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Claire_B's avatar
Claire_B
Member
14 years ago

To Port or not to Port

Well, here I am sitting at home after my second AC treatment. I'm eating some weet-bix & feeling pretty good! Tough week after joining the bald club on Monday, but I feel positive since then as I see that as my lowest moment so far! So, they tell me I need to get a Port - only 2 good veins - and for some reason the thought of it makes me very nervous indeed! I welcome any input from you ladies out there! Claire PS. Thanks for your comments last time I posted. It was a great support

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  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    14 years ago

    I had my power-port put in last week on Wednesday, and had my first chemo through the port yesterday - Thursday.

    It was absolutely painless - I put an Emla patch on it 1.5 hours before chemo - and all I felt was a bit of pressure with no pain of any kind.

    There is a bit of bruising, which will fade soon, and it certainly beats finding veins, as my chemo will be weekly for 18 weeks.

    I highly recommend it for easier chemo.  Good luck, stay strong,

    Michelle x

  • KymB's avatar
    KymB
    Member
    14 years ago

    oops - just re-read that last para and it should say that it's so much easier and less stressfull ...... (not less easy) 

  • KymB's avatar
    KymB
    Member
    14 years ago

    oops - just re-read that last para and it should say that it's so much easier and less stressfull ...... (not less easy) 

  • KymB's avatar
    KymB
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Claire

    I had six chemos and unlike Sam, my treatment was not continual. But like you both, my veins were dicky so I had the port surgically implanted prior to the first chemo. (It took about four nurses to get blood out via my veins, so there wasn't much choice really.)  The procedure to insert the port was relatively simple (compared to everything else we go through!) and also the removal was simple. 

    The downside for me, was the scarring - I scar badly (keloid/lumpy scars). Even after having the scar re-done, it still looks a bit unsightly. However, I know other women who scar well, and their port scars are nearly invisible. 

    In saying that, if I needed to have another port, I wouldn't hesitate - it is so much less easier and less stressful than being a pin cushion with collapsed veins.  The port patch (numbing cream) made using the port completely painless each time I had chemo. 

    Hope that helps with your decision making.  Good luck for your treatment. 

    Cheers, Kym

  • Samantha_Cunnin's avatar
    Samantha_Cunnin
    Member
    14 years ago

    i have a port as my treatment is continual..i have one compromised arm and the veins in my 'good' arm are quite fine & deep.. all the chemo drugs, scans & treatments over the past 2.5 yrs have punished them a little.  My chemo drugs have always gone thru my port, it is painless (u can use numbing cream b4 u go for ur infusion) ..it is a relatively small/easy operation to have it inserted and u can have it removed when u no longer need it..

    i would highly recommend having one, hope my input helps u make the right decision for u

    Sam :)