YOGA FOR A HEALTHY LIVING,YOGA FOR CANCER

                                                   

Yoga is the practice of creating unity between mind and body. When there's a disconnect between mind and body, our lives move out of balance, causing stress, fatigue and ultimately, illness. When you unify your mind and body through yoga, the reverse occurs. Your body can start to heal and re-balance naturally, helping you to feel healthier, happier and more alive.

Here are a few reasons that yoga helps you heal:

1. Yoga brings attention to your breathing, which is the single most important thing that you do every day.

2. Yoga is a spiritual practice that allows your mind to soften and your heart to open.It can bring your awareness to the tension being held in your body, so that you can let it go.

3. Yoga can help you stay connected to yourself. Its a great way to know what is important for your body and soul.

4. Yoga can help you to gain clarity about things you're working through each day.

5. Yoga can help you move beyond a negative inner-dialogue.

6. Balance poses in yoga invite you to get out of your head and into your body.. There are lots of different styles and levels of yoga allowing you to find the best 'fit' for you

7. Yoga gives you healing tools to better cope with stressful events and trauma.

8. Yoga re-balances your body and can help with weight loss, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), inflammation and other chronic ailments.

9. Yoga classes are a great way to meet new, interesting and like-minded people.

10. Creating a regular yoga practice can bring more flexibility and strength to your body. the twists in yoga can help you feel stronger and better able to cope with life's unexpected turns.

11. Yoga supports you to consciously make better and healthier food choices.

12. Yoga opens you up to new feelings like inspiration, joy and gratitude.

YOGA AND CANCER:

                                  

There is no assurance that yoga will cure cancer; however, it may make cancer and its treatment more bearable, both physically and emotionally.

Cancer patients are discovering that yoga offers both an accessible form of exercise and a path to mental clarity that is a welcome addition during and after treatment.

For cancer patients, the breathing and meditative aspects of the practice can create much needed clarity and peace, while the poses themselves provide a beneficial form of exercise during treatment.

As one of the steps on Patanjali’s eight-step path of yoga, pranayama has been practiced by yogis for thousands of years as a way to quiet the mind and tap into the subtle, energetic realms of the body. Prana is a Sanskrit term for the vital life force that animates all things; ayama translates as extension or elongation. Pranayama enables the practitioner to access prana and connect with the vast energetic network of the subtle body by controlling and playing with the flow of breath.

Current research has shown that beyond these subtle effects, pranayama has numerous observable health benefits. Several studies provide evidence that yogic breathing exercises help to induce a relaxed state by enhancing the action of the parasympathetic nervous system (otherwise known as the “rest-and-digest response”).

Researchers at the University of California – San Francisco investigated how the health benefits of pranayama specifically apply to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. 

The study had two aims:

1. To determine whether it’s feasible for patients undergoing chemotherapy to practice pranayama

2. To gauge the effect of pranayama on common chemotherapy-associated symptoms (fatigue, sleep disturbance, stress, anxiety, depression) and quality of life (QOL)

The researchers concluded that pranayama is appropriate, beneficial, and can be safely recommended for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Further study in this area will hopefully offer even more definitive evidence of pranayama’s efficacy.

Below are instructions for the four breathing techniques taught to and practiced by patients in the study.

1. BREATH OBSERVATION:

Sit or lie in a comfortable position. Breathe naturally. Avoid forcing, controlling or manipulating your breath. Shift your attention to your breath. Simply observe and experience it without any judgment. You might notice the soft whispering sound the breath creates; how long or short the breath is; how deep or shallow it feels; or where in your body you feel the breath most noticeably. At certain points during this practice, you might notice that your mind is no longer focused on the breath. When this happens, acknowledge that the mind has wandered and gently guide it back to the breath.

2. UJJAYI (Victoriously Uprising Breath):

Sit or lie in a comfortable position. Keeping the mouth closed, inhale and exhale through the nose. Partially close the glottis (the opening between the vocal folds) by slightly constricting the muscles at the back of the throat. The action in these muscles should feel the same as when you exhale your breath onto a mirror to create fog. As the muscles contract, you’ll begin to notice that your breath creates a soft whispering sound similar to the sound of the ocean. Continue to create this sound with the breath and find a steady rhythm, breathing in for the same amount of time that you breathe out.

