Hi this is my very first blog. Bout to start the next phase of my journey - portacath on Tuesday and Chemo the following Wed. Bit worried about the portacath trying to read up about it and get heaps of info but still scared.

Welcome to BCNA. I found this network a wonderful support during my treatment. It can be a very difficult time and finding lots of people who know exactly what it feels like can really help. I did not have a portacath but have heard nothing but good things from people who have had them. People talk about them being a 'best friend' that helps to make the chemo easier. I had 18 weeks of Chemo (3 x FEC, 3 x Docetaxel) which finished 19 September this year. It was not as bad as I thought it might be and I actually had a few good weeks in amongst the not so good ones. Just take it one step at a time, rest when you need to and make the most of the good days. Let others help and get support from everywhere you can. We are here to listen, for advice and to help in any way we can. Take care and let us know how you go. Deanne xxx

Hi, l just had my portacath put in on thurs, my 1st round of chemo is tomorrow. I had a very similar post to yours - l'm terrified of procedures (particularly when l'm awake!) My port insertion went something like this: I had to fast from midnight the night before, as l was having a twilight sedation, some people just have local, but lm far too much of a wuss for that! When l got to the hospital, a lovely nurse explained in not too gory detail how the procedure is done, how the port works, & answered all my questions (there were a lot!) Ive been avoiding google out of principle - my imagination needs no assistance! She also gave me a port to look at & feel, they are quite small & flexible, l was concerned that it might eventually come apart inside me, but after looking at how it's put together, l can now see that this would be virtually impossible. I was taken into the "theatre" & met the other nurses, all lovely. I explained that l was worried about being awake through it, & that l hate needles & all that in general. They were very reassuring& said all l would feel would be some pushing & pulling, but no pain & nothing sharp. The Dr came in, introduced himself & did an ultrasound to work out the best spot for it. I had a fast heartrate due to nerves, so l was given half the sedation then. I didn't feel groggy or sleepy, hard to explain - just more at ease & relaxed? A sheild was put up between me & the surgeon, all l could see was a nurse to my left, no instruments or tv screens etc. There was a bit of random chatter about my nail polish colour, christmas plans, work etc while the surgeon marked out the spot, l was a bit worried that they weren't going to hear me from under the sheild, but it was ok. I asked the surgeon to try not to put it where my bra strap would go, & he's done a good job there. The nurse to my left told me they were going to give local, l didn't feel those injections. She also warned me if there was going to be pushing or pulling sensations. From here, l don't remember much, except that it seemed to take a lot less than the 15-20 min, & chatting vaguely with the nurses in the recovery area. There is some pain afterwards, but not unmanageable with panadeine. Mine feels quite tight at the moment, similar to the lymph biopsy scar in my other armpit. I find it is still quite sore if l bend forward, but standing & laying down is ok. Mine also bled a bit over the next day, l called the hospital & they assured me it was ok. I was also given a list of aftercare instructions before leaving the hospital, l was there about 2.5hrs after the procedure. I'm a bit worried now that it's going to still be sore when they access it tomorrow for the chemo, but l have Emla numbing cream to put on it, hopefully that will help. I can't say yet if it's better or worse for drips / blood tests etc, but everyone else (including medical staff!) seems to think they're brilliant & makes everyones job easier. I'll let you know how it goes... In a nutshell, it was nowhere near as bad as l had imagined, & ask for sedation! It helps a lot. Good luck with it :-) From Bobbie

The dreaded portacath | BCNA Online Network

16 Replies

Cherylek
Member
12 years ago
Hi Paula, I have had my port in since mid March this year and have had Taxol and Herceptin 12/18 through it. Bloods can also be taken from it but only in Oncology. If you have a blood test at say MIA Pathology they are not qualified to use the port and can only use your veins. Overall the port has been fine for Oncology but I can't lie it has been quite painful at times especially sleeping. Hope this helps, regards, Cheryle :)
mum2jj
Member
12 years ago
Thanks Sue. Finally having a preventative mastectomy of my other breast and a reconstruction. Good luck. Paula :)
Sue_H
Member
12 years ago
Thanks Paula i wish you all the best for your surgery too

Sue xx
mum2jj
Member
12 years ago
I have done chemo two times due to a recurrence. No port first time and my poor veins are now trashed. Had to have port second time and have had no issues with it. I kept it after I finished chemo and had to have it flushed every 6 weeks which took minutes. It is finally coming out as I am having more surgery this week. Might even miss it a little bit. Good luck. Your port will be your friend, especially when you have free hands during chemo. Paula :)
Sue_H
Member
12 years ago
Thankyou for your kind wishes. Its so nice to have such lovely ladies respond to my blog..

Sue xx
Sue_H
Member
12 years ago
Thanks so much xxx
Jesslin
Member
12 years ago
Hi Sue

Just wanted to wish you the best of luck for tomorrow. You will be fine.

I have had my portacath for just over a year now. I had a choice of portacath or pic line, I choose the port. It certainly made having the chemo easier.

I have finished my chemo and just have my port flushed out every 6 weeks now. I can honestly say that it doesn't bother me at all.

All the very best with your up coming treatment.

Linda :)
Janey235
Member
12 years ago
I'm glad you feel more at ease with the procedure tomorrow. There is nothing worse than the fear of the unknown. This journey will throw a lot of that your way but believe me, the fear is worse than the actual reality sometimes. This wonderful network of amazing women is THE best place to find love, friendship, advice, comfort and support. It has been my savour this year. I am sending you big hugs and wishing you well for tomorrow. Love Janey xxx
Sue_H
Member
12 years ago
Thanks for your reply, It will be nice to not be jabbed heaps of times to try and find veins when my chemo starts so I am going to take in all the kind words and support from everyone and just go do the portacath thing tomorrow. Best wishes Sue x
Sue_H
Member
12 years ago
Thanks for your kind words and support, I will let you know how I go. So glad that you have finished all your treatment. Wish you all the best. Sue x