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
- That might just be that EN @Joanie. Even for RNs you have strict protocols for accreditation for ports and cannulas. It used to be to maintain you had to perform at least 10 per year even just to retain accreditation to take blood. And of course different states have different rules and there are also differences between what an EEN can do and what an EN can do. Sometimes they don't like doing it so don't bother gaining accreditation for cannulation. Much less miss with a port.
Really the decision is more for you. You could try without and if it gets too difficult or stressful then look at other options. - Hi
My surgeon popped my port in when she performed my surgery. It’s perfect. Never been a problem.
From a nursing perspective accessing a port and insering a cannula are quite similar ( I do both). Personally I think having chemo into a larger vessel is kinder. If you are needle phobic or have difficult veins - consider the port.
X - I opted for a port from the start. I have shocking veins to access - even anaesthetists struggle to find anything!! For me, it was all about making the process easier, less daunting for me
- Hi @sister,
I had a port inserted after my first chemo treatment (on weekly paxitaxol now) and this was a great decision for me. I have silly, thin veins and bless the nurses they had their work cut out with me!! I just didn't want to go through the hassle every week of trying to get the cannula in, heatpacks and stress of how many attempts would it take. Thankfully I have had no problems with my port and for me a happy decision - I just wanted to say that I didn't mean to diss any nurses - almost all of them I have met over the last few weeks have been wonderful. It's more about separating what's convenient for them from what's best for me. And I know that if they have a hard job finding my veins, that's going to be an issue for me.
I still don't know which way I'm going to go but it helps to hear real experiences. - Hi @Sister,
I declined the port as I had an acquaintence who had nothing but trouble with hers. Constant infections, slipping, soreness and swelling. I had 6mths Chemo plus weekly blood tests (as I not so politely declined the Neulasta after the first one). No port and no problems, so long as your not needle phobic I guess. But chemo sure helps you get over that fear. Lots of water and a heat pack before the cannula goes in makes it easier.
