Just diagnosed

Frances - So sorry to hear you have to fight this battle again.  Once a lifetime is certainly enough for anyone.  The port surgery is very quick and simple for just about everyone, I think.  It's outpatient, light anesthesia, and out in time for lunch.  My port stuck out quite a bit on my bony chest and was a real aggravation sometimes, especially with my seatbelt, but boy does it make for fast, easy chemo treatments.  Welcome, and best of luck with both your surgery and your treatment.

Good luck Frances!  Hope it all goes well for you.

Love n hugs.  Chrissy

Hi Frances,

I had a port & it made chemo a breeze.  I had chemo first & it was needed for my surgery so I kept it.  I had a lot of blood draws & check ups the first 2 years and having it made them so easy.  Here I am 3.5 years out & I still have it.  Some people don't like them but once I got used to mine I don't remember it's there.  Hope this helps. NJ

Frances, so sorry that you are going through this. I have a port and I was uncomfortable the first week but after that everything was good and it is very, very coonvenient for me. I barefly feel it at all!

Frances, I just want to welcome you as well. I am so sorry about the circumstances, that really, really sucks. You'll find loads of great support here though!

Hi Frances, Sorry you're joining us, but glad you found our group. we will help you through. Come here often for support and great information, We all " get it" and can help negotiate those dark days

It is all do able  with support.

The port was simple to be implanted and even simpler to remove!

Sorry to hear you're joining us Frances, but welcome.  As far as my port goes, I had it installed with no problems and was out in a couple of hours.  My veins have always been hard to find so it's been a godsend for me to have it.  When you do have your port used, put on some Emla prescription cream to numb the area a little.  Put that on about an hour before the draw.  You'll be so pleased to have a port.  You'll realize it after your first treatment.

 You'll beat this again I'm sure but we're here for you for the journey.

Hi Frances! Welcome!  I'm so sorry you got dx'ed with a second primary but I'm glad you found us.

I'm another one who found out the port placement is important for women who don't have much fat.  I eventually had to have my original port removed and a smaller one inserted.  The first surgeon didn't even tell me that there are different sizes so that was great relief to know I was getting a smaller one.  The second surgeon took time with me to figure out the best place and I still have it almost a year after my last chemo.  Doesn't bother me at all!

I'm one of those that loves having a port.  I do not like IVs.  But don't be surprised if it hurts for the first week after it's been placed.  They told me that after it's inserted they can use it right away.  Well, in my case they were going to get their hand bit if they tried!  After a week it was fine. 

EMLA is lidocaine in a cream.  Some infusion centers use lidocaine before they access the port (i.e. stick the needle in) and others don't.  The place where I go they give you a shot of lidocaine first -- it's a very small needle so they tell you it's a misquito bite.  But I've also used the cream.  You slather it on about an hour before and just cover it with plastic wrap so it doesn't get on your clothes.

If they don't have the cream they might have a "freezing spray", not as good as the cream but does make it a less sensitive.

Hi Frances.  Sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis.  Just thought I'd add my 2 cents about the port.  I didn't get one, and sorely regretted it.  It was often tricky for the chemo nurses to get a good stick in my veins, and toward the end of chemo, I had a massive Taxol leak into my hand, which badly injured my right hand for several months.  That pain was far worse than the chemo!!  So I decided then and there that if I ever had to go through this again, I'd definitely get a port.  And part of the reason I didn't get one is because I too react badly to anesthesia, but it's amazing what they can pull off these days - I had NO trouble from anesthesia after the mastectomy surgery.

Hi Frances. Sorry you have to join the group, but you sound very concentrated on your treatment and that's great!!!

I have read a lot about Budwig protocol, even had it for a month after my surgery in January. Then stopped because I started chemo and I read that it's best not to interfere with chemo,  But next month I will be done with chemo and looking into starting it again. The only doubt in my case is that flax has phytoestrogen in it and I am er +. So need to do more research. Have asked few times on these boards, but no experience shared yet.

Good luck with your treatment. You CAN and WILL do it !!! Let us know if/ when you start Budwig.

Hugs,

Karina 

Thanks Frances. BTW the month I was having it, I was feeling great, no jount pain, lots of energy and a glowing skin. Wish you peace, strength and health xx

Kerry, thanks for your input, I am skeptical about taking it, but have read so many positive opinions about it. But since I am er+, I won't risk it myself /what's the use of having ooph and take phytoestrogen /, so I think I will go for my next option - Turmeric and black pepper!!!  Have you any experience on this?