KAPALBHATTI* (Skull Shining Breath)

                                                            

Sit comfortably in an upright position and bring your attention to your lower belly. It can be helpful to rest one or two hands on the belly below the navel. Breathe in deeply then exhale completely. Inhale about halfway; then begin a series of short, sharp exhalations by pumping the abdomen. After forcing the air out by contracting the abdomen, release the belly and passively inhale. Repeat this several times. Start with however many breath cycles (one inhale and one exhale) you can comfortably do, then relax and breathe normally. Gradually over time, increase the number of cycles.

*Kapalabhati is not recommended if you are pregnant or suffer from high or low blood pressure, glaucoma, cardiac issues, or hernia.

3. NADI SHODHANA (Alternate Nostril Breath):

             

Sit comfortably in an upright position. Spread the fingers of the right hand. Create Vishnu Mudra by curling the right index and middle fingers in towards the palm, while the thumb, ring finger and pinky remain extended. Hold the right hand just beside the nose as you take a deep breath in through both nostrils. Close the right nostril with the thumb then exhale through the left. Inhale through the left, close both nostrils by lightly touching the ring finger to the left nostril and the thumb to the right. Lift the thumb and exhale through the right nostril. Inhale through the right nostril, close both, then lift the ring finger and exhale through the left. Continue for several cycles of breath.

BELIEVE in yourself and go wisely. If you are detected with Cancer in early stages then follow the precautions and rules and see the magic of your spiritualism and yoga. Take care and live well!

Thanks for reading and please keep visiting our blog to discover and appreciate more Yoddhas. 
Feel free to contact the Yoddhas team at team@yoddhas.com 

Lastly,

Praise the Yoddhas; Support the Yoddhas ; Love the Yoddhas!

Cheers!

Author- Srishti Jain.
(Yoddhas Ambassador)

MEDICAL BLOGS:NON SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER

Staging of NSCLC ( Lung Cancer)

The stage of a cancer describes how far the cancer has spread. The treatment and outcome depends largely on the stage the cancer is in. The clinical stage is based on the results of physical exams, biopsy report, imaging tests (CT scan, chest x-ray, PET scan, etc.), and other tests. Pathologic stage is determined after surgery, which is based on the same factors as above, plus the findings observed during the surgery. 

The clinical and pathologic stages might be different in some cases. *It is larger than 3 cm across but not larger than 7 cm.  *It involves a main bronchus, but is not closer than 2 cm to the carina (the point where the windpipe splits into the left and right main bronchi). *It has grown into the membranes that surround the lungs (visceral pleura). *The tumor partially clogs the airways, but this has not caused the entire lung to collapse or develop pneumonia. *It has grown into the chest wall, the breathing muscle that separates the chest         from the abdomen (diaphragm), the membranes surrounding the space between the two lungs (mediastinal pleura), or membranes of the sac surrounding the heart (parietal pericardium). *It has grown into a main bronchus and is closer than 2 cm to the carina, but it does not involve the carina itself. *It has grown into the airways enough to cause an entire lung to collapse or to cause pneumonia in the entire lung.  *Two or more separate tumor nodules are present in the same lobe of a lung. Two or more separate tumor nodules are present in different lobes of the same lung. The cancer has spread to the other lung. Cancer cells are found in the fluid around the lung (called a malignant pleural effusion). Cancer cells are found in the fluid around the heart (called a malignant pericardial effusion). Once the T, N, and M categories have been assigned, this information is combined to assign an overall stage of 0, I, II, III, or IV. This process is called stage grouping. Some stages are subdivided into A and B. The stages identify cancers that have a similar outlook (prognosis) and thus are treated in a similar way. Patients with lower stage numbers tend to have a better outlook.   *The tumor has grown into a main bronchus, but is not within 2 cm of the carina (and it        is not larger than 5 cm).  * The tumor has grown into the visceral pleura (the membranes surrounding the lungs) and is not larger than 5 cm.   *The tumor is partially clogging the airways (and is not larger than 5 cm).    *The cancer has not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites. The cancer has not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites. Two or more separate tumor nodules are present in different lobes of the same lung. It may or may not have spread to lymph nodes within the lung and/or around the area where the bronchus enters the lung (hilar lymph nodes). Any affected lymph nodes are on the same side as the cancer. It has not spread to distant sites. Two or more separate tumor nodules are present in different lobes of the same lung. The cancer has also spread to lymph nodes around the carina (the point where the windpipe splits into the left and right bronchi) or in the space between the lungs (mediastinum). Affected lymph nodes are on the same side as the main lung tumor. It has not spread to distant sites. OR The cancer can be any size and may or may not have grown into nearby structures or reached nearby lymph nodes. It has spread to distant lymph nodes or to other organs such as the liver, bones, or brain.

