Hi ladies I finished chemo 5 weeks ago ( thank goodness) my port end moved so every chemo I had an x Ray to check if they could use port I start radio next week today I got an unexpected call that port could be removed on Thursday. I use to be fine with needles operations but now I'm not guess that comes from way too many experiences? I'll just have local but I'm dreading it I understand it's no biggy dear me I was less stressed over losing my boob - any tips ?
Really good. Had the patch and didn't feel a thing. So relieved. Can't believe your hospital didn't offer the patches!!
Hi Lou thanks Brenda for explaining. Lou I had some fabulous wigs but after a while hated wearing them as it got hotter I brought a few billabong caps adjustable at back wore them a lot then towards end when I started on taxol chemo my hair grew to Gi Jane look so I just went with that best of luck with your treatment
Thanks Tracey I started with a picc but I kept moving the thing walking the dogs so went with port. Yes I imagine radio will be much easier I'm just starting to feel a little better 5 weeks after last chemo can't say I enjoyed chemo hated the effects but hey we did it !! Regards Tracy
Yes I'll ask for more and take my own Valium lol I'm soo not brave now
Hi Nadi I've got Valium. I cheated against hospital policy and put a numbing patch over port for 1.5 hrs then took it off half an hour prior to appt ( sneaky) and washed off cream after several chemo accesses that really hurt I thought that's it ( most hospitals will let you use numbing patch just mine didn't) the tip of my port moved to another artery that didn't have the same blood flow so they couldn't draw back blood hence x rays prior every time how did your chemo go?
Thanks Brenda
i am only having 4 rounds so hopefully I won't need one but thanks for explaining it. Got my wig today and it has boosted my moral so much
lou x
Hi Allsopt, nice to hear from you again. I had a PICC line not a port, so can't tell you what it's like. Just wanted to wish you good luck. After chemo, radiation really is a walk in the park, hope all goes well for you, Trace xX
Lou, for those who don't have very good arm or even leg veins for injecting the chemo drugs and they don't like using veins near a joint either, a port is often an option especially if they are going to have a lot of longer term doses of chemo.
Mine is only 4 cycles and they said my veins are not too bad so I shouldn't need one.
A port is like a canula but it is usually put in with a local anaesthetic into a main vein in the top of the chest. It stays there for the duration of treatment and does require some maintenance which the chemo team will do for you.
Such a stupid question but what is a port. Starting chemo this Thursday
lou
I know how you feel. I had my port put in with just a local as well. All I can say is ask for the sedative. They had to give me a lot of sedation for mine as I was getting too anxious. Don't stress about it to much though it will be over before you know it. And if you hate needles as much as i do, take the sedative.
Good luck
