Treatment Tips
Infusions
Prep for Your Infusion
Advice if you are a “Hard Stick”
I naturally have small veins that collapse and hide. It became worse after being treated with an infusion chemotherapy Gemzar, which seemed to irritate and further constrict my vein size. Understandably I became a bit anxious after several needle stick mishaps setting the IV.
Recommendations
Drink LOTS of fluids prior to your infusion to pump up your veins and help clear the toxins from your system.
Keep warm (wear a sweater, hat, cover extremities, sockies etc.) prior to IV placement.
Consider taking Ativan (lorazepam), a prescription short acting anti-anxiety agent, approx 15-30 minutes prior to the nurse placing the IV needle.
Have nurse wrap your arms with warm, moist towels to relax. This also helps dilate, raise the veins to the skin surface prior to IV insertion.
Consider Installing a Port
A Port is a small appliance that is installed just beneath the skin in your upper chest. The port has a catheter (plastic tube), also under the skin, that connects it to a vein. When a Nurse is placing the IV into a port a short needle just penetrates the septum, a silicon membrane under your skin and your treatment can be injected with this easier process. The Port can be used repeatedly over time for your treatment needs. Ask you treatment team for more details as above is a brief description.
Ask about and consider having a Port implanted. Installing a Port made a tremendous difference for Rod. It made infusions much easier for both patient and nursing staff especially for those with difficult veins.
Your doctor can prescribe a topical anesthetic (lidocaine 2.5% and prilocaine 2.5%) to put on your port site 30-60 minutes before they place the IV. This numbing agent reduces initial needle insertion, this discomfort reduces with time
During Your Infusion:
Bring some things to keep you comfortable and entertained
Games, deck of cards, a book, adult coloring book & colored pencils, art project to keep distracted and entertained
iPad
Ear pods
Some items to keep you warm.
Reference Carry Bag Suggestions
Radiation
Head and Neck Radiation Preparation
(ie if near neck, oral regions or esophagus)
Suggested actions to be taken PRIOR to starting radiation treatment
Recommendations
Radiation patients should take Salagen as it helps 40% of patients to stimulate salivary flow. This prescription medication takes 12 weeks to work but it has been shown to have a radioprotective effect on salivary glands. Check with your physician before using Salagen to confirm it is not contraindicated with your treatment regimen.
Take Salagen, 5 mg twice a day.
Copious amount of water may be needed.
Optimoist spray or Xeroluable; supplement with saliva substitutes.
Sugar free gustatory supplements can also be used. I found Jolly Rancher has decently tasty non sugar hard candies. There were four flavors and they came packaged as a mixed bag.
Esophagitis
Radiation near the esophagus can also cause esophagitis, making it painful to swallow. It can also cause inflammation of the esophagus, making it very difficult to swallow large or solid items.
Recommendation
For radiation near the esophagus: mix 2 teaspoons of L-Glutamine with a thick juice, like apricot or pear nectar, to help prevent esophagitis. Take daily a week before treatment and during treatment as it can be quite effective in help[ing protect that area.
Skin “Sunburn”
Radiation in the pelvic area may cause skin to become "sunburned".
Recommendations
A lidocaine ointment (prescription strength) can help relieve the discomfort
Ice Packs can also offer some relief
Loose clothing is also very helpful to cut down on irritation in the affected areas.