8th June - 9th day of 5th chemo cycle

O.K.
I was told that if I am concerned in any way, or it I get various symptoms, I must call the cancer ward and get advice.
Well, I phoned the ward regarding my arm.
Painful, swollen, hot to the touch and very red................
Well, the ward Sister said that she would ring back..........I waited about 4 hours....no reply, so I readied myself for bed and was just about to slip into bed, when I had a call.

I was told that this was concerning, and that I should attend the hospital...............................
Off I went.
Anyway..........I have 'phlebitis'.


The following is the information I found on the internet.

Medical Author: Benjamin C. Wedro, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editors: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
http://www.emedicinehealth.com

Phlebitis Overview

Phlebitis (fle-BYE-tis) means inflammation of a vein. Thrombophlebitis is the term used when a blood clot in the vein causes the inflammation. Thrombophlebitis usually occurs in leg veins, but it may occur in an arm. The thrombus (clot) in the vein causes pain and irritation and may block blood flow in the veins. Phlebitis can occur in both the surface (superficial) or deep veins.

• Superficial phlebitis affects veins on the skin surface. The condition is rarely serious and, with proper care, usually resolves rapidly. Sometimes people with superficial phlebitis also get deep vein thrombophlebitis, so a medical evaluation is necessary.

Me again now!.................................

There was talk of staying in the hospital......well......No thank you!.....................

I think that the main concern was that the symptoms that were initially in the lower part of my arm only, had shown signs of spreading to the upper arm too.

Well, after examination and discussion, it was decided that I would go home, visit my own Doctor the next day, (today), and give him a letter that the hospital Doctor had given me.

I also had to assure the Doctor that in the event of there being any change, that I would return immediately to the hospital.

So...I agreed. and went home....yay!!!!!!

No real changes to report...much the same as yesterday.

Dull and over cast outside, I am going to see if there is another strawberry ready for me, and then I think that I will go back to bed because I am so tired!!!!!!