To Port or not to Port
(Apologies if this appears twice - my first attempt has disappeared) I've had lots of information from my questions about preparing for chemo but I have another decision to make - whether to have a p...
Forum Discussion
Hi @Sister,
A port seemed like a great option and I had it inserted before chemo. Unfortunately after chemo no. 2 I developed a blood clot that blocked the port, had to have Clexane (blood thinner) via subcut injection into my abdomen until I could have it removed.
Since then I have had cannulas into my right arm without too much difficulty. I was booked for another port but decided to put it off as long as I could. So far have had 3 more rounds of chemo into my arm with only minor discomfort in the veins and due for the last chemo next week.
The trick then will be that I need Herceptin every three weeks for a year and once I have surgery on my right side, my right arm will no longer be an option. Unfortunately my left arm still has slow circulation - the side of the port, even though it has been removed!
My oncologist says risk of blood clot in a port is about 2% - unfortunately a lottery that I won!
Most people I know have had no probs and love them! You could hold off and see how you go and get one later if you need! All the best!
A port seemed like a great option and I had it inserted before chemo. Unfortunately after chemo no. 2 I developed a blood clot that blocked the port, had to have Clexane (blood thinner) via subcut injection into my abdomen until I could have it removed.
Since then I have had cannulas into my right arm without too much difficulty. I was booked for another port but decided to put it off as long as I could. So far have had 3 more rounds of chemo into my arm with only minor discomfort in the veins and due for the last chemo next week.
The trick then will be that I need Herceptin every three weeks for a year and once I have surgery on my right side, my right arm will no longer be an option. Unfortunately my left arm still has slow circulation - the side of the port, even though it has been removed!
My oncologist says risk of blood clot in a port is about 2% - unfortunately a lottery that I won!
Most people I know have had no probs and love them! You could hold off and see how you go and get one later if you need! All the best!