Hi all,
Recovering from mastectomy last week which was preceded by a lumpectomy and sentinel nodes removed 3 weeks ago. Now have to face chemo and herceptin infusion for a year . Wondering if anyone has any good/bad experiences from having a portacath? Some blood testers have had trouble finding veins for samples, others haven't.
Carmel
Thanks Lyn
everyone I have spoken to has said go portacath and had a ct scan last Thursday and they had trouble getting a vein - it was quite painful and definitely don't want to go through that each time! So booked for port on 16th July and start chemo on 28th so wound should be okay by then.
Carmel
Hi Carmel
I'm having chemo first, before surgery. The only decent veins I have are in my elbow, so I opted for a portacath up front. I was also told that chemo itself can have a bad effect on your veins, so that just reinforced my decision.
The incision site was a bit sore for a few days post op, but you have to remember that that do cut through muscle to insert and anchor the portacath. My 1st chemo was 4 days after it was inserted, and was so straightforward, no fussing around trying to find a vein, or discomfort from a cannula site. It's only been in 2 weeks, but I think it was a good decision.
All the best
Lyn
Hi Jane
thanks for your support- because of the length of time for treatment I have decided to go portacath and have surgery date booked . The future side effects coming up soon feel challenging so hope the anti nausea meds are good! Not looking forward to hair loss but already planning for a pre chemotherapy hair cut and scarves on line . My Mcgrath nurse and social worker visited yesterday and feeling more in focus today.
Carmel
Hi Carmel, my portacath was fantastic (once you got over the slightly weird sensation of it sitting underneath your skin) & it definitely saved me from lots of trauma trying to get a good vein - I have major problems getting a good vein for blood test. I had 6 chemo sessions over 5 months & 12 months of herceptin. The oncology nurses were really skilled in accessing the port with little problem. Best wishes for your treatment, it is a long road but doable. Janexx
