Last treatment (1month ago today) I developed large lumps at both injection sites. When I say large I mean ovoid, the width of my palm with the length up to the last joint of my fingertips. Today-treatment day, I still have 1” size knots at the sites.
Nurse told me it was not uncommon with people who had received years of these injections, but this is only my 8th set! Supposedly, this has nothing to do with absorption or efficacy, but surely just adds to discomfort as my hips and pelvis are swiss cheese!
Any thoughts???
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4thTimesTheCharm
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Whoa. I’m about 6 mos into faslodex. I have found that the nurse’s technique makes a big difference. I’ve wound up with a big ugly red spot that felt and looked like a burn. I wound up with an enormous bruise. Make sure it is warmed up and injected slowly. It’s supposed to be over a couple of minutes but good luck with that! Bend your knee to relax the gluteal muscle. If there is one nurse who is particularly brutal, try to avoid them and or speak to the unit manager. Maybe the nurses need an inservice. I’m going for this months shot now. Ouch.
Thanks for the encouragement and reminder. Yes, my nurse has been careful about the warming (I do get the same nurse each time and she gets them out at least 3 hours ahead) and also was very careful today to move the injection sites today. I’ll just have to be patient and see what develops over the next day or so.
Yes Ibrance. Some progression in summer so switched from letrozole to faslodex. I feel so much better on faslodex. Just don’t look forward to the shots and it’s a long drive to and from the city. But latest scan stable with some regression.
Understand. I have about a50 min drive one way. Maybe you’ll be more comfortable if you can plan a brief walk-about before your drive back. I try to have an errand lined up so I don’t have to sit for an hour immediately after the injections!
I'm in the waiting room right now for 1st Fluvesterant injections, saw your post and I'm encouraged about feeling better on the F shots vs. Letrozole. Fingers crossed!
I agree that technique and time make a huge difference! Had my 3rd round last Friday so i’m done with the “front-loading” part, will likely start Ibrance soon too. First two rounds of shots left me sore for a day or two but no bruising. Last one was a dream, no soreness at all. What I think made the difference was that the fluid was nice and warmed up (held in the nurse’s warm palms for several minutes), injected slowly and done slightly further out towards my sides than the previous two. I also take one ibuprofen a few hours beforehand and drink plenty of fluids. Reading others’ hints here has been so helpful. I hope you have an easier time next go around! Patty
I agree with everything that's already been said. I've had 12 cycles of faslodex and had painful egg size lumps a couple of times, but not as big as yours. I find massaging the site for a couple of minutes after the injection helps prevent this, as well as heated car seats on the way home. Oh and I put the syringes under my arms for at least 10 mins before administration to get the fluid to body temperature.
Wow. I was on Faslodex for 11 years and never had anything that bad. I did have a few instances of big bruises on my butt but never anything like that. I did have some nurses who weren't as good as others in giving the injection. Some were so good i never felt the needle go in. They always warmed it up and when they were injecting into my right side I put all my weight on the left side and then visa versa. Hope that helps.
I get lumps, but they are bigger and hot and itchy with adhesive bandaids. I have them use paper tape. I still get lumps, but no discomfort. Also, have the nurse slow down the injection. It helps.
YUP! Paper tape is the ONLY way to go! I think the nurse did slow down the injection this last time...so maybe my reaction will not be so noticeable. The lumps are simply a pain in the *****! Thank you!
I’m glad it helped you. One of the nurses suggested that I try the paper tape. I didn’t get it, since I never had a problem with bandaids. I think the adhesive causes a reaction with the Faslodex just under the skin. I hope all is well with you.
1. Take two 650 mg of Tylenol on the way to the Cancer Center
2. Get my blood test
3. Put Lidocaine numbing cream on the injection sites with a clear covering on top to keep the lidocaine from rubbing off.
4. I see my oncologist to review the bloodwork. This takes about an hour and gives the lidocaine plenty of time to numb me up.
5. When he approves the injection, they take the faslodex out of the refrigerator to get it to room temperature. Then the nurse and I roll the needles in our hands to warm it to body temperature.
6. Once warmed, I stand on one foot and relax my other leg. They remove the lidocaine wrap and I get the injection. Then I change legs for the second injection.
7. The nurse puts on two bandaids on each injection site in an x.
8. The nurse gives me two ice packs and I put them on the injection sites. I wear stretch pants and just slip them in and hold them in place.
9. I take a walk around the center for 10-15 minutes holding the ice packs in place. I am a site to behold, but who cares.
10. I take the tube of lidocaine home for my next visit.
11. At night I rest myself on a heating pad.
12. No pain and very little redness on the site. I have been getting shots since August.
It is normal and common to develop adhesions/lumps at injection sites. I have had them. Over year with faslodex. After the shots walk around 10-15 minutes then sit on heating pad for a while. The injection is oil based so it is thick. Then I take hot bath in epsom salts- no more damn lumps. I know the pain. Hugs
Few more things- I am a pediatric nurse and so used to giving multiple shots with another nurse to children. From the first round I have had two nurses do my shots at the same time. It is easier this way for me to take the two at one time. Also oily based meds can be given slow or fast- it is up to you to say your comfort level. I have had nurses push fast and it hurts less for me than slow pushes. Hope this helps.
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