Hi Louise, I was very lucky and had no probs with my veins but do drink plenty of water before. I know 2 girls that had ports put in as their veins collapsed and both have kept these in 2 years after treatments finished. they had no private health cover and cost them nothing.(this was in W.A) I feel a bit ripped of having private health as am now $20,000.(2 reconstructions) out of pocket were-as these girls paid nothing. I went private as I didnt want to go on a waiting list with cancer but they dont muck about and put you straight in with BC anyway. Wish I'd had this knowledge then, hope this helps and good luck, Kaz