Chemo looming

I had my Port a Cath put in the day before my first chemo back in January 2011. I had no access in my arms after having a bilateral mastectomy then a bilateral node clearance so a port a cath was my only option. Between my surgery and starting chemo my blood tests were done through my feet as was any dyes etc for scans. The pain in my feet was horrendous. I was very uptight about having my port a cath. I arrived at the hospital at 7am and was taken to a waiting area attached to the theatre, unfortunately due to emergencies I had a long anxious wait and had my surgery late arvo. I wish I asked for a sedative. I was given a few locals in my chest area and relaxed but didn't like that I had to be awake. The surgery was over in a short time though I did ask for another shot after experiencing mild discomfort. I left hospital an hour later and returned for the next two days to have m dressing changed. I had my first chemo the day after insertion so I was extremely anxious. Most people have them removed about 6 months after treatment ends but because I have no access on my arms and the veins on my feet are shot thanks to chemo and poking and prodding my little port a cath mate remains in my chest 2 years later. I have it flushed in the chemo ward every 6 weeks. I don't feel my port a cath at all and I am a tummy sleeper. I have a small scar up near my neck ( 2cm) and a longer one (6cm) where it sits high on my chest. The scar and a slight bump is visible if I wear a singlet top but I have no issue with that. Port a caths can only be accessed by trained staff. In emergency at the hospital I have to ask for a trained staff member as NEVER let anyone else access it. Some doctors have no clue as to what it is. All staff in chemo and cancer wards are highly trained. Some dyes for ct scans etc can be put through port a cath if done by trained staff but most can't. Anesthetists won't touch the port a cath in my experience after having surgeries after it was inserted so I have that in my feet. My oncologist is happy to keep my port a cath in indefinitely as long as I get it flushed which takes two minutes. When you go for chemo etc they put a needle into your skin after locating the little ring in the middle. It is the mildest little prick and taking a big breath helps and it's all over. You honestly can't feel it after that and removing needle is just as quick. Much easier than your veins being jabbed at Any questions just let me know Hope reading this helps relieve done of your anxiety Mel xx