I Come to the Garden...

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  • Meece
    Meece Member Posts: 19,483
    edited January 2011

    That may be a good idea, MissB.  I wasn't given the option of a port and with chemo and blood draws every week, my veins are used up.  Not being able to use the left arm is even sadder, because the veins over there are great.  I am also going to buy some of the reusable heat packs so I can get the  warming going early.  I am very susceptable to cold, and most waiting areas are keep like ice boxes.

    I didn't get the iv in until 11:40 and finally finished the MRi at 12:15.  There was some poor woman in the waiting area with an 11:30 appointment who had to wait because my veins were being uncooperative.  I must remember that the next time I am upset by having to wait.

    I don't want to whine, but more than that I don't want to be fearful.

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited January 2011

    Oh Meece..I can relate to you. 2 technicians weren't able this was before muga or bone scan anyway they played so much i started to feel faint. They put me on the table and called a DR. He called a nurse and 123 it was done. I took her name because i was having another test next day and made sure she wasn't off.

    I'm glad you are home safely.

    HUGS

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  • Meece
    Meece Member Posts: 19,483
    edited January 2011

    They told me next time I call scheduling, that I should tell them to have a nurse on site to start my iv early.  They said they'd do that for me. 

    I was getting into a bit of a panic because i didn't know what we could do if they didn't get it started.  They didn't give up, but my wrist and hand hurt.  I don't think I would have fainted, but I was getting ready to cry.

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  • Meece
    Meece Member Posts: 19,483
    edited January 2011

    They told me next time I call scheduling, that I should tell them to have a nurse on site to start my iv early.  They said they'd do that for me. 

    I was getting into a bit of a panic because i didn't know what we could do if they didn't get it started.  They didn't give up, but my wrist and hand hurt.  I don't think I would have fainted, but I was getting ready to cry.

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  • 3jaysmom
    3jaysmom Member Posts: 4,266
    edited January 2011
    sorry you had such a hard time, Meece. my veins do the same thing. they call them rolling vein..and i tell them they must..use a butterfly.. always.. when will you have results from MRI?    3jays
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  • 2Hands4me
    2Hands4me Member Posts: 484
    edited January 2011

    Meece - so sorry about such a difficult day. What a pain, litterally, to be stuck so many times! Being tense doesn't help and who can not be tense with that many attempts? Hot packs, the BEST IV starter in the department, the smallest IV in the department, as much relaxation as possible, and prayer (really the most important!) may all work together to help with when you have your colonoscopy. What doesn't help then is the dehydration from the prep since you can't drink after midnight. Do you have an early appointment? Make sure you drink plenty before midnight - in addition to the prep!

    One step at a time.......

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  • Valjean
    Valjean Member Posts: 1,898
    edited January 2011

    3jays ~ What is a "butterfly" when used on a rolling vein? Does it somehow hold the vein in place? I really don't know.

    Oh, Meecie, 6 times? That's terrible! I'm so sorry you had to endure that.

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited January 2011

    It worked for me.

    I posted a picture of a butterfly needle and I did it on the wrong thread.

    Val...Go check CALLING ALL.......

    Good Morning.

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited January 2011

    I have to have butterfly needles. They are for kids. They use them on my hand. I was once so dehydrated that they had to surgically insert an IV. The spurt of blood went up the curtain separting my bed. Weird to have to look at it for days....

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  • mumito
    mumito Member Posts: 4,562
    edited January 2011

    Chemo messed up my veins so they always use butterfly needles on me as well.

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  • Meece
    Meece Member Posts: 19,483
    edited January 2011

    I always ask for a butterfly when they draw blood, but getting iv injections take different sized needles.  This one requires at least a 24.  Last year I had my MRI in the morning, a mammo in the morning and a CT in the sfternoon, so I asked to keep the IV in.  I flushed it and kept it clear, but the CT contrast requires a larger "needle", they tried and it blew the vein, so they had to start another IV.

    Besides having worn out veins they also roll so I pre-warn the techs of all of this.  I tried to keep relaxed by joking with the techs that weren't at the endo of my arm.  They finally got the best in the department, and each try I was sending a prayer up on behalf of the tech for their success.

    My bruising is lessening this morning and it is easier to bend my wrist, so I will recover no worry.Wink

    I chose to go in at 7:30, procedure at 8:30, so that should be a bit better for the hydration.  Thank you for your support everyone!

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  • mumito
    mumito Member Posts: 4,562
    edited January 2011

    Just close your eyes meece while you are in the machine and you may find your self on a Hawaian Beach.

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  • Meece
    Meece Member Posts: 19,483
    edited January 2011

    I actually can relax in the MRI machine, and found myself almost jolting into a nap.  I was afraid I was moving too much, but the techs didn't notice it.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2011

    Meece - I can join the group as well, they always use the "children's sized needles/iv's" on me and in time your veins do somewhat get tougher.  With recent surgery, there wasn't a problem finding a vein to cooperate and I had an awesome gal who no sooner did I turn my head, it was in and painless.  Before that, not so much, I think it depends on the tech and yes, if your veins will cooperate and always the warmer the better.  I used to carry around those warm packs and warm my arm up before every appt., just too funny...I hope your healing and mending well.  No hurry on those instructions, take your time, enjoy the day and gentle hugs to all you ladies..(((((hugs)))))

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  • suzwes
    suzwes Member Posts: 1,740
    edited January 2011

    I'm so sorry you had all of that pain and the trouble with getting the IV started Meece.  Sounds like you have a great plan for the colonoscopy.  When I had my colonoscopy the nurses started it and if they couldn't get it with two sticks they called the anesthesiologist to start it (I've had several colonoscopies in the last 5 years).

    I'm praying that your MRI results are B9!

