Forum Discussion
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 port inserted or not. I have read the literature and listened to the advice of the nurses but as my husband says, no matter how nice the nurses are, making their job easier is not really my problem unless it affects me. He is concerned about me having another surgical procedure, albeit a minor one, that could be avoided. I'm concerned about that too but also concerned about the possibility of infection or ulceration (and pain) if I don't have the port.
I would love to hear your experiences from both sides - those who chose to go with the port and those who didn't. Why did you make the decision and how did it impact your treatment, health and recovery?
Thanks
I've had lots of information from my questions about preparing for chemo but I have another decision to make - whether to have a port inserted or not. I have read the literature and listened to the advice of the nurses but as my husband says, no matter how nice the nurses are, making their job easier is not really my problem unless it affects me. He is concerned about me having another surgical procedure, albeit a minor one, that could be avoided. I'm concerned about that too but also concerned about the possibility of infection or ulceration (and pain) if I don't have the port.
I would love to hear your experiences from both sides - those who chose to go with the port and those who didn't. Why did you make the decision and how did it impact your treatment, health and recovery?
Thanks
78 Replies
- I have had a lot of chemo over the years and was offered a port with my latest treatment. I have had the port now for 14 monthhs and have never had any trouble. I think its the best thing since sliced bread. I previously had alot of trouble trying to find a vien as they were so small. You can probably try chemo without a port but if you have any problems I would be asking for a port.
- @sister well done! Gosh I wish I'd been smart and had a portacath put in ! Take it easy and rest up. Don't overdo things you've been through such a lot already - it's really important to recognise you can't go at your normal pace - something that took me a while to get even still now !! Big big massive hugs, Bec X
- That's great news @Sister! It is always better to ring up and check any concerning symptoms than worry about them in silence. Take care and hope you feel better each day. Rosie
- @Rosie_BCNA all good - no more symptoms and the GP thinks it was just a slight bug and the heat. It was a bit worrying at the time, though.
- Let us know how yu get on with your GP appointment today @Sister and I hope youre feeling better. Rosie
- Actually @Joannie, I could probably do with an eye tuck, nose job and tummy lift (unless I need the tummy fat if I decide to go the reconstruction path) ...
- It's feeling rather strange @Joannie. I had a bit of a funny turn this afternoon which included heart racing and dizziness - it scared me a bit thinking that maybe something had gone wrong. My husband was on the phone to the hospital and GP and all ready to go to Emergency but then it settled down. Possibly a bit of a bug - maybe I did too much today - who knows. I've got an appointment to see the GP tomorrow to check things out.
You're brave saying those things - it would be just my luck that that's what I'd get!
