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Hi Nina 60, I have just had a big discussion with the Senior nurses on the chemo ward, my veins sort of gave up the ghost after my first sessions last year and earlier this year, it was a devil in the end to get bloods etc., However having a picc line is not always ideal I have been assured, the chances of infection are quite high and have been told by a lady sitting next to me yesterday that catching them on clothing etc., isn't ideal. I would say see how you go ? The nurses that put my canula's in this week never even caused a bruise, they are so adept at doing it. It is very stressful, the fear of the unknown and going into a chemotherapy ward is quite  daunting, we are right here at your side. Just don't make any rash decision, talk it over with all of your team. Some of the ladies here might come and say they are the best thing since sliced bread ! but I can only share my own experience with you, and what I have been told this week. Twice.

You take care of yourself,

LC

XX

My veins have always been a pain!!! I used to give blood regularly but it took so long to actually find a vein and then for them to actually get any blood, they suggested I just give blood when there's an emergency. Nurses at the surgery earn their money when I'm in for a blood test. The really strange thing is my eldest adopted child also has tricky veins.

What I need to know I think is where I need to go to have bloods taken. I feel the chemo nurses will be well experienced at finding veins~mind you you'd have thought anaesthetist would have no trouble, but all 4 struggled. 

I'll see how I feel after the first session. 

Hi Nina,

My veins are not great for getting bloods and I wondered about a pic, but the oncology nurses managed to get a cannula in a different  place every time (6). I had various ones get a little bit sore afterwards, hence they used a different place each time, and one got a bit infected, but I went to the GP and got an antibiotic which sorted it quickly, so it wasn't a bother in the event.

I gave up suggesting what phlebotomists had said were good or bad veins, cos the specialist nurses were great at finding veins that worked.

I actually quite enjoyed my chemo sessions.  Feet up, cushions around me, a couple of magazines and coffees etc brought to me, some chat with others. No question of getting any jobs done!  It was time out to just concentrate on myself. It's a painless process.

One tip, if you do get any discomfort with any of the drug transfusions, tell them straight away, and they can adjust the speed that the liquid goes in. The only one it happened with was the paclitaxel. That sorted it for me, the one time it happened briefly, so it was painless. The nurse changed that one of mine to go through in 90 minutes instead of an hour, and the discomfort stopped immediately.

I went to the same oncology specialist team to have the bloods and pre chemo assessments done.

Hope it all goes well for you .

Hey Nina,

Ive not had chemo but I have really tricky veins, I've been told that keeping well hydrated and keeping your arms warm helps. So maybe some hot drinks and plenty of layers and gloves before you start might help.

Good luck with it, hopefully they can keep finding one, 

Lots of love

xxx

Hi Arla. Eldest has had to reschedule blood tests when nurses unable to find a vien. She's always been told to drink a few litres of water before tests!!!! She's usually good at keeping hydrated as has one kidney and is prone to uti as part of her syndrome. I think I'll have to get her to message me every time she has a drink!

Nurse did say something about using warming pads. So maybe I need to have hottie on hand when it's a test or chemo day.