Anybody have Chemo vein?

MyraVH
MyraVH Member Posts: 23
edited June 2014 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After


The NP at my oncologist said it's Chemo vein when I texted her a picture of my right arm (where I get infusion) and was told to apply Neosporin / Hydrocortisone cream 1:1 ratio 3x/day and see if that helps and if not, then she will prescribe me with something else. It started just getting itchy 2 weeks ago and I tried my best not tot scratch the itch and applied Aveeno anti-itch lotion. By Saturday 11/30, the skin started getting red along the vein from needle site up to mid-arm. My last infusion was 11/18/13 and I felt the painful jab of the IV needle and it felt like nurse had a hard time inserting the needle in. The vein didn't hurt at all during, after and even now. Now it looks dark red dry skin along the vein since I've been applying the ointments since 12/4. Tomorrow is my 3rd chemo ( only 1 left after tomorrow) and I'm scared it's going to be painful again even if they use a different vein. I'm praying that they will not recommend a port. Anyone experiencing / had the same thing?

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Comments

  • raynaj
    raynaj Member Posts: 236
    edited December 2013


    My veins took a beating during chemo, I wish they had put a port in me. Taxotere was the worst, it's caused from when they pull out the needle there may be a little that gets under your skin. I have scars on all four spots that they put the needle. One got really itchy and had little bumps on the skin. I finished chemo on Sept. 27 and my last spot the vein is still hard and has a lump and the hardness goes up my vein about 4 inches. The one spot that was itchy a doctor gave me some cream for. Make sure you show them at your next chemo visit.

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  • sherbab
    sherbab Member Posts: 106
    edited December 2013

    Myra, I was trying to convince them I didn't need the port but got the chemo vein on both hands from Taxotere and between the 3rd and 4th session I had the port surgery and very happy I did. I am not sure if they spots will scar but they are definitely on the tops of both hands and on my left it runs past my wrist and since they are on the top where the veins are you can't really cover it up.

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  • MyraVH
    MyraVH Member Posts: 23
    edited December 2013


    Raynaj: I will definitely show them tomorrow when I go in for my 3rd cycle. Did your doctor say anything how to get rid of the lumps and vein hardening after? Does massaging the arm help?


    Sherbab: I'm ok with the scars as long as I can get away from having the port. A woman I met during my PT last Friday told me that hers is very uncomfortable specially along her neck when she sleeps and positions her head either right or left. And I am scared of needles and I was told the needle for the port is thicker and curved. As it is, I am having a hard time facing my fear of the needle every time I go in for blood drawing and chemo. Guess in what state I'm in right now for tomorrow's appointment and worrying too about this vein.

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