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  • Meece
    Meece Member Posts: 19,483
    edited January 2011
    I believe there is something going on, but I have faith that it is not BC.  Just my crazy body which has never acted right in my entire life.
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  • Valjean
    Valjean Member Posts: 1,898
    edited January 2011

    Another Q from a clueless sister:

    What does it mean when they "blow a vein"? Is that when the blood leaks out of the vein into the surrounding area? Or the vein can't be used anymore?

    I have seen this mentioned before & keep forgetting to google it.

    Thanks for all the Birthday wishes! I had a wonderful day & my life is great at this moment. (knock on wood)

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  • Meece
    Meece Member Posts: 19,483
    edited January 2011

    As far as my experience, it is when the vein ruptures by either being punctured completely through, or too much fluid is pushed through too fast.  Anyway the vein pops and blood can leak into the surrounding tissue.  It is painful.  That vein cannot be used that day, unless it is higher on the arm (or so I have been told.  Maybe Suzwes or someone with nursing experience can add to this or correct me if I am wrong.  The main thing I am sure of is it hurts and it happens to me frequently.

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  • Meece
    Meece Member Posts: 19,483
    edited January 2011

    I spoke to Lisa today.  She is going to get the trial drug and will start it on Tuesday!  We need to remember this in our prayers.

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  • suzwes
    suzwes Member Posts: 1,740
    edited January 2011

    Your explaination was great Meecie and Val you got it right on too.  It's basically when the blood from the vein leaks into surrounding tissue and the vein can't be used - temporarily - a day or two.

    Happy belated birthday Val.

    Jo, depends on the shape of the vein and how much damage is done as to whether they repair themselve or have permanent damage.  Of course, the younger one is, the easier tissue can regenerate. 

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  • 2Hands4me
    2Hands4me Member Posts: 484
    edited January 2011

    You are so right about your description of veins "blowing", Meece. You know when you bang the back of your hand and it pops a small blood vessel? It pops up and stings? Its the blood in the surrounding tissue where it's not supposed to be that stings - and the pressure of the extra fluid in an enclosed space. When a vein blows or pops from an IV, it's the same thing. Sometimes it leaks out more slowly, or just the IV fluid leaks out instead of staying in your vein. Again, there's fluid in a small enclosed space instead of circulating through your blood stream. And if there's medicene in the IV, it's now in the small enclosed space where it's not supposed to be either.

    These veins that "blow" will heal and can be used again later, but not that day. You can have another IV started above that site but not below (or the IV fluid or medicene will flow out the hole left above). Chemo veins are sort of scarred from the irritation of the chemo and will still be difficult to start IV's.

    Hope this helps. Anybody else with ideas?

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  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited January 2011

    It all just gives me the heebie-jeebies!  Y'all are too descriptive in your writing!

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  • Meece
    Meece Member Posts: 19,483
    edited January 2011

    I would much rather read about it than live it!

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  • deborye
    deborye Member Posts: 7,002
    edited January 2011

    Hard to catch up with everyone soooooo, HUGS TO EVERYONE♥

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  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited January 2011

    Love that picture Deborye

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  • Valjean
    Valjean Member Posts: 1,898
    edited January 2011

    Thank you all for the explanation on blown veins.

    I have already said a silent prayer for Lisa.

    Keep her in your arms, dear Lord, hold her tight to your chest so that she may feel your strength. She is loved.

    (((((Lisa))))) 

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  • Meece
    Meece Member Posts: 19,483
    edited January 2011

    Amen

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited January 2011

    Amen

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  • Jwatrlily
    Jwatrlily Member Posts: 211
    edited January 2011

    (((Meece))), hope you are feeling better today.  It was wonderful news to read that Lisa is getting the trial drug.  That's an answer to prayer.  Hello to everyone else.

    I've had another friend and neighbor to me here in the country, pass to this dreaded disease.  Linda died last night.  We were together at chemo last Thursday and she had bronchitis really bad that day.  Dr. prescribed an antibiotic and she entered the hospital this past Monday.  Her BC started in 1999 in her left breast E and P + and she was fine until 2005 when it came back in her right breast and was Her2 (neu) +.  It then went to her bone and spine but stayed stable there and then to her liver.  She was on a chemo that was not working and he took her off for 3 weeks to let her body rebuild.  She was recently started on Taxol which helped with her first BC.  Tests showed the Taxol was working already and improving her liver enzymes and numbers.  The bronchitis and her weakened immune system with the cancer was more then her body could survive.

    I'm heart broken.  Since I'm Triple Negative that makes my journey and battle even harder (and Meece being TN gives me hope and prayers that your MRI will show nothing to do with BC recurrence) and today it is hard for me to remain positive.  My husband and kids have already given me pep talks.

    I have 2 chemo treatments left.  I will see my BC Surgeon and have mammograms of both breasts on Feb 3.  I am already set up with the Radiation Oncologist and will see him for a medical review on Feb. 11.  Then the first of that next week, I have a planning CT scan and tattooing and a simulation treatment to get everything set.  It's happening so fast and it kind of takes my breath away in light of the friends who have passed.  That makes 3 friends passing for me in the last 2 weeks.  It is numbing for me.  One was colon cancer but the last 2 were BC that had metastasized.  This has been a weepy morning for me.  Hugs and prayers to everyone.

    Hugs,

    Juanita

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  • Meece
    Meece Member Posts: 19,483
    edited January 2011

    ((((Juanita))))

    It is so hard to have our friends and loved ones succomb to the beast.  Beacause of the community during chemo, we ofen get close to others with similar dx's and sometimes we lose them. 

    My onc says that it would not likely be a recurrance of TNBC IF I get BC again.  I have passed that golden line, and the NP told me I am back in the lottery of 1 in 8 women getting it.

    I will be praying for your comfort, Juanita.

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