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Central line or not?

Deana
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Hi, I'm after some advice about whether to have a central line fitted or not.  I have just had my fourth session of Oxaliplatin, my left hand instantly reacted with phlebitis so I am only able to have it in my right, or so I thought, but unfortunately that is now very painful and i don't think I'm going to be able to tolerate it in either of my arms again.  My question is , has anyone else suffered similarly and if so what did you do and how did you find the central line during the chemotherapy? 

Thank you in advance

 

Deana

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    hi deana,  i think your so brave, and that would be a very good question to put to the,        ask the nurse       section on the left  , i hope they can help you,   best  wishes for the rest of your treatment... ..cococat

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    Hi Deana

    After I had the second cycle of FEC-T my left arm became very swollen and hard. I returned to the chemo unit to ask them to look at it. I was transferred to another hospital to have a scan in case there was a clot. It was diagnosed as chemical phlebitis. I still had four more cycles to do so it was decided to put a central line in. This was done in theatre whilst fully awake, no problem totally pain free.  My next four cycles of chemotherapy were much easier to deal with. They took blood tests from there as well. 

    In the shower I covered the whole area with a large waterproof dressing.

    if you need any more information I am happy to help.

    best wishes with the rest of your treatment. Audrey 

  • Offline in reply to Audrey

    Hi Audrey, thank you so much for your reply. My biggest concern about having the central line is the risk of infection, as I am a fitness instructor I am often hot and sweaty and I wondered whether this would increase the risk of it getting infected.  But given the pain I am in now I don't think I have much choice!  

     

    Once again thank you you for your speedy reply and I hope you are well.

    Kind regards Deana

  • Offline in reply to cocats

    Hi Cococat,

    Thank you for your response, I think I might just do that as I'm in a bit of a dilemma at the moment.

    Warmest regards

    Deana

  • Offline in reply to Deana

    Hi Deana. You are very welcome. I kept it covered most of the time with a big waterproof dressing. It also reassured me that I wouldn't touch or dislodge it. Once it's fitted you have to go weekly for a flush and clean, which was reassuring that it was kept clean. I didn't want it at all, as wanted to keep my fitness and swimming up, but had to accept it. It's really worth it when your veins are struggling.

    i am fine thank you, finished chemo and radiotherapy in May. I am back to work now and putting the dreadful experience behind me.

    kind regards. Audrey 

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    Hi Deana,

    I had a reaction to Oxaliplatin due to leakage from around the canula into my arm, rather than into my vein. 

     I didn't have a central line fitted but friends who have say it made life so much easier than having umpteen canulas inserted every month.

    Best wishes

    Dave

  • Offline in reply to davek

    Hi Dave,

    Thank you for your reply it was very helpful, I think I am swaying towards the central line, as it is adding to my stress worrying about the pain I go through each time from the Oxaliplatin.

    Thank you again a all the best.

     

    Deana

  • Offline in reply to Audrey

    Hi Audrey,

     

    Thank you again, I think you have helped to make my mind up as the stress I feel worrying about the pain every time I have the treatment is just making things worse.

    So glad you are on the up and I wish you all the very best.

    Deana  x

  • Offline in reply to Deana

    Hi Deana

    All the best to you too, please let me know how you are doing 

    Audrey x

  • Offline in reply to Audrey

    Thank you Audrey, and I will never X

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