My mom has been undergoing chemotherapy. She has had 3 sittings and during the last one it was really difficult for the nurse to find a nerve to inject the drip. Her nerves are swollen and hard. She has been told that if the next time they do not find a nerve in the hand they will have to inject it in her neck. She has 3 weeks to go before her next sitting. Has anyone faced a similar situation before and is there anyway the swelling and hardness can be reduced in these 3 weeks so that she will not have to take injections in her neck?
2007-01-08 04:11:36 · 5 answers · asked by Summer B 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
My son has a Hickman cathetar that was surgically implanted into his chest. This makes IV medications, hydration, blood draws, transfusions, and chemotherapy easier for him, although it does open the body up to bacterial infection. We call it a central line. He keeps it clean, flushes it daily, and asks any nursing personnel to wear rubber gloves.
You can read more about the central line options. I don't know how many chemo treatments your Mother has planned or the type of cancer, but this is something you might investigate if she has alot more planned.
http://patient.cancerconsultants.com/cancer_tips.aspx?id=196
What is a Central Line?
http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=2586
2007-01-08 04:58:43 · answer #1 · answered by Panda 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry to hear of this happening & wish I could offer help. I would definitely talk with the Dr. about it, there may be meds for her to take to help this. I have a hard time with nurses who "can't find a vein" when that is one of their main jobs. How is that EMT's & paramedics can find one no problem when traveling at high speeds on bumpy roads in an ambulance?? God Bless you & your mother.
They could do a port but either way, make sure they are using small needles as to not damage the veins long term either.
2007-01-08 13:00:45 · answer #2 · answered by COblonde 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think you mean a vein they dont put chemo in the nerves and yes there is another way she can talk to her doctor about having a port up in which is surgically connected to a vein then all they will have to do is stick the needle into the port my mother has one in her they told her it would be a lot easier than sticking her in the arms or hands the surgery is on an out patient trust me you dont wont to be around when they try to put the needle in her neck that is inhumane please talk to the doctor about the port
2007-01-08 19:29:20 · answer #3 · answered by mountainchowpurple 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd talk to the doc for advise.
I had radiation and I got swollen, painful glands in my neck.
Hope ur mum feels better.
all the best!
2007-01-08 12:15:33 · answer #4 · answered by ♥♥♥GODDESS♥♥♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a port in my chest for chemo, it is the easiest way . I would advise her to have one put in
2007-01-08 13:10:31 · answer #5 · answered by zarem 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