I was going to suggest what Zoffiel did. I am actually a nurse, and have previously worked in pathology. These days a lot of the collectors in pathology are not nurses. Having said that even the nurses are not trained in using portocaths. However most of the oncology unit nurses are happy to collect your samples for you if you pop in there, so check if that is an option. They may even be able to send them off to the lab. Your oncologist is awesome in my opinion. I have had BC twice and did not use a port the first time. My veins are now trashed for life. I can't use the veins in my other arm due to BC/lymph node removal. SO now every blood test is a drama. I had the port the second time and it was awesome. It was a bit of an eyesore as it stuck out a bit but made chemo so easy. I found FEC pretty tough going with the nausea worse the first week. Ginger ale was another good friend of mine. I used to take the week after chemo off but could work the other two weeks. make hand sanitiser your new best friend. Have it in your bag. Wipe over everything form trolley handles at the shops and tables in cafe's with it. I did this and managed to get by without picking anything up. I also avoided cinema's etc at the times when my white cell counts were lowest.
I know the secretary feeling, it's amazing all the paperwork and info. The My journey diary is a huge help. Did you get the BCNA My journey kit? It also has a nice wallet to put all your paperwork in.
All the best.
Paula xx