At the time of surgery the Onco surgeon may find cancer in an area that did not show up on imaging tests, which might give the cancer a more advanced pathologic stage.

TNM Staging System: (which is based on T(Tumour size), N( spread to local Node) & M (Metastasis to other organs).

The most common sites of metastasis are the brain, bones, adrenal glands, liver, kidneys, and the other lung.

Numbers or letters appear after T, N, and M to provide more details about each of these factors. Higher numbers mean the cancer is more advanced.

Details of the TNM staging system

The TNM staging system is complex and can be hard for most patients (and even some doctors) to understand.If you have any questions about the stage of your cancer, ask your doctor to explain it to you.

   T categories for lung cancer (TX, TO, T1-4)

·      TX: The main (primary) tumor can’t be assessed, or cancer cells were seen on sputum cytology or bronchial washing but no tumor can be found.

·      TO: There is no evidence of a primary tumor.

·      Tis: The cancer is found only in the top layers of cells lining the air passages. It has not invaded into deeper lung tissues. This is also known as carcinoma in situ.

·      T1: The tumor is no larger than 3 centimeters (cm) across, has not reached the membranes that surround the lungs (visceral pleura), and does not affect the main branches of the bronchi.

           If the tumor is 2 cm or less across, it is called T1a.

          If the tumor is larger than 2 cm but not larger than 3 cm across, it is called T1b.

·      T2: The tumor has 1 or more of the following features:

          If the tumor is 5 cm or less across, it is called T2a.

          If the tumor is larger than 5 cm across (but not larger than 7 cm), it is called T2b.

·      T3: The tumor has 1 or more of the following features:

*It is larger than 7 cm across.

·      T4: The cancer has 1 or more of the following features:

A tumor of any size that has grown into the space between the lungs (mediastinum), the heart, the large blood vessels near the heart (such as the aorta), the windpipe (trachea), the tube connecting the throat to the stomach (esophagus), the backbone, or the carina.

    N categories for lung cancer ( NX, NO, N1-3)

·      NX: Nearby lymph nodes cannot be assessed.

·      N0: There is no spread to nearby lymph nodes.

·      N1: The cancer has spread to lymph nodes within the lung and/or around the area where the bronchus enters the lung (hilar lymph nodes). Affected lymph nodes are on the same side as the primary tumor.

·      N2: The cancer has spread to lymph nodes around the carina (the point where the windpipe splits into the left and right bronchi) or in the space between the lungs (mediastinum). Affected lymph nodes are on the same side as the primary tumor.

·      N3: The cancer has spread to lymph nodes near the collarbone on either side, and/or spread to hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes on the side opposite the primary tumor.

M categories for lung cancer (MO, M1)

·      M0: No spread to distant organs or areas. This includes the other lung, lymph nodes further away than those mentioned in the N stages above, and other organs or tissues such as the liver, bones, or brain.

·      M1a: Any of the following:

·      M1b: The cancer has spread to distant lymph nodes or to other organs such as the liver, bones, or brain.

Overall Stage for lung cancer ( Stage 0,I - IV) which is based on the TNM stage:

Occult (hidden) cancer

TX, N0, M0: Cancer cells are seen in a sample of sputum or other lung fluids, but the cancer isn’t found with other tests, so its location can’t be determined.

Stage 0

Tis, N0, M0: The cancer is found only in the top layers of cells lining the air passages. It has not invaded deeper into other lung tissues and has not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.

Stage IA

T1a/T1b, N0, M0: The cancer is no larger than 3 cm across, has not reached the membranes that surround the lungs, and does not affect the main branches of the bronchi. It has not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.

Stage IB

T2a, N0, M0: The cancer has 1 or more of the following features:

   *The main tumor is larger than 3 cm across but not larger than 5 cm.

Stage IIA

Three main combinations of categories make up this stage.

1)    T1a/T1b, N1, M0: The cancer is no larger than 3 cm across, has not grown into the membranes that surround the lungs, and does not affect the main branches of the bronchi. It has spread to lymph nodes within the lung and/or around the area where the bronchus enters the lung (hilar lymph nodes). These lymph nodes are on the same side as the cancer. It has not spread to distant sites.

