Port fitting and starting treatment including Pembo?

Hi, 

I have just finished the regime you are starting. I had 12 weeks of PC and then 4 infusions of EC. 
I started with pembro but my liver didn’t like it so this got stopped. 

I had a picc line fitted and was not allowed to get this wet. I assume a port will be the same? District nurses came every week to change the dressing. I bought a sleeve off Amazon to cover my arm however still hung my arm out of the shower! It was classed as an open wound so high risk of infection. 

Chemo is doable you just have to be kind to yourself and rest when your body says rest. 
Everybodies journey is different and side effects also. You should be given a number you can call 24/7 if you experience any side effects and they will support you. 
There is medication for most side effects. 

Most people get prescribed metoclopramide or something similar for nausea. 

I never experienced heartburn so unsure on this one but I’m guessing there will be something to support. 

Good luck on your journey xx

Hi,

Thankyou for your advice and kind words!

Well Done for getting through it, I can’t wait to be where you are.

I think the port is fitted under your skin so hoping less infection risk and may still be able to swim once healed? If I feel up to it that is.

Did you still manage to have a life on chemo? Exercise and meals out etc?

Thanks again!

You will soon be where I am  

I found it can be a long drag in parts but I just kept going. No other option! 12 year old daughter which needs me…

I would maybe ask before you do swimming. There must be a catheter coming out of the skin to ‘hook up’ to the IV? I’m not sure how they work. 

Erm so so a life. 
I found that the 12 weeks, I spent most of the time at hospital or with a health care professional. My body didn’t like PC. It didn’t like EC either  

Very fatigued, loose stools, constipation, neutropenic sepsis, MRSA, throat infection, high liver enzymes, rashes, hair loss. 
I think I got thrown everything but it makes you stronger. 

PC I found I never had rest days due to loose stools. However I have met others that haven’t had loose stools but experienced constipation. Again there is medication.

EC is where I have experienced the infections. Out of 4 infusions, 3 I’ve had antibiotics on. 
I had my infusion last Wednesday and went out for tea tonight - I’m not 100% but better than at the beginning of the week. 

Exercise has been the last thing on my mind  but it was never first before my diagnosis. I guess it’s up to you and how you’re feeling. Like I say, be kind to yourself and go with what your body is saying. 

Keep up with magnesium and potassium, I was low in these in parts as well. 

Everyone is different!xx

Hi Kiwi, my daughter is 18 months post diagnosis and coming to the end of her treatment. She had a picc line for her first 8 chemo cycles which was okay but is restrictive. Post surgery and radiotherapy, a further 14 cycles of chemo were decided on. Daughter had a port fitted. Once the site had healed, she has got on very well with it - showering, exercise and swimming, whenever she has felt well enough. 

Wishing you the very best of luck with your treatment. xx

Thank you!

Hope you enjoyed your meal out.

Take care xx

Hi Cherry,

Thanks for the message. I really hope I can swim as it’s my main exercise and don’t want the cancer taking that away too!

Did your daughter have the same chemo as me? How did she manage? Many side effects?

Thanks for your well wishes! Xx