chemo nurse questions

I agree. Goodness these people are human, and mistakes can be made. No harm was done, other than a delay.I could give you  a few tales about the delays I've had. Being stage 1V and on chemo for life, I accept delays as being something which just happens-I would never actually dream of complaining.

I think I had that same nurse on Monday! I finaly had the port in and was way late too! I'm always watching to make sure its dipping and everything is moving along, I can't imagine sleeping during a regular chemo, but I did at the chemo after the port got put in, thanksd to the nice drugs. Ha! Maybe I'll run into you sometime at MDA. I agree that sometimes stuff just happens and we can't let it get to us, but we have to be our own advocate as well.

Laura

I agree overall with those who said she's human and to give her another chance. We all can make mistakes. 

The experience points out, however, how much we have to be on our own toes and be our own advocates.  Like we don't have enough on our minds already!  I never had your experience but whenever I was hooked up I would look at the bag and ask if I was dripping yet.  I wasn't concerned about errors, I was simply curious, but it's a good way to remind the nurses.

I don't think there's anything wrong with requesting another nurse if that would make you more comfortable, nor would I hesitate to gently and kindly point out what happened to her superiors.   It's possible to do it without naming names, too, if that makes you more comfortable.

I had a terrific team and never had any problems, and for that I'm grateful.  Best of luck and a warm hug to you.

MomoB:  I had a bad experience one week where the nurse took 3 or 4 goes to get the needle in my port when 2 tries are the limit before they seek help. She bruised me badly and had only been doing the job for 4 months. She told me she goes home feeling really sad when she misses lots of ports during the day. She even asked me what size needle they usually use!!! Good grief!!!

I went back out there a week later and asked to see the supervisor and told her about it. Showed her the bruise which was still quite dark and asked for my records to be noted I only want the most experienced nurses from now on.

Well, that worked big time. I've only had the best nurses since and I actually thanked the supervisor on Wednesday for looking after me. I also praised the girls I've had since. I still have to go out there for 11 more herceptin treatments and feel comfortable about that now.

My husband heard about one place where they actually damaged the port and the patient had to have surgery to put a new one in!!!

Remember, we (or our insurance co) are paying them for this service. We are the customer - don't let them get away with it.

Sue

MomoB: I'm glad you did that, no reason why you shouldn't. I do keep an eye on the drip - I make sure it's not too fast also.

I only think it was 3 or 4, it was definitely more than 2. I saw her when I was there last week and I smiled at her. If I hadn't complained, imagine what my reaction would have been if she was the one who came to get me at the next treatment. I probably would have run screaming to the lift. By seeing the manager privately I avoided any fuss.

Good luck with getting your port - they do make life a lot more bearable especially when you get a good nurse

Sue