Portacath discomfort
I’ve had my portacath for about 3 weeks now. The site of the portacath itself doesn’t bother me too much, however where the catheter goes into my artery at the base of my neck is really uncomfortable and tender. Is it supposed to be like that? It’s quite noticeable and has formed a keloid looking lumpy scar on it but all around it remains tender and feels like my neck is always muscular my type sore. Ideas?
Picc Line and Portacath .... any tips appreciated on clothing & anything else
Hi guys My husband was supposed to have a portacath fitted this week for his 'next regime' of chemo on Wed .... but sadly the request got 'lost' by the radiology mob - and now he has to have a picc line fitted for the first couple of treatments as he can't have the portacath fitted now until mid December. He is not very happy at having ANYTHING fitted into his body - and now he has to have 2 procedures instead of just the one, thru what I can only call incompetence by the radiology mob. They had the request since Nov 11 (plus a confirmed conversation with the Palliative care nurse on the 16th Nov that the appt was 'pending') then when I rang for the appt the other day, I was told on the 22nd Nov that they'd never received it! I am SPEWING. SO ... He has the picc line fitted on Monday. I've seen shirts with zips on the front for those with Portacaths - but is there specific clothing for those with Picc lines? Do you have any photos - re portacaths as well? He will also have a 'bag' of chemo feeding for about 48hrs after his chemo session .... and I am concerned that it will annoy him, particularly when sleeping. What did you do to stop the 'bag' from bouncing around 'specially at night? Apparently there is a sling that can be worn around the neck, or a bum bag around the waist .... as he has mod/severe dementia & I am concerned he may try & pull the lines out. I hope there is some sort of tubigrip to put over the arm to hold everything 'in place' & stop the dangles ..... and I'll try & get a BIGGER bit of tubigrip to put around his whole torso at night as well (if there IS such a thing) to hold the chemo bag in place! Many thanks xx
porta cath nerve shoulder and neck pain
hi there, was wondering if anyone has experienced what feels like nerve damage from their porta cath. I have had mine in for a month now and have suffered from debilitating neck and shoulder pain including rapid heartbeat when I stand up and lift my chin, weakness in legs and headaches. Have had a CT and ultrasound and it appears to be lying correctly. At first I thought I had immobilised my neck to avoid the weird dragging sensation (after the surgery) and that caused it to seize up but now I'm not so sure... have had acupuncture and physio but it doesn't seem to be getting better and I can't seem to find much information online. I do find it easier for chemo (first one with the port last week) but have 11 taxol to go and am worried the damage will be irreversible. Any info/advice greatly appreciated
Port a cath incision scar red and itchy sometimes.
I had the port inserted 6 months back. Since the last few weeks the port incision scar sometimes get red and itchy specially when I exercise. It itches so much that I feel like ripping it. I have spoken to the oncologist who suggests seeing a GP. The itchiness and redness gets better sometimes by applying betadine. I also spoke to the breast surgeon (the port was inserted by a radiologist). The surgeon seemed to think that this can happen with any part of the skin that has been cut. Has anyone else had any such issue with the port incision scar. The port is working fine, I have 3 weekly Herceptin infusions through the port.Port-a-cath Pain
Hi everyone, I've had a port-a-cath put in on Tuesday 24 March and I'm just concerned about the pain I'm getting across the top of my back between my shoulder blades and across the top of my chest. It's like an ache but gets a bit more uncomfortable when I breath in a bit deeply. Has anyone else had this pain with their port-a-cath? I know I've only just had it done but I was just wondering if this kind of pain when healing is normal?
Port Defunct
Well the decision was made today by the oncology nurses that they would no longer use my port. Their reasoning makes total sense to me. Instead of having to return after the herceptin to have it removed, it will now be taken out at the same time as my mastectomy in about ten weeks. We have had seven successful infusions and three failures plus ongoing pain due to possible nerve damage from the initial installation. Some nights the only way I can get to sleep is to place my arm above my head to relieve the pain. I don't think I would have been able to do that straight after the mastectomy so just as well the port will be coming out at the same time. My veins are very visible and easy to find due to the fact I drink a lot o:) of water! Plus the fact I walk directly before and after chemo so the chemicals do not pool in the one spot. I think the Port is good for normal people but I don't think I fit into that category.
Porta cath
Hi everyone l have such bad veins . I am going to get a porta Cath next week. Chemo starts on the 19 th of Feb . I’m getting anxious . There is so much info for me to remember. Dreading side effects of chemo . I guess l have to be glad that l am getting help in stopping the cancer from coming back . Feeling anxious today . This is overwhelming.
