Post-infusion pain in arm

[HikerWife]

Follow-up question to my husband having leakage during 3rd docetaxel infusion. First was swelling, which went down within hours (instructed to ice & elevate). Next came nasty red marks a couple of days later - a vein that was red & inflamed-looking, red splotches that may have been reaction to tape used (or not). Latest is that Eric has developed pretty significant pain throughout arm. MO had him come in for an ultrasound to rule out thrombosis/clot in veins (that was fine), and an MRI to look for tissue damage/necrosis. That seems to be fine too, except for some lingering edema, and an "increased T1 signal" at a vein (I'm assuming this is the vein that made a red track on his arm - any help with this finding would be appreciated, as I didn't find much that made sense to me googling the term). The medical team seemed flummoxed by this whole situation - didn't really know what was causing it or how to fix it. There was a lot of chin-scratching. However - the pain is really significant, and is throughout his arm now. He's having a very hard time sleeping and is taking a lot of Vicodin to get enough relief to sleep - this concerns us both. His MO mentioned in her report that a literature search showed the possibility of nerve damage resulting in permanent pain (GREAT😐). ANY help with this would be much appreciated. (We are considering having a PICC line for his three remaining infusions). Thanks so much.

[K-xo]

I have no medical advice, but I just want to offer you my support. The hubby and I are heading out for his 3rd docetaxel infusion NOW. Ugh! This Dx is a roller coaster ride so I'm hoping your husband’s symptoms are temporary and will soon subside. Hang in there girl. You got this. Xo

[HikerWife in reply to K-xo]

Thanks for the good wishes & support, we're muddling through as well as we can! As we all do. Hope your husband's treatments are all uneventful.

[Tall_Allen]

It sounds like vasculitis or cellulitis (The T1 MRI is showing the edema). PICC line sounds like a good move for next time.

[HikerWife in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks, TA, really appreciate your input. I was hoping you'd chime in.😊

[chips1942]

Hi, Sorry to hear about Eric’s reaction at the docetaxel infusion site. I’m currently on docetaxel treatment and getting all infusions & blood tests through a port that was placed in my upper chest prior to starting. Totally painless, easy access and it doesn’t affect my lifestyle (sleep, exercise, showering etc.). It may be a way he can avoid future difficulties at the injection site. Best

[HikerWife in reply to chips1942]

Thanks for your input! We discussed a port with med team - we're both reluctant to have 2 surgeries with full anesthesia for 3 more rounds of chemo. A friend who is a retired pediatric oncology nurse suggested a PICC line - team agrees this is a good option for us. Apparently Eric is REALLY hard to get a line in - took SIX tries when he had anesthesia for his biopsy last fall.

[chips1942 in reply to HikerWife]

The port placement used a local anesthetic, I was wide awake and cooperated with the doctor. As with Eric, I really don’t know the future treatment path. Short term, we can only look at the current treatment we are having. I view the port on a longer term of treatment. Although I have a very positive attitude & lots of reasons to live a quality long life, I’m a realist and see that systemic treatment is my only path to that life. The port will be used for any possible future chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy.

[Grandpa4]

sounds like a nerve is trapped in the inflammation. Guessing it will quiet down as the inflammation decreases although a scar could form around a nerve. Thinking neurontin might help. It is good for nerve pain.

[HikerWife in reply to Grandpa4]

Thanks for the help, that makes sense. He's still really uncomfortable, but his pcp gave him a script for cymbalta, which also is good for nerve pain. Fingers crossed!

[j-o-h-n]

Is his arm warm to the touch? (compared to his other one)....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Wednesday 06/14/2023 10:45 PM DST

[HikerWife in reply to j-o-h-n]

Nope, no warmth to arm and no fever. The pain and skin sensitivity see to be calming down some at last - it's been 10+ days.

[j-o-h-n in reply to HikerWife]

Good - Now time to wrap his two arms around you again......

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Thursday 06/15/2023 2:55 PM DST