Chemotherapy starts 13.11.26

i hear you - I was meant to start today but my PICC line wasn't able to be put in because Im to dehydrated - re the anxiety I understand this too as it frightens me lots - EMDR techniques you can google these of tapping & eye movements can really help look up a youtube video.

DO reach out for support it is the only thing getting me through this as someone who is single and lives alone - do you have friends that you can speak to? The Mc millian team might offer some support?

I wish you peace

Hi

Thank you for your reply and sorry you are going through this - I hope you get sorted  soon.

I live with my partner ( who does not get it).  I have the odd friend but no one personally That I know has been through this.

Take care x

Hi LOR22

Welcome to the forum, I'm Daisy53 one of the Community Champions on this forum.  I'm sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and need chemo.  The first time I had chemo I had a PICC Line fitted and there wasn't any problems with it.  I have very bad veins so it was a godsend.  I had bloods taken from it as well as having my chemo through it.  I had to get the dressing changed every week and bloods taken from it every second week without any problems.

No need to apologise for venting as this is a safe place to vent and we all understand what you are going through.

Wishing you the best of luck with the Picc line insertion and your treatment.

Best wishes

Daisy53

I hope your appointment all went well today.  My Chemo starts Friday too and I had my PICC line done on Monday. I didn't know what to expect but the nurses were lovely and it didn't hurt. I was worried as I don't have great veins but turns out they had three different options so that was good.  I have found it a little uncomfortable the last couple of days but that's to be expected really. I'm going back to the hospital later as they want to double check all is well before Friday.  Honestly I think it's the best thing as I'm having weekly Chemo initially (for 12 weeks) then I switch to every 3 weeks (for another 12 weeks)  and so I did not fancy being stuck by needles every week, plus all the bloods. I've also ordered a few picc line covers to keep it all nicely covered up and tucked away. Amazon and Etsy have loads.  It sounds strange but now that I have the line I'm ready to get going, the sooner the Chemo starts, the sooner it will finish! All being well I will be half way done with the weekly sessions by Christmas which is a nice milestone. 

Best of luck with your treatment. x

Hi

Hope  all is well.  Thanks for you reply- I actually go in a couple of hours for the PIC line.  Getting nervous now. My veins are  hard to find as well.  I suppose I'm worried about bending my arm and knocking the line.  I will have a look at some sleeves.

I've seen on other forums that patients get invited to look around the chemo ward before treatment.  Not me, all I got was a call saying be here on Friday at 9.30.

Take care, sorry your treatment is longer.. mine is 18 weeks, and will be radiotherapy after that x

All the best x

 I had my eyes shut and did some calming breathing but honestly it was much better than I thought. It’s been placed on my upper arm so doesn’t get knocked when I bend my arm but I think the cover really helps. I didn’t  get a tour exactly but I saw the unit when I went in and it looks quite comfortable.  I have to be there for 11.30am on Friday. 

Ah good luck.  Mines 9.30 Friday. I'm off to measure my arm now...  really should have looked for a sleeve sooner x