HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Having IV in arm that had lymphnodes removed?

StephN · 11-21-2005, 02:38 PM

Hi Lexi -
A port placement is not nearly as big a deal as the other surgeries you have undergone. I had it done before my first chemo and am glad I did as it has saved my left (good) arm for the draws that can't be done through my port (which does require a chemo-certified nurse to do). As well as the inserts for dyes/contrast when having scans.
I figured I was in this cancer game for the rest of my life and wanted to be able to minimize the scar tissue to my good veins over the long haul.

You can also get a Hickman put in on the underside of your good arm, which is an even easier procedure and will not leave a scar on your chest area.

Please, under NO circumstances let the nurses start using your surgery side arm. I now have a slight case of lymphedema and it is bothersome and takes time to deal with EVERY day! I followed as well as I could all the precautions about taking care of my surgery side arm, and still have the fluid retention after FIVE years of avoiding this side-effect.

11-21-2005, 02:38 PM	#10
StephN Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Misty woods of WA State Posts: 4,128	Port or Hickman Hi Lexi - A port placement is not nearly as big a deal as the other surgeries you have undergone. I had it done before my first chemo and am glad I did as it has saved my left (good) arm for the draws that can't be done through my port (which does require a chemo-certified nurse to do). As well as the inserts for dyes/contrast when having scans. I figured I was in this cancer game for the rest of my life and wanted to be able to minimize the scar tissue to my good veins over the long haul. You can also get a Hickman put in on the underside of your good arm, which is an even easier procedure and will not leave a scar on your chest area. Please, under NO circumstances let the nurses start using your surgery side arm. I now have a slight case of lymphedema and it is bothersome and takes time to deal with EVERY day! I followed as well as I could all the precautions about taking care of my surgery side arm, and still have the fluid retention after FIVE years of avoiding this side-effect.