OR

2)    T2a, N1, M0: The cancer has 1 or more of the following features:

·      The main tumor is larger than 3 cm across but not larger than 5 cm.

·      The tumor has grown into a main bronchus, but is not within 2 cm of the carina (and it is not larger than 5 cm).

·      The tumor has grown into the visceral pleura (the membranes surrounding the lungs) and is not larger than 5 cm.

·      The tumor is partially clogging the airways (and is not larger than 5 cm). 

·      The cancer has also spread to lymph nodes within the lung and/or around the area where the bronchus enters the lung (hilar lymph nodes). These lymph nodes are on the same side as the cancer. It has not spread to distant sites.

OR

3)    T2b, N0, M0: The cancer has 1 or more of the following features:

·      The main tumor is larger than 5 cm across but not larger than 7 cm.

·      The tumor has grown into a main bronchus, but is not within 2 cm of the carina (and it is between 5 and 7 cm across).

·      The tumor has grown into the visceral pleura (the membranes surrounding the lungs) and is between 5 and 7 cm across.

·      The tumor is partially clogging the airways (and is between 5 and 7 cm across). 

·      The cancer has not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.

Stage IIB

Two combinations of categories make up this stage.

1)    T2b, N1, M0: The cancer has 1 or more of the following features:

·      The main tumor is larger than 5 cm across but not larger than 7 cm.

·      The tumor has grown into a main bronchus, but is not within 2 cm of the

carina (and it is between 5 and 7 cm across).

·      The tumor has grown into the visceral pleura (the membranes surrounding the lungs) and is between 5 and 7 cm across.

·      The cancer is partially clogging the airways (and is between 5 and 7 cm across). 

·      It has also spread to lymph nodes within the lung and/or around the area where the bronchus enters the lung (hilar lymph nodes). These lymph nodes are on the same side as the cancer. It has not spread to distant sites.

OR

2)    T3, N0, M0 The main tumor has 1 or more of the following features

·      It is larger than 7 cm across.

·      It has grown into the chest wall, the breathing muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen (diaphragm), the membranes surrounding the space between the lungs (mediastinal pleura), or membranes of the sac surrounding the heart (parietal pericardium).

·      It invades a main bronchus and is closer than 2 cm (about ¾ inch) to the carina, but it does not involve the carina itself.

·      It has grown into the airways enough to cause an entire lung to collapse or to cause pneumonia in the entire lung.

·      Two or more separate tumor nodules are present in the same lobe of a lung.

Stage IIIA

Three main combinations of categories make up this stage.

1)    T1 to T3, N2, M0: The main tumor can be any size. It has not grown into the space between the lungs (mediastinum), the heart, the large blood vessels near the heart (such as the aorta), the windpipe (trachea), the tube connecting the throat to the stomach (esophagus), the backbone, or the carina. It has not spread to different lobes of the same lung.

The cancer has spread to lymph nodes around the carina (the point where the windpipe splits into the left and right bronchi) or in the space between the lungs (mediastinum). These lymph nodes are on the same side as the main lung tumor. The cancer has not spread to distant sites.

OR

2)    T3, N1, M0: The cancer has 1 or more of the following features:

·      It is larger than 7 cm across.

·      It has grown into the chest wall, the breathing muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen (diaphragm), the membranes surrounding the space between the lungs (mediastinal pleura), or membranes of the sac surrounding the heart (parietal pericardium).

·      It invades a main bronchus and is closer than 2 cm to the carina, but it does not involve the carina itself.

·      Two or more separate tumor nodules are present in the same lobe of a lung.

·      It has grown into the airways enough to cause an entire lung to collapse or to cause pneumonia in the entire lung.

·      It has also spread to lymph nodes within the lung and/or around the area where the bronchus enters the lung (hilar lymph nodes). These lymph nodes are on the same side as the cancer. It has not spread to distant sites.

OR

3)    T4, N0 or N1, M0: The cancer has 1 or more of the following features:

A tumor of any size has grown into the space between the lungs (mediastinum), the heart, the large blood vessels near the heart (such as the aorta), the windpipe (trachea), the tube connecting the throat to the stomach (esophagus), the backbone, or the carina.

Stage IIIB

Two combinations of categories make up this stage.

