Bloods and chemo

Freda23;

 I am also a member of the no vein club - there are lots of us !
Had my chemo first by picc  line, then my operation so I can’t answer your question but send you hugs.

Xx

Hi - I had SNB and Chemo is given via PICC line in my other arm. I do not believe they can chemo in the arm on the side the nodes were removed from. It may be worth asking for a PICC line or port for chemo. Good luck xx

Hi Freda23,  in reply to your question it is adviseable not to  have chemo on the arm where lymph node is removed due to increased risk of infection on that side.  However as it is difficult to find your veins , you may wish to discuss with your oncologist if a PICC line will be an option or port. I have attached link below on these procedures.

PICC Line

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatment/types-of-treatment/chemotherapy/picc-lines#:~:text=About%20our%20information-,What%20is%20a%20PICC%20line%3F,the%20bend%20of%20the%20elbow.

Port 

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatment/types-of-treatment/chemotherapy/implantable-ports

Oh bless you Thankyou x

I thought as much Thankyou x

Thankyou for all the info much appreciated x

Hi Freda23, I too had lymph nodes removed and chemo. I had an arm port inserted on my other arm before my second chemo as mine veins aren’t very good and I didn’t want to have problems. This has been great. Unlike a picc line that hangs outside the body and needs to be flushed on a weekly basis an arm port is under the skin and can flushed every 12 weeks when not in use. Also once healed you can bath, shower and swim etc as normal without the need for a sleeve. With a picc line you have to wear a sleeve for showering and you can’t go swimming. You can have chemo and bloods taken from both options too. It would be worth talking Witt your breast care nurse or oncologist about having this.

Wishing you all the best for your journey.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x 

Hi Freda,

My name is Dylan and I’m part of the Community team here at Macmillan. I came across your post this morning and forwarded it to one of our specialist cancer nurses. I have included their response below.

If you ever want to ask a question to one of our specialist nurses you can contact them on the Community via our Ask a Nurse section, where once you post any questions you may have surrounding diagnosis, treatment and medication. They will aim to respond within 1 to 3 working days. Please keep in mind, Macmillan do not have access to any medical records. You should always seek information from your medical team first.

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Hi

My name’s Simon and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

Sorry to hear that there are problems accessing your veins to take your bloods. It can be distressing and painful when multiple attempts are needed each time.

As you quite rightly suggest, it is not advisable to have chemotherapy in the arm from which the lymph nodes were removed due to risk of infection and lymphoedema.

Have the treatment team suggested a PICC line or a central line as a solution to the issues accessing your veins? Either of these are commonly used to help prevent problems with your veins and to reduce the number of times you need a needle inserted.

We would suggest that you speak to your chemotherapy team about these options.

I hope this information is of some help.

Best wishes

Simon:  Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

Hi Simon,

I had chemo yesterday but they did use my left arm which is where my op was I was told the guide lines had changed and they could use it 4wks after surgery I did say I thought I wasn’t allowed to have bloods or blood pressure done on that arm but was told it was ok. Is this going to cause me any issues later on do you think. What should I do?

Hi Freda

In these cases, your medical team will determine what is best for you. We don't have access to your medical records but we want to support you in the best way that we can.

Its understandable that you have some concerns and further questions. You may benefit from chatting to one of our specialist nurses on the phone. You can get in touch with them today through our Support Line. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm).

Another option is to ask your questions in our Ask a Nurse section.

Simon, or one of his colleagues will be available for your questions through either of these options. 

If you have any questions about using the Community site, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us in the Online Community Team. You’re welcome to send us an email at community@macmillan.org.uk, or you can send a private message to the Moderator account.