Hi everyone, I need of a bit of advice, not sure if I need to go to a & e. Had my port fitted on Wednesday, which has been itchy for last couple of days. Thought it was just due to the healing process. However, last night I noticed what looked like two blisters right next to each other. But they're hard to the touch and really itchy. Also looks like they could have been leaking a clear fluid.  This area is not near the actual wound, but right near the corner of the dressing, which I've now peeled away from this area. Any thoughts?

Hi Pippin, 

Sorry you’re worried and sorry to hear it’s itchy…could you call you BCN? Or do you have a post op number you can call?

I think if you’re worried you should go in, they’ll know straight away. Better to get it seen to sooner rather than later and will then also stop you worrying..I’m sure it’s nothing and just the port settling, that can take a few days but I think when you’re dealing with Chemo and lower immune it’s always best to get it checked. At least speak to someone over the phone first if you can.

Are they blisters or part of the scab from the incision? Make sure you keep it clean…

really hope it’s ok and nothing to worry about..sure it’s just part of the healing process. Do you have a temperature? That’s a good sign of any infection..

let us know how you get on. Sending positive vibes your way xx

Yeah the antibiotics kicked in pretty quickly and he's totally fine now thankfully! Poor thing though, he was really unwell for a few days. 

...and Yes i bought some mitts and socks from amazon, they are currently in the freezer! No idea if they're going to work and actually no idea how i'm going to keep them cold enough for long enough but thought i would give it a go and see. I actually bought some single use ice packs, which isn't great for the environment but was the only way i could really think of to pop those in when the original ice packs start to go warm..so will see how that goes! She did say that neuropathy was most likely to be my biggest side effect but that they would very carefully monitor it and may adjust my dose accordingly...she said that they do that all the time, they start of with a generic dose based on height and weight but that everyone reacts so differently and tolerates drugs so differently that they are constantly tweaking..they just said i needed to be really honest with how i was feeling! Sounds like you tolerated the EC so well though that hopefully you'll be the same for the Docetaxol next week..keeping everthing crossed. Must be nice to know you've finished the EC..nearly there!!!! 

I'll let you know how i get on with the cold mitts and socks. Have you bought any yet?

Hope the port is going ok today...have a lovely evening! xx

I haven't actually bought any mitts and socks yet, thought I'd wait and get a review from you first. If I do get them, I thought I could maybe bring a cool bag with ice blocks, to keep the packs frozen until needed. I didn't know you could get single use ones and not sure how they work. Will start doing a bit more research prior to cycle 4. Port area much improved today thankfully. Let me know how it goes tomorrow. Xx

I’ll report back!!! 

…then I can send you some links, if I’m allowed to on here?! I think you just snap the single use bags and it activates something inside which turns to ice!..but it’s annoying they are single use so not feeling that good about it..I’m going to take a cooler bag but I think with the mitts they only stay cold for 30 mins or so and I think my treatment is going to be a little longer than that..but I’ll let you know!! Xx

Hi Greeny80, have been thinking of you today. Hope all went well and you're feeling OK. Xx

Hi Pippin! 

Thanks for checking in! Has been a long day…but feeling good and luckily no allergic reaction!  Hurrah!!

The cold cap adds quite a bit of time and I had my blood test this morning too so that added a couple of hours waiting for those results and then the docetaxol took just under 2 hours…!they do it slowly for the first two cycles I think then speed it up a bit!..and then I had the Cyclophosphamide! 

I was going to write to you to review the cold mitts and socks! My mitts weren’t great, they didn’t stay cold for very long, I ended up putting extra ice packs into the gloves but it does mean you can’t do anything with your hands!…the feet/socks were good. My feet were freezing!!!…but again I think they probably lasted an hour or so??and the docetaxol takes nearly 2 hours…. Maybe you need two pairs or some extra ice packs to go with the socks!? I think I’d try the socks again but not sure about the gloves..may as well just hold ice packs in your hands!?! Shout if you have any other questions as happy to chat!!

Hope you’re doing ok and enjoying feeling good for week 3! Xx

Pleased to hear your treatment has gone well today.  One more ticked off.  Xx keep us posted on any side effects but hope they are minimal.  Take care xxx 

Sounds wonderful. Hope you had a lovely lunch with your parents. Xx I agree with your hubby.  Lots of positive thoughts and things to focus on and look forward to xxx it’s the best remedy 

90 what a fabulous milestone.  
I hosted a party for my Dads 80 th last June.  

xx hope your enjoying the rest week before we go again next week.  It comes round quickly for sure 

xx 

Ah thank you!!! Yes let’s hope side effects are minimal…will be interesting to see how different I feel with these new ones…oncologist said worst days would be Fri/Sat/sun but mostly tiredness which I will take over nausea!!!! I guess time will tell! Can already feel my taste buds going again! So weird isn’t it and so funny how everyone reacts so differently..we are all unique!!

How are you doing?? Xx

Week 3 is so nice!! Makes you so grateful for feeling good and normal!! Hope all goes well for you next week too..although I’m sure we’ll chat before then!!

So pleased to hear all went well today and you're feeling OK. Does sound like you had a pretty long day though. Annoying having bloods done on the day, then having to wait for results before starting treatment. I usually have mine done at the end of the week before. I'm still debating the cold therapy, wasn't sure about not being able to use hands. Did you get any sensations in hands and feet while having the docetaxel at all? Have plenty of rest and I hope you continue to feel well. Xx

So pleased to hear all went well today and you're feeling OK. Does sound like you had a pretty long day though. Annoying having bloods done on the day, then having to wait for results before starting treatment. I usually have mine done at the end of the week before. I'm still debating the cold therapy, wasn't sure about not being able to use hands. Did you get any sensations in hands and feet while having the docetaxel at all? Have plenty of rest and I hope you continue to feel well. Xx