Forum Discussion
Porta Cath
I am Wendy, 53 years of age from North East Victoria and this is my first time writing a blog. I had a Masectomy and axillary clearance in February 2011 and have been undergoing chemo every 3 weeks for the past few months, after my treatment on Tuesday I will change to 12 weekly treatments of Taxal. I am going in for day surgery on Monday to have a Porta Cath inserted as the veins in my left arm have been very sore and they have had trouble finding a suitable vein to administer the chemo, I am feeling nervous as I haven't spoke with anyone that has had this done. Anyone been there done that?
24 Replies
Thanks Chrissy and Fiona,
I don't know if I will have a Portacath yet but my surgeon seems to think I will and I am seeing the oncologist that he recommended. I guess they've worked together for a while and they know each other's preferences.
The idea sits well with me, I'd much prefer to have one small surgery than have someone constantly digging around in my arm. I'm mainly a student at the moment working only one day per week so I can work in surgeries quite easily.
CasThanks Chrissy and Fiona,
I don't know if I will have a Portacath yet but my surgeon seems to think I will and I am seeing the oncologist that he recommended. I guess they've worked together for a while and they know each other's preferences.
The idea sits well with me, I'd much prefer to have one small surgery than have someone constantly digging around in my arm. I'm mainly a student at the moment working only one day per week so I can work in surgeries quite easily.
Cas- Hi Cas I had portacath in May this year and started chemo a week later, I had my last chemo on Monday this week and had portacath out this morning. Both procedures done under sedation as day surgery in hospital where I have had all my treatment, a few stitches on both occasions but no problems and much easier for treatment. Take care and all the best Fiona
- Hi Cas I had portacath in May this year and started chemo a week later, I had my last chemo on Monday this week and had portacath out this morning. Both procedures done under sedation as day surgery in hospital where I have had all my treatment, a few stitches on both occasions but no problems and much easier for treatment. Take care and all the best Fiona
Thanks Chrissy,
I don't mind another surgery. I almost bounce out of the hospital and often before they tell me I can leave (not this time).
So this portacath sits under the skin or on top? I've seen pictures where you can only see a bump under the skin, sort of like a pacemaker but smaller and then I've seen pictures where you have the port (for want of a better word) sitting on top of the skin. I don't know why they are different? Is one for long term use and the other for semi short term?
I'm also told that they have an anchor for a few days? I assume this is a stitch so that it won't move until it settles in?
Cas (good at asking questions, sorry)What happens to the portacath when you've finished your treaments? Do they take it out and is that another operation?
CasNo problems Wendy. All the best with your treatment and I hope it goes well for you.
Tracey x
Thanks Tracey - Yes I am glad that I have had it done as it was certainly easier than having them looking for veins for the chemo on Tuesday. Good luck with your treatments I hope those drugs are not to hard on you, I start on Taxol Tuesday week for 12 weeks so my porta cath will be with me for a while also.
Best wishes
Wendy
Thanks Tracey - Yes I am glad that I have had it done as it was certainly easier than having them looking for veins for the chemo on Tuesday. Good luck with your treatments I hope those drugs are not to hard on you, I start on Taxol Tuesday week for 12 weeks so my porta cath will be with me for a while also.
Best wishes
Wendy
Hi Wendy, I'm lagging a bit behind with the info. I had my porta cath put in just before christmas. I was a nervous wreck just thinking about having it, but now, I am grateful that I had it done. I had a twilight sedation which worked really well. I am having my last chemo on Thursday this week but will be on Herceptin and Bondronat ongoing so mine will be staying with me. It is certainly a much quicker option for getting set up. Hope all goes well with your treatment.
Take care.
Tracey
