kickincancer Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 Mom has been having pain in her elbow and thumb. Back in 1999 she had a lumpectomy and around 30 lympnodes taken out of that arm. She was never suppose to be given chemo in that arm. Well, when all the veins in the other arm blew they gave her chemo in that arm. So you think that could be the problem? We are praying that the cancer has not spread to that area. She goes back to the Dr. next Monday for her 2nd round of scans since starting tarceva. Please remember her in your prayers. Other than her elbow pain she is doing great and still working full time. Thanks for any thoughts you may have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzie Q Posted March 10, 2006 Share Posted March 10, 2006 They do not want the arm used for BP checks or IVs because the removal of lymph nodes increases the risk of lymphedema in that arm. If all of the veins in her "good" arm are bad, is there any reason she cannot have a port installed in her chest? It makes chemo much easier and less time-consming, provided all the nurses are trained to use a port. Even if the patient goes to the ER, the port should be accessed instead of looking for a vein. It cannot be used for CT contrast injections, though, because it cannot sustain the pressure needed for the bolus injection of contrast (or so I am told via the literature sent home with Mom). I would go for the port, hands down. ~Suz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolhg Posted March 10, 2006 Share Posted March 10, 2006 I certainly will pray that your mother will be okay. Prayers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted March 10, 2006 Share Posted March 10, 2006 I hope this helps..I read recently, and I cannot tell you where, that lc rarely spreads to the axillary lymph nodes. Hang in there! Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted March 10, 2006 Share Posted March 10, 2006 The arn where the lymph nodes were removed should never be used for blood tests or blood pressure test or any injection. There are bracelets that sge could wear on her arm for that. They are free www.lumphedema.com or 1-800-29-EDEMA what I do in the hospital is use a red marker and write on the arm,''DONT USE THIS ARM'' plus wearing the Alert:lymphedema bracelet. A Port should be installed right now to protect her from more harm......... When will they learn ????????? Best of luck Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted March 10, 2006 Share Posted March 10, 2006 sorry for the spelling mistakes, wearing my brace and having a tough time on the computer. Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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