After a summer of multiple surgeries and the diagnosis of rare aggressive mucinous ovarian cancer, I had the good news that the cancer hasn’t spread to my lymph nodes which makes it 1C. While my oncologist explained that it’s difficult to quantify the benefits of adjuvant chemo due to the rare nature, she did recommend 6 cycles of carboplatin single agent in three week intervals which is what I’m having now.
I asked about a port as I’ve seen many positive stories from patients who have one, but due it just being carboplatin (no placlitaxel), it takes less than 2 hours to administer including pre and post meds/flushes. She said it’s worth trying without and seeing how I get on, with the option of having a port or PICC later down the line. I did struggle with the cannulas for my surgeries, but am ok with blood tests and like the idea of not having anything in my body when I get home from chemo, so went with the cannual option.
The first session was a doddle, cannula was inserted quickly and I had no bruising or pain. Yesterday was my second session, again it was inserted easily (into the same vein). Nurse said we would try the other side next time but that it’s possible we’ll struggle with the 4th or 5th session. I had a bit of pain last night but it’s pretty much gone today.
I looked through some older posts and while many of you are recommending a port over cannula and share their positive experiences, there is little from those who have actually gone with the cannula option. So my question is, have any of you gone the six cycles via cannula and how did it go for you? Thanks so much in advance.
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Hi, I am in my ninth year now with high grade serous ovarian and have had 3 lines of different chemo during that time. I have always had a cannula, with predominantly no problems. Sometimes you might get someone who is not as experienced at inserting a cannula,and of course it all hangs on how good your veins are. I hope things continue to go well for you.x
hello, I had all mine that way and received the dual chemo. It was difficult by cycle four and they had to get the unit super stabber in! The last two weren’t easy but they managed it with lots of warming and squeezing. My last one I actually drove there with hand warmers strapped to the backs of my hands as I was determined it was going into my hand!!
I’d hang in there and save yourself a procedure if you can xx
Hi Yorkiepudd, thanks so much for your response. Ha, I was the same yesterday with hot water bottles. Will try the hand warmers next time as the bottles were a bit awkward! 😆
I think I had the super stabber these last two times, I was so relieved when it was her again yesterday. Makes such a difference. I originally asked for the numbing cream but apparently that makes your veins disappear so not a good idea!
Hi felt I must reply as had all 6 with canulla &no problem at all. Veins were always warmed with a heat pad before each session & only once had to change to the other hand as vein was feeling a bit tired 😂Was never given the option of a picc but very happy with cannula anyway.Just focus on that positive end , you can do this! Hugs Dee X
Hi I had all 6 carboplatin cycles by cannula, first couple were difficult but due more to the experience of nurses than anything else. By the last few I had much more experienced ‘stabbers’ and had no problems and no effects on my veins etc. A little bit of pain or bruising for a couple of days was the worst I got.
I’ve had 4 courses of chemo all with a cannula and a trial of immunotherapy (which was stopped as it wasn’t working)
I only have a bit of trouble sometimes with the CT cannulas, but the chemo nurses can usually get one in and I only have one arm to use, due to lymphedema from the breast surgery.
I personally have fought against ports as I want to have the cannula taken out before I leave and didn’t want a permanent reminder with a port.
It’s just my opinion, but what I’m trying to say is, it is possible just with a cannula
Thanks Doglover1410, great to hear that it worked for you. I’m with you on that, not mega keen on having the more invasive permanent reminder if there is a way around it. Xx
Hello - so sorry you've been diagnosed with cancer. Not a club any of us wish to join. So glad your surgery went forward ok as well - such an important step in our journey's. I too was diagnosed with 1C MOC in March this year. I went on to have 6 carbo mop up sessions in three week cycles. I went the canula route first - first and second session went ok. Third and fourth session - I had pain and quite a bit of leaking of the canula where we had to stop the infusion, clean me up and sort out the leak. I found that very distressing and the Oncologist suggested a picc line. Which I had fitted for the 4th and 6th session. The infusion via the picc could not be more straightforward - they just clip you up to the line and in it goes! The downside is -having it on your arm and navigating that with clothes. Also showering /bathing is a bit tricky to keep it dry (I believe you can get a plastic covering for it). My only upset was not being able to go swimming! But the relief of knowing the chemo would go in without a problem was very significant, Good luck x
Thank you for your kind message. I’m sorry you have been through it as well. My chemo has also been called a mop up. Did you experience any hair loss on Carbo? My oncologist is confident it should be minimal and so far I haven’t noticed a difference. Fingers crossed it stays that way!
