Understanding chemotherapy - Macmillan Cancer

Understanding chemotherapyCannulaHaving a cannula put in can be a bit uncomfortable orpainful, but it shouldn’t take long and any pain soon wearsoff. Your nurse might put anaesthetic cream or spray ontothe skin to numb the area first.The cannula is put into a vein in the back of your hand orlower arm. Your nurse will place a see-through dressing overit to make sure it stays in place. The cannula is removed beforeyou go home.If you feel any discomfort, or notice redness orswelling around the cannula or along your arm,during or after chemotherapy, let your nurse ordoctor know immediately.Central lines, PICC lines and implantable portsThese are used to take blood as well as to give youchemotherapy and are designed to stay in until your courseof chemotherapy is over. This means you won’t need a cannulaor needles put into the veins in your arm every time you havechemotherapy. You can also have antibiotics, fluids or a bloodtransfusion through your line or port.Your specialist nurse will explain how the line or port will beput in. Once it’s in place the nurses will show you how to lookafter your line or port (see page 32).26