all here for you!

https://www.emla.co.uk/

I hope this helps a little x

Hello Eden 

Sorry to hear how frightened you are.  Do tell your team how you are feeling, they are there to help and will support you as much as they can - to be fair probably more than anyone who went along with you would /could.  (my OH answered his phone in the middle of my oncologist telling me I had cancer!).

Don't bail, just tell them how you are feeling and I'm 100% sure they will help you.  

Have you asked about coping methods when you get like this? meditation, apps or something like this.  (I'm not in your position as I don't mind needles, so hopefully someone else who is also needle phobic can offer some advice as to how they have coped).

Kindest wishes, Lesley

Hi Eden

It's definitely a scary thing getting treatment but I can honestly say for me it hasn't been as bad as what I imagined. The nurses are fantastic so just let them know about your fear of needles and they will do everything they can to help.

I do my own injections and it's definitely something you get used to. Take the injection out of the fridge at least 1/2 hour before using it otherwise it's quite cold and uncomfortable. I can't feel the needle going in at all and it takes just a couple of seconds.

I have always had the mindset that I will just do what I have to do and take all the advice from the experts so that I can get back to normal and be around for my children.

Good luck with everything x

I’ve had a Portacath in my chest near my neck. I hate needles so at least I don’t see anything going in me. I have district nurses do the Filgrastim injection as I can’t do it as I’m petrified of needles.

Injections effects are worse than chemo for me. Aching bones & sore skin around neck and op sites for 3-4 days of the first of the 7 injections.

your not alone!