Well I have completed 6 cycles of chemo. The last 2 produced a new side effect of breathlessness which was very scary. I had to go to a e because I simply couldn't breathe the moment I tried to walk. It was found my potassium levels were low so I was given an infusion of potassium chloride which helped. The same thing occurred following 6th cycle. Plus neutrophils low and heamaglobin levels. Antibiotics and potassium given. Then a ct scan which turned out to be a disaster as I suffered an extra... Can't spell it. Basically contrast did not go into vein but under the skin. Swollen arm, painful and potentially serious. My arm isn't as swollen, no pain, no sign of complications but I feel very anxious about it. Seemingly no follow up examination offered, rather wait to see what happens. It has been an exhausting time, anxiety levels high as I don't have the support I need right now. Should contact someone about the extravasation. But who. Close to a melt down right now. Sorry to be so negative.
Hi Oak2. Oh my love you sound like you've had a really hard time of it. I'm so sorry for you and sending you an extra special hug. I suppose no-one knows how our body's will react to chemotherapy until you have it. It sounds so scary for you. As for the contrast going under the skin as opposed into the vein, I've never heard of that happening but I did find this NHS info on it Microsoft Word - contrast injection leak advice.doc (guysandstthomas.nhs.uk).
If you're worried about it give the Nurses on the Macmillan Support Helpline a ring, freephone number shown below.
Sending hugs, Barb xx
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
"Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever” - Roy T Bennett
Hi Oak2 I remember when I read your post some weeks ago I really felt for you when you heard about your recurrence. I can fully empathise as just last week I found that, following a CT scan to investigate various unconnected (I thought) problems, that my cancer has also returned extensively and I start the same treatments next Monday. I was initially pretty upbeat, screaming and crying doesn't get you anywhere, but today received the copy of my Oncologist's letter to my GP put it all in black and white and tonight I'm feeling pretty s**t so reading your post has buoyed me up a bit.
Having a drastic hair cut tomorrow, turbans, colouring books and various paraphernalia have arrived so ready to do battle Monday!
Sending hugs, Barb xx
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
"Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever” - Roy T Bennett
