Forum Discussion
Arleene
11 years agoMember
Port Insurted chemo starts on monday
Hi Ladies,
I had my Port inserted yesterday ready to start Chemo on Monday I must say very painful but not too bad I have 6 cycles of chemo 1 every 3 weeks went and had my info session at the cancer center which made everything very sureal but I knew that would be happening sooner or later they also gave me a tour of the facility actually very nice and the nurses, doctors and staff are very nice so I feel more at ease now, I suppose I'll get used to having the port a cath but at the moment it feels weird and tender my surgeon gave me very strong painkillers which I will only take at night as they wipe me out, I suppose it actually hasn't been 24 hours yet but the port sure feels weird I'll have it in for 18 weeks as my Chemo goes for 18 weeks. well that's all for now as I am wiped and very tired I suppose just a sign of what's to come, sending lots of cuddles to everyone I'd love some advice about ports if I can.Anitaxxx
12 Replies
- ArleeneMember
Hi Liggy,
I am very lucky the pain has gone now but the side effects of fatigue is setting in now the tablets they send you home with really help a lot and I have a sore throat today so I am monitoring my temperature I have to have a rest now but should have a snack before I do need to keep up my energy sending you a cuddle and a smile Anita xx??????
- LiggywMember
Hi Anita
I had a Port put in and like you it was really painful to the point that I had to take the week off work which was incredibly frustrating. The pain should settle, I have met lots of ladies that have had no problems at all however my advice to you is to keep an eye on the pain. If it is still painful after a week see your doctor. I didn't question anything with mine at the time and got swept along the process of chemo etc. In hindsight I should have spoken up earlier as the pain and device never felt quite right. I had complications and then demanded that it be removed. Chemo is tough enough with out other complications and pain so trust your gut instinct.
Liggy
- ArleeneMember
Hi Karen, I haven't had a lot of pain just mainly in the shoulder but probably because it is a foreign object in my body I'm halfway through my first chemo and I feel good but I might feel tired tonight the nurse said she's really nice I will post something tomorrow sending big cuddles anitaxxx
- Cook65Member
Hi Anita
i have had my port in for about 13 months now. I have found it uncomfortable the whole time and aches quite a bit after being used. It was incredibly painful for the first few weeks of having it in. Although I have finished my cancer treatment, they are still using it for rituximab infusions for another illness that I have. I can't wait to have it removed. My veins packed it in on my first chemo treatment so it would have been very difficult as I needed treatment every 3 weeks for a year. The staff love it but I personally have struggled with it the whole time. I can feel the catheter in my neck and and am very aware of it all the time. It still feels very foreign to me but I figure it is there for a reason so just put up with it. I put emla cream on it about two hours before it is to be accessed and that really helps with any pain/discomfort. Good luck with it all. Karen xox
Hi Anita
I had my port inserted about 4 weeks ago. I must say I spent more time trying to make the decision to have one, but glad I opted for it now. Initially it was a lot more painful after insertion than I thought it would be for about a week. As Lyn said, you won't notice it is even there soon. I too am having chemo once a week for 3 weeks, then have 1 week off then go again for 6 cycles. I have had two cycles already & start my third cycle on Wed. Take care & be kind to yourself. Tracey
- lrb_03Member
Hi Anita, sending hugs back to you. That's great news, no more node involvement. I probably won't ever get a proper staging of my cancer, the downside of having chemo first. I don't really care as long as it all works.
Yes, losing your hair is hard, but I keep reminding myself that it will grow back. Now that I've got used to it, there's a funny kind of freedom in having no head hair.
will be thinking of you on Monday. take care, Lyn
- ArleeneMember
Hi Trace,
How is your treatment going, I hope all is well with your mum and you're enjoying time with your family, my hubby is going to be right by my side on Monday I'm feeling very positive, I had some good news no more Lymph Node Involvement so my cancer is 2b and what is even better is my cousin who I haven't seen since 2007 before we moved to Darwin is coming to Darwin to see me in October and I can't wait we are really close it would of been nice for her to bring her kids up to but she wants to see me and show her support while I'm going through Chemo and I can't wait to see her Angelena hasn't seen her since she was 1 and a 1/2 but she's excited too but wishes her cousins were coming as they haven't met and her 2nd child James there is only 7 months between them but we will get to sydney to see them and go to melbourne too that's one of my goals.
Sending you cuddles Anitaxx
- ArleeneMember
Hi Lyn,
I'm glad I had it put in also but I think it's more uncomfortable than anything but I'm sure I won't even notice it's there soon, the cancer center here in Darwin suggested for my surgeon to leave the needle sitting on top ready for chemo on monday that's what is most painful as they just pull when I wear a crop top or my nightie at night time but a small price to pay, losing my hair is going to be hard so I'm glad I got it cut I asked my husband to shave it off once it starts falling out then it'll be easier but there was no more Lymph Node involvement I found out from my oncologist last tuesday I was so happy to hear that. I'll let you know how I go on Monday, sending you a hug and lots of positive vibes. Anitaxxx
- ArleeneMember
Hi Rowdy,
I will be glad once my treatment starts It's the side affects that concern me some of them are quite scary I've been taking this natural remedy that helps breast cancer and also we recently heard it helps reduce the side effects of chemo it's called Soursop it's made from leaves from a Soursop tree and you boil the leaves and they make a green tea and you drink a teacup of it 3 times a day it will be great if it helps the chemo side affects but we'll see but your right once I start chemo I'm one step closer to being cancer free, not looking forward to losing my hair but it's all part of getting well again. sending you a hug right back and I'm allways smiling Anitaxx
- AnonymousNot applicable
Best of luck and big cuddles for Monday. I didn't have a portacath, so can't give you any advice there. Take care, Trace ????????