Terrible day at the hospital

[Neona57]

Arrived at UCLH for my weekly check-up for my clinical trial. 3 cannulas refused to work-trouble even getting blood. Low magnesium again -apparently permanent damage from frontline chemo- and serious dehydration. Have to go back again tomorrow to try for the cannula again. Just want to give up as the trial pills make me so sick but I am convinced that the rumours that I can feel have shrunk. Feeling trapped and can’t stop crying.

[Lily-Anne]

When are you due a scan? It'll make you feel better. Dehydration will lower your mood too, please ask your team for help.

Big hugs

LA xx

[Neona57 in reply to Lily-Anne]

Scan is on 13th Feb but they will arrange an ultrasound of kidneys next week-I’m being very well looked after but am now paranoid about the needles and have asked for a port-terrified of that as well.

[Cnmart in reply to Neona57]

I'm so sorry to read about all your woes - my veins have always been useless. I got a port before chemo started - don't be scared of having one, they are a godsend!! Mine makes everything pain free, I don't feel a thing and it is all so easy. All best wishes and hugs. Christina xxx

[January-2016-UK]

Do ask for a port. You can read a number of posts on here regarding ports. Mac27 started a recent one over Christmas. Do tell your team how trapped you're feeling. You seem to have a number of different problems at the same time. I expect your team will control the sickness but it may take time to identify what will work for you. Did you have to go back home or are you being put up overnight?

I was at UCLH today but at Huntley Street. Good luck tomorrow, I don't know how to advise you reading the difficulties with the cannula as I haven't really suffered but I have heard that dehydration makes it worse.

Best wishes for tomorrow. Are you there next Tuesday too? I'm at Huntley Street for chemo at 12.00 but that time is really rather an aspiration rather than anything rooted in reality. I might be able to pop in and see you.

All the best!

Helen

[Neona57 in reply to January-2016-UK]

Yes am there next Monday and Tuesday-a friend puts me up for the night. I am at 170 Tottenham Court Rd-the UCLH research facility-very close to the McMillan Centre. Is Huntley St far? I may have a scan in the morning, then go to the research facility for tests and pills and have an echo cardio gram at 4.00pm. It would be just amazing to meet you!

[January-2016-UK in reply to Neona57]

Yes, I know it, I've been to the research facility for tests for various trials that for varying reasons I was ineligible. Sorry, for being confusing Macmillan Centre is Huntley St. I'll private message you my mobile number and we can liaise.

Off to bed now. Rufus has fallen asleep and I hope he doesn't spot us disappearing.....

[Neona57 in reply to January-2016-UK]

How long is your chemo to last?

[January-2016-UK in reply to Neona57]

Including the pre-med infusion and the ten minute flush at the end, it takes about nearly two hours. Which building is your echo?

Hope you finally got sorted with the cannula. Are you getting sorted for a port?

[Janet235]

If only they were 'rumours' and not tumours!

Sending you best wishes and two words of advice

Please don't be afraid of contemplating having a port, yes its another procedure but I can tell you you won't regret it and compared to the cannula fight each time it's a doddle once in place... talk to someone.

Drink drink drink to avoid dehydration, especially prior to cannulation today. This will plump up your veins. I bought those fizzy Vit C tabs from Sainsbury's and alternate with the multi Vit ones daily. Yes most of it you will wee out but an extra Vit boost will do you no harm...

Good luck today Janet x 🌈

[Tesla_7US]

Please, please demand a port! I do not want to offend the dear, dear women on this forum who I admire and respect, but to be jabbing any of you with cannulas is inhumane. I've had a port for over two years and have not had a single problem with it. I forget it's there.

[Neona57 in reply to Tesla_7US]

I have asked for one.

[Solange]

So sorry you've had such trouble, Neona. I really feel for you. I have the same problem with cannulas, even being unable to succeed twice before my scans so no contrast dye, despite the hospitals IV team trying with ultrasound. They do nothing but insert cannulas and both times had never failed before. Blood tests a nightmare, too. Good Luck for today. Keep very warm beforehand and drink loads and loads of fluids. Even a bit of dehydration makes things difficult, let alone it being severe. Hopefully things will go better this time. One time, when a cannula couldn't be inserted the Nurse tried an old fashioned thing. She put hot water in a rubber glove and I sat and held it on my arm and lo and behold - it worked! Maybe take a hot water bottle with you? Hope you feel less tearful soon.

Love, Solange 😊Xx

[Travelmonster]

Sorry to hear you've had this trouble Neona, I also have had the same problem with cannulation and one time it took 4 attempts. It definitely helps to keep hydrated and drink plenty of fluids - also if you have access to hot water that really helps, the first thing I used to do upon arriving for my chemo was run my hands under the hot water tap for a while, it really helps the veins come up.

Much love

Paula xxxx

[Hidden]

Hope today was a better day for you

[Neona57 in reply to Hidden]

Yes thank you-in that they got a cannula in my hand and I had the drip.

[Yoshbosh]

That all sounds horrible, Neona

Low magnesium can affect your mood too. Although it sounds like you may need proper help there if it is permanent damage, Epsom salt baths are a good way of absorbing a bit of magnesium through your skin.

I hope the trial team can get you back on track so that you feel more comfortable and confident with what's going on.

Oh, and another vote for a port here - hated the fact that I had to have it fitted, but ohhhh, so much easier to deal with. Bloods, meds, no drama or battles.

Vicki x