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Vein Problems

Krgowl
Krgowl Member Posts: 8

Hi all,

I finished TCHP 3 weeks ago, and my veins are shot. 🥴 I have one vein that's turned dark (it looks like a faint bruise line running up my arm), and on the same side, I have a small lump/knot in a vein near my wrist. The nurse said the darkening of the vein is normal but to "watch the lump." It's sore to the touch but not painful.

My other arm doesn't have any lumps but is a bit swollen (not as worrisome).

I'm hoping I can get the herceptin injection (as opposed to the transfusion) approved by my insurance soon so that I can give these poor veins a rest!!

Anyone else have this issue?

Comments

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,324
    edited February 2022

    Krgrowl - I'm surprised that your did not recommend a port. For HER2+ patients, you'll on drugs for most of a year. Also a port can be used for all blood draws. I LOVED my port.

    Of course they might use a 'pick' line, but that's much harder to keep clean & to make sure you have no infections.

  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 5,261
    edited February 2022

    I’m so sorry you weren’t offered a port. As minus two mentioned, a PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) might be possible should you need IV herceptin rather than an injection. Take care

  • threetree
    threetree Member Posts: 1,684
    edited February 2022

    Agree with the others and wonder why they never offered you a port. Even a PICC would be better! My mother had one of those and even though they are more likely to cause infection than a port, she had no problems with it. A port is definitely the way to go!