Thanks for sharing your experiences with both cannula and PICC - I’m glad it all worked out for you xx
Hello - in terms of hair loss. I actually think my hair was thinning in the weeks or months running up to my diagnosis. I think it then thinned out a bit more during chemo . Good luck x
I never wanted any sort of permanent line in so had 6 rounds of first line chemo, another 18 of Avastin plus recently 2 lines of second line chemo. I always make sure I am really well hydrated as this swells the veins and make them easier to find. I manage my own veins as I now know where the best ones are and try to alternate them. Some nurses are better than others. If someone has two attempts and fails I ask them to fetch someone more experienced , this has only happened once. Nurses in the chemo unit are doing this all the time and are usually very experienced. They also put a warm bean bag on the vein for 10 minutes to help it to swell. Maybe I have good skin but I have no bruises or marks on my skin. Wishing you all the best with your treatment x
Thanks so much for the tip, I wasn’t aware that being hydrated helps. I usually drink a lot anyway but will make sure I crank it up before my next session. X
I’ve had 6 cycles of carbo, taxol and another one beginning with b 😂 first 4 we’re ok but had to often put my hand in a bucket of hat water as my veins started to object. Then they suggested a PICC it was annoying and got in the way, couldn’t relax in the path or do my usual swim. I only said yes because I felt like a pain for the poor nurses it took a while to get the cannula in and multiple tries but it didn’t really trouble me, just felt sorry for the nurses struggling 💕 do what feels best for you x
I've done both cannula and Picc. After my first round of chemo I said to myself ' if I have to have chemo again I'm not leaving the oncologist office until the Picc referral goes through. Being cannulated every time was really painful for me and I also had leaks from incorrectly placed cannulas. Every unit has a nurse who is a magician, can get blood out of a stone 'etc but the problem is when their off you might be left with the inexperienced nurse who doesn't have those skills. I have had an IV placed using ultrasound mapping of your veins and that was wonderful.2nd time round I had a Picc the beauty of it is your hooked up and treatment starts right away. When your finished they unhook you and you go, much less faffing. You do have to get the line flushed and cleaned weekly but that's only a 15 minute procedure.
In addition to the various cannulas in hospital, I have had 15 cannulas over the past two years and agree with the comments above. Make sure you are well hydrated on the day, keep both hands warm and that the nurse uses a heat pad. I full understand that in the future if on weekly chemo I may have to have a PICC line but wherever possible I would avoid it as long as possible. Sending hugs and best wishes for your treatment. Katy 🙏💐
Hi, I actually went through 18 weeks of chemo with cannulas. Occasionally they had a problem getting the cannula inserted but after leaving my arm in warm water for a few minutes they managed to find a vein. The back of my hand went like leather and I was told it would always be like that but in fact it soon went back to normal. The cannula doesn't have to be put in the same place every time so there's usually somewhere they can put it. Hope this helps.
I had carboplatin alone, 6 cycles, all via cannula. My veins are rubbish but I do know which are the best ones to use. There were two chemo nurses in the unit where I was treated, one of whom listened to me and used the good veins, the other did what she liked and snatched the cannula out when I was done. So provided you have a nurse who is willing to be gentle and careful, you'll be fine. Oh, and I've been cancer free for over 17 years.
Thanks so much, yes it makes a huge difference which nurse you get on the day. My veins aren’t great either but it’s been very straightforward so far. So happy to hear the wonderful news of you being cancer free for over 17 years. 🤗
I've had six weekly sessions so far with a cannula, with three more to go before an op, then I'll be looking at more chemo. I've had no problems with the cannulas, they use the smallest possible in my hospital, and I would definitely favour it over a port. I try to drink plenty of water the day before and on the morning I'm having chemo (my daughter, who has immunotherapy for a non-cancer illness was advised to do this) and I've never had a problem. Hope that helps!
Yes I had all 12 chemos via a cannula. The last couple were difficult trying to get IV access. I would recommend trying. I really didn’t like the thoughts of a port with risks of infection etc , however many people swear by them.
Yes I have used a canula all the way and now waiting for another one for the maintenance protocol.
It helped warming my hands pre canulation and lots of moisturiser to keep the skin pliable so it doesn’t blunt the needle tip as it eases through the skin.
I had a Chest Port inserted in 2014 and Love, Love, Love it! I’ve had a number of recurrences, so have kept it in. Ps- my veins are small and difficult. The Port has been a Blessing. Please consider it.
I too was mucinous 1c coming up for 10 years cancer free. I had all my chemo by cannulae, didn’t want port as had heard of infections regarding it.
Won’t say I didn’t have bruising or painful insertions, but it depended who did it, some nurses were really good and I tended to ask for them. I just wanted something that made me forget about the whole experience once it was over. I would recommend you stick with the cannula if you possibly can,
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