To port or not to port...

I had first 4 chemos in arm, was a struggle, arm ached so much, hard to find vein. So then they suggested a port. Was quick to put in , but soo much bruising. Glad i had 2 weeks to heal before they used it. Others had to get chemo with it within days .But then it was so much easier  to have chemo via it , is weird,  but other big plus is  had both hands free to read etc  during chemo.  They still have to use arm for blood tests etc during the month , as only the chemo nurses allowed to access port. later on a few time i had to get it flushed regulary towards end of treatment once chemo finshed then there was still a few herceptin only infusions. Taking it out was quick, but soo weird as awake but knumbed up. Glad i did it. I have heard a couple times people having problems , but not many. Heaps ladies at support group have them, But of course everyones body is different, different risks, different length of chemo , i think i had it for  17 or after the 4 in arm .

For the times they had to do blood tests from arm , such as a couple days before each chemo ,extra fluids, staying warm, meditation etc helped. Get to know when your fav good blood draw  ladies shifts are at your local lab. Some seem to have a knack. Best wishes . Hard decision  if your doctor  not sure .

HiJulez1958​ I had a port installed in a day procedure under GA and it was too short notice to get it inserted straight away so I had it put in after my first dose of chemotherapy. 

I was glad to have it as it seems my veins are hard to find and the reality is not all nurses are as experienced as others. It was also recommended because the neo adjuvant TCHP treatment (for Triple Positive breast cancer) took about 4 hours to administer the 4 drugs plus a saline and the medical team thought the port would help preserve the veins. It turned out for the best because I also needed rehydration several times during my Neo adjuvant therapy. 

Interestingly in contrast to some other people’s experiences my pre-chemo blood tests were not drawn via the port. Apparently the nurses have specific training to use a port and maybe the patrologist clinic nurses were not trained.

The port was inserted just below the bicep on my right arm and above the crook of the elbow. The nurses on the day ward were always vigilant about port flushing after chemotherapy and offered me patches to desensitise the skin but I didn’t need them. 
After 17 infusions and 6 rehydrations it was a red letter day last July when my port was removed in a quick day procedure.
I didn’t have any issues with infection. 
All good wishes to you! 

I had a PICC line for 6 months. I really did not have a choice as my veins were so weak, and the port was not recommended to me. I did not have any problem with a PICC line. If you opt for the PICC line, make sure that they take you blood test from it as well. It is much easier, and you need to take advantage of it and save your veins. 

Hubby tried a Picc Line & it got infected & it was a real pain, as it had to be kept dry in the shower etc …. (Putting a small elastic ‘slip on’ bandage over it, keeps it ‘tidy’ and prevents it 'catching' when putting on your clothes.)   
The Port was much better for him.  A minor surgical procedure under ‘twilight’ sedation …. A few days ‘recovery’ and bingo!
They also take bloods thru it - so less needles in your veins.   They usually give you a bunch of ‘anaesthetic patches’ - you put one on when you leave home, so it is numbed by the time you get to the clinic  - as there may be a sharp
'p r i c k'  as they access the port both for blood and the chemo  xx

My sister sewed a couple of zips into TShirts, for easy access to the port (which was especially good during winter.)

Take care xx