1)    Any T, N3, M0: The cancer can be of any size. It may or may not have grown into nearby structures or caused pneumonia or lung collapse. It has spread to lymph nodes near the collarbone on either side, and/or has spread to hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes on the side opposite the primary tumor. The cancer has not spread to distant sites.

OR

2)    T4, N2, M0: The cancer has 1 or more of the following features:

A tumor of any size has grown into the space between the lungs (mediastinum), the heart, the large blood vessels near the heart (such as the aorta), the windpipe (trachea), the tube connecting the throat to the stomach (esophagus), the backbone, or the carina.

Stage IV

Two combinations of categories make up this stage.

1)    Any T, any N, M1a: The cancer can be any size and may or may not have grown into nearby structures or reached nearby lymph nodes. In addition, any of the following is true:

·      The cancer has spread to the other lung.

·      Cancer cells are found in the fluid around the lung (called a malignant pleural effusion).

·      Cancer cells are found in the fluid around the heart (called a malignant pericardial effusion).

2)    Any T, any N, M1b: The cancer can be any size and may or may not have grown into nearby structures or reached nearby lymph nodes. 

It has spread to distant lymph nodes or to other organs such as the liver, bones, or brain.

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Author- 

   

Dr. Ganjoo 

Head-Yoddhas Medical Expert Panel

MEDICAL BLOGS:CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETERS ( CVC ) IN CANCER TREATMENT

These central catheters or lines are used in cancer patients for administration of the following:

·      To give chemotherapy or other medicines.

·      To give blood transfusion or platelets.

·      To give fluids or nutrients ( parental nutrition in the form of IV lipids, amino acids etc).

·      They may be used for collection of blood samples for lab testing.
                                 

ADVANTAGES OF CENTRAL VENOUS ACCESS

·      It is pain free

·      Multiple pricks are no longer required.

·      No need to search for veins in the arms or legs.

·      Can administer more than one drug at a time.

·      No chance of leak of chemo drugs under the skin with damage to tissues.

·      Useful for continuous infusions.

·      Can take treatment at home.

·      Useful for long term treatment over many months, which us required in many chemo protocol regimens

·      Replaces the regular IV catheters which can stay for few days only and need to be changed frequently.

·      The central venous catheter is a bigger and longer catheter which is inserted into a large vein in the chest or upper arm.

·      It stays in as long as one needs to get treatment.

·      Some types of CVCs can stay in for weeks, months, or even years.

·      Your cancer care team can help you decide if you need a CVC and the right type of CVC for you.

·      CVC is required because the veins in their hands and arms aren’t going to be able to be used to complete the planned chemo.

The type of CVC you need depends on:

·      How long you’ll be getting treatment

·      How long it takes to infuse each dose of chemo

·      How many drugs need to be given at once

·      Your preferences

·      Your doctor’s preferences

·      The care required to maintain the CVC

·      Cost

·      Other medical problems you may have, for instance clotting problems or lymphedema (swelling)

TYPES OF CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETERS

1. PORT :

A port is a type of central venous catheter, also called implantable venous access port. It has a small drum made of plastic or metal with a thin tube, called the line, which goes from the drum into a large vein.

·      Ports are permanently placed under the skin of the chest or arm during surgery.

·      The drum has a silicone septum (self-sealing membrane) across the top and special needles are stuck through the skin into the septum to use the port.

·      Single and double ports are available.

·      A port can stay in for many years.

·      It doesn’t require any special care when there’s no needle in it.

·      Once the area around it has healed, you can bathe, shower, or even swim.

·      When it’s not being used, you will need to flush out the port about once a month.

·      Brand names are Port-A-Cath® , Medi-port®

2. PICC LINE

·      A needle is used to put the PICC line into a vein in the arm.

·      The catheter (or line) is threaded through the needle to end in a large vein in the chest near the heart. The needle is then removed.

·      No surgery required to get a PICC line.

·      A PICC line may stay in for many weeks to months.

·      There may be one or more “tails” (lines sticking out of the skin) on the

PICC The PICC and the dressing cannot get wet. It needs to be covered at the time of having a bath. The catheter and the skin around it will need care and regular flushing. Your cancer care team will teach you what to do.

·      Brand names of PICC lines Per-Q-Cath® and Groshong PICC®.

3. TUNNELED CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETERS
                                       

This type of catheter is surgically placed in a large (central) vein in the chest.

