Getting through the actual faslodex injection

Options
Keepmewell1
Keepmewell1 Member Posts: 16
edited July 2018 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

I received my stage 4 diagnosis a week ago and it has been a whirlwind since. I'm still processing. I had my first injection and I don't want to sound like a baby but the thought of having another one is making me sick. It's not the pain exactly that's bothering me... it's the torture of standing there while the injection takes Place. It seems interminable and after the first one, it was hard to make myself go through the next. Does anyone have tips on how to distract yourself during the injection

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Tina2
    Tina2 Member Posts: 2,943
    edited June 2018

    You will find ways. Some people count silently. Some focus on their breathing. Mine is to lean on a countertop and converse with the nurse, making small talk.

    Tina

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pajim
    pajim Member Posts: 2,785
    edited June 2018

    I used to chat up the nurses as well. You could also count to 30 or 40 or 60.

    Believe me, you do not want the shots to go any faster. The slower the better. I can understand that the idea of the needle in your butt that long is disconcerting.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Celebrate_Life
    Celebrate_Life Member Posts: 103
    edited June 2018

    Make sure the falodex is warm. I put it in my armpit to warm it up. That really helped. I also chatted with the nurse to keep my mind occupied. Talking about my day, what I am looking forward to, family, etc. After two years, it became a normal part of the visit. You can do this!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited June 2018

    Books on "tape", reading, magazines, meditation, sleep, music? Could any of these with headphones distract? You've got this!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Keepmewell1
    Keepmewell1 Member Posts: 16
    edited June 2018

    Thank you to everyone who responded. I had my second shot yesterday and it went much better. My husband had videos of my grandson for me to watch. I think I was in shock the first time because the doctor just said I was getting a shot so I thought it would be wuick

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jillts
    jillts Member Posts: 18
    edited June 2018

    Oh gosh, faslodex shots didn’t bother me for some reason but am a TOTAL needlephobe so I understand. During any kind of shot (or port access) I always bite the inside of my cheek or pinch my belly to where it hurts a little and I can sort of focus on that instead. Weird but we have our little tricks!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Rainedrop
    Rainedrop Member Posts: 70
    edited July 2018

    I will be starting Faslodex on Monday. Is the shot a bummer (get it?) or side effects after? Speaking of which, what do I have to look forward to. I am going on vacation the day after my second shot

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • holmes13
    holmes13 Member Posts: 214
    edited July 2018

    when taking the shots remember to take the weight off the leg being injected. Also some women take claritin two days before,the day of and two days after. They say that it helps reduce side affects. Walking afterwards also helps.

    I understand how you feel about the shots. I cried the first time. I don't think it was the pain. It is overwhelming thinking that I have to do this every month in order to live. But what helps me is knowing that I have this great drug helping me see my daughter graduate and my grandchildren grow. Take one day at a time.
    when

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lynne
    Lynne Member Posts: 641
    edited July 2018

    I did those awful shots for a year and a half, before they stopped working. It was my first treatment at stage 4. They would warm it before hand. I too would lean on the opposite leg of the shot and would talk to the nurse, or count in my head. Afterwards, I would get bruising, and was unable to sleep on my sides (where I always sleep) for a couple of weeks, then of course it would be time to get the shots again, and start all over. I'm glad they worked for so long, but they really do have to figure out a way to thin out the medicine, or something. I'd rather have an IV.

    Good luck!

    Lynne

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Rainedrop
    Rainedrop Member Posts: 70
    edited July 2018

    do warm compresses help? I will be flying the day after my 2nd shots

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • peculiargirl
    peculiargirl Member Posts: 68
    edited July 2018

    Be sure to take a walk right after you get the shots - that will help alleviate the pain. And be sure to hydrate before and after getting them. I chat with the nurses.

    Kathy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Keepmewell1
    Keepmewell1 Member Posts: 16
    edited July 2018

    My doctor told me not to do anything like warm compresses etc. for 48 hours after to make sure the medicine is fully absorbed. I've had itching afterward and discovered that you should remove the bandages as soon as possible and cortisone cream helps. I'm not sure where you are going on vacation but I would bring a comfy pillow to sit on. Other than that, I haven't really had any side effects. Enjoy your trip!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • terri-c
    terri-c Member Posts: 180
    edited July 2018

    I've been getting these shots for 4 years now. They still hurt, but believe it or not, you get used to it. I take motrin an hour before my injections and I chew gum while I'm getting my shots, helps me breathe through them. I also take the weight off the leg getting stabbed. Once they are done, I massage the shot areas, and walk around. I take a pain pill treatment night so that I can sleep, because it is hard to get comfortable. Side effects last about a week for me, mostly bone and joint pain.

    Faslodex shots suck, but they have been working for me. Small price to pay?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Chemokaze
    Chemokaze Member Posts: 208
    edited July 2018

    Thanks everyone - I get my first shots tomorrow

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories