Attempted portacath insertion

Hi Ladies, thanks for all of your feedback. The hospital I had the original attempt in didn't have the ability for radiology involvement - new hospital. So I went in on Thursday to Mater South Brisbane and had the head of radiology do the procedure. To say I was anxious was an understatement, I felt sick, had tears, shaking and generally overwhelmed.

But very happy to report second time round was a success. Yes very sore where the port is and my other shoulder where the failed attempt was made. But overall bounced back well as only had a twightlight anaesthetic. 

I start chemo Monday but they may not use the port for the first cycle, not sure what else they will use as my hand is badly bruised and my elbow has been pretty overused. But they are the experts and it's all part of this journey.

hugs to you all xxx

Hi Christel,

i am so so sorry you've had to go through this. I had my portacath put in yesterday for my chemo to start Monday & it  is very distressing to go through. 

I too am very petite, my only issue so far is that it felt like it was going to jump out of my chest last night & the dr came around (of course it had stopped by then) but none of the nurses had seen it happen before. The surgeon seems to believe it was from my muscle moving or something. In any case, it hasn't done it again & everyone seems to think it's ok. Just wanted to mention this in case it happened to anyone else as it was quite scary! 

I wish you the very best of luck & I'm so sorry you're going through this. 

Hi Christel,

Well, that is really crappy indeed. So much going on and now having to return.

 I am surprised that they did not have a radiologist guiding the procedure but am unsure where you were getting it done. I would be having a chat with the hospital to discuss the 'part 2' of all this.

Ports are really very useful and PIC lines can be too but can be a little more intense to maintain and can be knocked and moved more easily. A port only needs to be flushed every 4-6 weeks and normally cannot move. I also know a few ladies who have not been able to use ports. It can really just depend on the individual.

For me, it was a little uncomfortable going in at the beginning but now I am so glad I had it done as it has saved my poor very skinny veins.

You should indeed discuss the best options with your team.  I wish you luck and hope your team can get you sorted our really really soon.

Sending huge hugs Sharon (pink66)

Hi Christel,

Gosh, I'm sorry to hear they did not succeed inserting your portacath!

I had a portacath inserted in October last year, a few days prior to my first chemo session & like Em I also found this procedure a little distressing (probably due to having that & chemo begin in the same week!). My insertion was successful however as I am also petite, mine stood out a lot! ie the lump was quite visible & the scar stretched out as it healed because it seemed to be positioned right under the incision! Despite all of this, the portacath did work very well, although because it always looked a bit purple (the colour of my port) & stretched out, the nurses & everyone who saw it would always ask me if it hurt (it never hurt) & if that's always how it looked! The nurses started accessing my port for my 2nd round of chemo onwards as it was still too raw to use for the first session. Last Friday (the day after my second last chemo session) my port became infected. The surrounding area became quite red & even a bit of puss came out of it so I took myself to emergency on Saturday afternoon & spent 4 nights in hospital being pumped with antibiotics & they pulled the plug on my final chemo session today due to this. They removed my port as well as it had managed to puncture its way through my scar while I was staying in hospital. I will still need to have Herceptin until the end of this year so they're going to attempt using my veins but have advised that I may need to get a PIC line if they struggle with my veins.

I hope they succeed the insertion the second time around Christel, all the best.

Caitlin ??

Hi Christel, 

I'm so sorry for the experience you've had. I found having the porta cath put in quite distressing so can only imagine how you feel. I had a porta cath inserted back in November because I was told my veins weren't good and I'd need it for herceptin. I'm also very petite and I do vaguely remember them having some issues putting it in during surgery (I was sedated so I don't remember specifics). They did have a radiologist  there throughout the procedure. I don't know if sharing this helps at all. Have you spoken to a PLO at your hospital about your experience? 

I'll cross everything for you for the second attempt. I found it took a while to settle and heal, but it was worth it - it makes treatment so much easier. 

Em x