Port

The port is a lot safer and easier to use than a picc line. I also have terrible veins.
As for blood tests, QML etc are not permitted to access your port, only the hospital. 
I an go to the hospital (RBWH in Brisbane) to get y bloods done, but it then adds on another 90 mins or so to my day, and i'm there long enough as it is! 
I also had dose dense AC and an currently having dose dense Paclitaxel. I have not regretted getting my pot for a second! soooo glad I insisted on getting i done, it has saved me a lot of pain & hassle. 
Having the port inserted is easy, they do it under a twighlight sedation, the first night was quie painful though, so e sure to ask for some endone or similar for pain relief, after tat it's been a breeze! I put the emla patch on roughly an hour prior to my infusion and that numbs it so i don't feel a thing. also leaves my arms free & unmarked. 
best of luck. 
Cat

I am considering a port too! I have nerve damage in my left arm from a previous blood test and my right is already bruised from the recent blood tests and CT/bone scans 

@Cate64 yes there is a thin tube line that sticks out of the arm 

I still have my port 16 months after chemo and 10 months after Herceptin finished. Best thing I ever did. I kept a detailed diary during my treatment and I had 147 needles in 12 months. I didn't get my port until after my second round of chemo and by then my veins were already causing me problems.  FYI it depends on where you get your blood tests done as to whether they can use your port to draw blood. I sometimes get bloods taken at normal pathology places and they don't use the port because they have to be specially trained and have the right gauge needle but if I get bloods done at the oncology clinic they always use the port,

Get the port best thing ever x

I'm glad I have my port. I struggle to get blood taken let alone trying to get a vein for Chemo each time. The nurses took one look at my tiny veins and then called my oncologist to suggest the port.

I'm glad I jad my port. Just have to get around to getting it out now.

Hi there spiv1803. I had TNBC may last year. Grade 3 (3cm tumor) stage 2a. Lymph nodes and scans all clear. I had the same chemo regime as you. And definately recommend the port. Heaps easier for access and comfort and if you've got shitty veins the port is just the thing for you. I got to take mine out once I finished my chemo but I have great veins and taking blood during and post was easy. Stay in touch with how you go and feel free to PM me if you want to chat anytime about TNBC. Margie ❤️

I wouldn't be without my port . I have had chemo previously without a port and it was not a pleasant experience especially when it gets  hard to find a vien. I'm back on chemo now with a port put in under the skin and I think it's the best thing. 

@Spiv1803
I believe picc lines have a 'shelf life', they are not as neat & tidy as a port that sits under your skin with no external bits & pieces to get snagged. @Cynth6 do picc lines have external tubing attached??

 Have you seen an installed port?? (sorry didn't know how else to say it :) ). Ports can stay in for years as long as they are flushed regularly. Mine looks like a bump, its very neat under my skin.
They use mine for blood tests & also when I go for bone or ct scans they use it to inject the contrast into

I guess there are pros & cons with each option..