Hardened Veins in Teenager: Causes, Recovery & What to Expect

Question
My 17-year old son has cancer.  He has one day of chemo to complete in his scheduled series.  At his last treatment, the nurses tried to draw blood for his weekly blood draw, and couldn't because all the main arteries in the one arm are rock hard.  You can even feel them through his skin.  I'm assuming this probably happened because of the chemo, etc.  My question is this:  Will his arteries and veins in this one arm eventually get back to normal, or will they remain hard?  Is there any medications or vitamins he can take to help with this? These veins are hard enough that where they pass over the wrist and elbow areas, he gets a little soreness when he bends those areas.  Thanks.

Answer
Michelle,

Unfortunately from using the veins so often they develop scar tissue.  They may improve slightly if they don't use them so much but by the same token I do not believe they will be back to normal.

Sometimes lifting 2-3 pound weights and doing curls can help other veins come closer to the surface.

I will keep your son in my prayers.

Diane