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Jovdp's avatar
Jovdp
Member
5 years ago

To port or not to port...

Hi, I have just found out that my WLE to remove 2 tumours  wasn’t as successful as hoped and they didn’t get the healthy margin hoped for on one of them the, also the sentinel node biopsy came back as positive for cancer also.  Surgeon has me booked in for surgery to remove first thing on Monday morning. Then will be followed up with chemo and then radiation. My problem is (apart from the above!!) I have dodgy veins which can be hard to find!!! When it comes to chemo I’m worried about becoming a pin cushion and worst still them not being able to get one at all. I mentioned this to surgeon and he has suggested a port.. When I then spoke to my breastcare nurse she suggested I should think about it with the risks involved etc and that if not really needed and if the chemo treatment plan doesn’t call for it, then not to do. Only problem is I have no idea of my chemo treatment plan yet as this all happened late Friday afternoon and surgery is first thing on Monday morning! Arrhh On one hand I can see the port will make it easier for chemo but then does that outweigh the risks of foreign body in body, infection ......? Is getting the port put in at a later date if they are struggling with the  veins an option ? I would really appreciate any ones reflections of their own experiences? Just all feels very overwhelming today. 
chemotherapy
port

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  • Tinks's avatar
    Tinks
    Member
    5 years ago
    I’m sorry you are facing all of this. It’s so much harder when things have to be revisited. Big hugs.

    Port wise my surgeon was same as @ddon, he said it was the best option by far and put in under GA. Sore for about a week as settled in but it’s been a godsend. 

    After nodes out they don’t like using that arm so - think of one arm for, for me, 16 chemo visits, 5 lots of blood transfusions and now Zometa. Also all the extra blood tests I needed during treatment and a visit to ED needing a drip.

     I would not have any veins left especially on taxane weekly. 

    It made chemo visits so much less stressful and painless needle access. 

    Chemo unit staff were meticulous about infection control with my Port. 

    Lots of love Tinks xx



  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    5 years ago
    Go for what presents the smallest amount of hassle! I ‘lost’ an arm part way through my second batch of chemo (lymphoedema) and my veins got really sneaky and ran away, as I had to have frequent blood tests due to another slight problem. My oncology nurses were fantastic, so the fact that a port was never suggested was partially due to their own expertise, particularly the senior nurse (a gun stabber!). Once we got over frequent blood tests and had just three weekly herceptin, it was fine. But if you don’t particularly like needles or too many failed efforts, go for the port. Best wishes.
  • Beryl_C_'s avatar
    Beryl_C_
    Member
    5 years ago
    I had a port inserted nine years ago and have continued to have three weekly infusions of Herceptin - there have been no problems other than the tube showing from actual port to neck vein, this might have bothered me a bit if younger but at retirement+ age I prefer comfort. XXXXXXX
  • ddon's avatar
    ddon
    Member
    5 years ago
    My surgeon just told me he was putting one in and that was that. And every treatment I silently thanked him 👏.  It took me weeks to get used to it I have to admit but I have been so thankful for it. Best wishes with your treatment ahead. 
  • Mazbeth's avatar
    Mazbeth
    Member
    5 years ago
    Hi @Jovdp, I am a sorry you are dealing with so much. I have a port and I am very happy I have it. I had 4 x AC and I am about to have the last of the 12 x taxol and the port has made the treatment so much easier. I had a cannula the first round as I started quickly over Christmas/New Year and it was tricky getting a time to have a port inserted, but I got it for the second cycle. A cannula takes a lot more time to set up each time whereas a port is ready to go. I also believe that the chemo drugs can effect the veins and can make access difficult. I have never had an issue with my port. My only advice would be to have it put in under a general anaesthetic. The nurses are extremely careful with infection control when they are accessing your port. 
    I know how overwhelming all of this is - I felt the same - I didn’t even know what a port was and yet there I was being asked to have it put in! My surgeon has been excellent and really advised strongly to have a port. You will get through all of this. Once you get the plan in place, you will know what is happening and then you just take it one step at a time. You have got this! Sending you hugs and positive, healing wishes. X
  • AllyJay's avatar
    AllyJay
    Member
    5 years ago
    I had my port put in in September 2017 and helped me beyond measure. I have been on blood thinners for another medical condition for over twenty years now, which means I have to have my blood checked on average once a fortnight. As a result of all these tests over the years, all my available veins are badly scarred and tend to hide when needed. My port solved all these problems and it still remains in my upper chest. My other medical issues mean that I'm in and out of hospital and my port is used for blood tests, general IV line for antibiotics and steroids, blood transfusions and more. I have it flushed and heparin locked every six to eight weeks and I'll keep mine for as long as it gives no problems. I've had no infections or blockages or twisting of the catheter or any other issues at all.