Facing My 5th Chemo Treatment with Apprehension

So sorry

I had a great nurse she didn't hurt me wend she put the port-cath nails in . The next week I hope I get a good nurse again 🙏

So sorry. Good luck

There’s a numbing cream my Dr gave me to apply before treatment. Lidocaine and prilocaine cream USP 2.5%. I’m suppose to apply a small amount over my port and then place cling wrap over it to allow it not to rub off. I start my chemo on 5/20. I’ve only needed my port accessed once since getting it and had a great nurse. I’m hoping the cream works as not every nurse is the same. If you don’t have this cream, as your Dr about it.

I have the numbing cream it didn't work for the last two nurse. So just got to figure it out with time of cream.

I had lymphoma back in 2005 and they gave me a numbing cream to put over my portacath prior to my chemotherapy treatments. It helped a little bit, but what helped me the most was taking a deep breath right before she inserted the needle. I don't know if it was the deep breath or just my mind being taken away from the insertion of the needle or not, but that helped me. I now have breast cancer and my lymph nodes were clear so I'm not having to go through chemotherapy again. Just surgery and radiation

Try putting the cream on about 45 minutes before and cover it with Saran wrap. Buy the time they access your port it won’t hurt!! Good luck!!

Prayers

Deep breath in and then blow out as though you are trying to blow out candles on birthday cake as they poke you!

Jennifer F Do you put on lidocaine before you leave home? This is to help a great deal. I went for my 1st chemo and did not put the cream on. But the nurse was fantastic. I hardly felt anything. I’m hoping that continues. Still may use the cream. 😳 I hope this helped. 🩷

Hi Jennifer, For me, accessing the port did hurt at times. I also think I hated it so much. There is a story behind it that I was always anticipating for it to be painful. I did apply the lidocaine in the car on my way into treatment at least 45 to 1 hour ahead. Sometimes, it worked. At the end of the day, it does hurt, and you may also be scared at times. Good luck 💗

Let me tell you pace yourself with those chemo treatments when your body is really down is trying to tell you no not right now wait a week and then at the end of that week if your body still telling you no wait another week. You should be taking something to stop you from being nauseated vomiting and possibly a steroid before during and after treatment. Consult your doctor. After doing that it was smooth sailing

I also use the numbing cream. The nurses all get in the port every time.

The chemo treatment is taking a toll on body now I'm having rash on my arm that looks like sunburn and I don't have the energy . I go tomorrow for 9 week of chemo treatment.

My Dr gave me a prescription for numbing cream. What a difference

Thank you for the helpful it getting better.

Port access doesn't usually hurt when I use the lidocaine cream. You have to put it on 1 hour before treatment. If you forgot, as I have done, ask the nurse for ice.. it works

I agree with Joanne B. Exactly what I did.

It's completely understandable to feel apprehensive before treatment, especially when previous sessions have been challenging. Many people in this community have found it helpful to discuss port discomfort with their care team, as there are often techniques or adjustments that can help make the experience more comfortable. Wishing you strength as you take this next step in your treatment journey.