·      The catheter is then tunneled under the skin and the openings of the lumens stick out of the skin on the chest.

·      This catheter is good for months to years.

·      The external catheter and the skin around it will need care and regular flushing.

·      Brand names : Hickman®, Groshong®

Potential problems when the catheter is put in

You may have pain/ discomfort where the catheter is put in or where it lies under your skin. The needle or catheter that’s put inside the blood vessel might damage the vessel. This can cause bruising or bleeding at the puncture site, or infection.Sometimes a condition called a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) may develop when a CVC is placed in the chest or neck. This happens when a lung is punctured and air collects in the chest outside the lung.

·      CVC placement guided by ultrasound or fluoroscopy greatly decreases this risk.

·      Normal heart rhythm may be disturbed when the catheter is put in. This is usually only temporary and the normal rhythm returns when the catheter is repositioned. It rarely causes serious problems.

·      In rare cases, the catheter will go into the wrong place, like an artery instead of a vein. If this happens, the catheter will have to be taken out. If there are no other complications, the artery usually heals by itself.

·      Infection may develop at the place in the skin that’s cut or punctured to put in the catheter.

·      Be sure to follow any instructions about caring for the skin around the catheter as it heals.

WHEN TO CONTACT THE ONCOLOGY TEAM IN CASE OF PROBLEMS FACED:

·      Pain, redness, drainage, or warmth at the CVC that’s getting worse.

·      Bleeding where the CVC goes into your body.

·      New trouble breathing or shortness of breath

·      Changes in your heartbeat

·      Dizziness

·      Fever or chills

·      Infection – skin infection can start where the catheter or port goes into the body. More serious bloodstream infections can also happen.

CARE OF THE CENTRAL LINE:

·      Always wash your hands before touching your CVC.

·      Try to keep the dressing dry. This can help prevent infection.

·      When you shower, cover the site with waterproof material (such as plastic wrap taped over it). Be sure you cover both the dressing and the cap(s).

·      The chance of infection can be lessened if you (and anyone else who handles the catheter) wash your hands before using it, change the dressing carefully, check the skin each time the dressing is changed, and use careful sterile technique when using the catheter.

·      You and your career will be taught how to do these things.

·      A hole or break in the catheter may lead to a fluid leak.

·      It’s important to not always clamp the catheter in the same spot, which can weaken that area.

·      Never use too much force when flushing it.

·      If you do notice leaking, clamp the tubing between your body and the leak. Call your cancer care team right away to find out what to do next.

·      The catheter can shift, move, or become kinked or twisted in the vein. If this happens it may need to be repositioned or removed.

·      Any type of catheter may become blocked by clotted blood. You can minimize this risk by carefully flushing the catheter as instructed.

·      Once a catheter becomes blocked, it sometimes can be opened by injecting certain medicines, but it might need to be removed or replaced.

·      Some types of CVCs can move or be pulled out if not taped or sutured to the skin. If the CVC has been pulled, or the tubing sticking out of your skin seems longer, call your cancer care team right away.

·      Certain catheters need to be clamped when not in use, and caps should be screwed on tightly to keep air from getting in.

·      Know how to clamp your catheter and be sure you have an extra clamp at home.

·      Sometimes a blood clot forms around the catheter. This can cause swelling in your arm, shoulder, neck, or head.

·      Contact your cancer care team right away if you notice new swelling. The clot may be treated with blood thinners, but in some cases, the CVC will have to be removed.

·      Tape the tube(s) to your body to help keep from pulling on it. Do not bend or crimp the tubing.

·      Know what you need and keep enough supplies on hand to care for your catheter.

·      Always be sure to have extra dressing change kits in case the dressing gets wet or comes off.

REMOVAL OF CENTRAL LINE/PORT

·      Your doctor or trained oncology nurse will take out your catheter or port when you no longer need it.

·      If you have a PICC line, the doctor or nurse will gently pull the tube until it feels loose. Then they will remove it. This does not usually hurt. You do not normally need anesthesia.

·      If you have port or neck or chest catheter, your doctor or radiologist will make a small cut in the skin. Then they will gently remove the port or catheter. You may need local anesthesia or conscious sedation.

Thanks for reading and please keep visiting our blog to discover and appreciate more Yoddhas. 
Feel free to contact the Yoddhas team at team@yoddhas.com 
Join our free patients group https://www.facebook.com/groups/yoddhathewarrior/

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