As previously discussed, all of the chemotherapy for endometrial cancer is given by vein. One of the drugs, doxorubicin, can be particularly dangerous if it leaks out of an intravenous drip (IV) into the skin.
In that case, it can cause a chemical burn, which can become very serious if untreated. For this reason, women with poor venous access or who are not good with needles some-times opt for a mediport. These will allow for easier infusion access. While it is more convenient, they are not absolutely required for everyone getting chemotherapy.
Joan said:
I have it intravenously. It takes about 6-7 hours for the whole treatment. The steroids you are given make you feel energized the next day but they also kept me from sleeping! Not a good trade-off in that I’m working fulltime. The first time I went, a friend took me which helped pass the time.
There are 3-4 pre-medications given and then the cancer drugs (I get carbo/paclitaxel). The facility I go to has two reclining chairs per room so it isn’t like some production line of sick people!
The nursing staff—these front line people—are a good resource also for getting a handle on the specific side effects your medications may cause.