TERRIFIED of Treatment

Hi KMAC46....I was diagnosed in 2016 and had 4 X AC chemo, followed by 12 X Taxol and Herceptin for a year before surgery. The surgery was double mastectomy with node clearance on the left and sentinal node on the right. Due to other pre existing medical conditions, including the fact that I'd been on blood thinners for almost 20 years with the subsequent scarring to my veins by weekly or fortnightly blood tests, a port was put in. I am now four years post chemo, and still have my port. It has been a godsend for me and all I have to do is have it accessed and flushed, then Heparin blocked every six to eight weeks. I have an extreme needle phobia and am reduced to tears for the finger prick test for blood glucose levels, but have absolutely no problem with this regular procedure, or back before for the chemo. A pushing sensation, and it's in. After the hep lock, the nurse disengages the apparatus with a click, presses a cotton wool swab on for about a minute, slaps on a square band aid type dressing and off I go. I thought I'd just share my experience as regards the port side of things. Big hug...Ally.