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Having ileal conduit after radical cystectomy: What to expect?
Bladder Cancer | Last Active: Aug 5 6:07pm | Replies (33)Comment receiving replies
@debbieanddale No and I was ok with that until the blot clots. At that point I was no evidence of disease on scans and Signatera. Signatera became positive again a year later and my treatment plan was 6 cycles of EVPembro. I asked for a port and my dr agreed. While the port made treatment easy , no one else liked to use it outside of the treatment center so it became a bit of a hassle for scans and ER visits. It’s with good reason, nurses need to be trained and infection is always a risk. Once I knew this I knew to remind schedulers I needed an appointment with at the vascular access unit prior to the scan or procedure . There was also the option of using an ultrasound. Unfortunately , there were a handful of nurses and anesthesia residents who thought they “ could find a good vein with blood return” . I just tell that type they have a choice of ultrasound or port , period!
Replies to "@debbieanddale No and I was ok with that until the blot clots. At that point I..."
@141emp The reason the ER and others didn't want to use it was bc we were told in the ICU (and we knew how to access) was this was the patients lifeline for cancer treatment and if we clogged it up (or other such nonsense) we would be in big trouble. After I worked downstairs in radiology, I accessed ports all the time. I was super careful, sterile procedure, all wore masks, but I was no longer afraid. I was actually never afraid, but they were strict "DON"T use it", which is sorta bs. I always tell people to use the emla cream so the stick doesn't hurt. I don't blame you using the VAT team. I was taught by the VAT team. I'm old school, so I never use US. after 46 years I just prefer doing it the old fashion way and know when I need to call for the VAT team to do it. 🙂 Thank you so much for your reply.
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@141emp most of us are in situations requiring an IV. As a former phlebotomist, I put myself thru 4 years of professional school as a part time job. I know veins. Either request someone who knows what they are doing or ultrasound. Do not be bashful for the consequences of "trying" is not acceptable.