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 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.
Goodbye Dear Port
Well it is about to happen. About 2 months ago I put in my paperwork to have my port removed. I wasn't ready when I first stopped treatment as it was stopped early. I was scared I would need it. Fortunately I overcame that fear in a few months. Then I was going in for changeover reconstructive surgery and thought it would be better to keep it. However they refused to use it. Then the vascular surgeon left our hospital. ..which then meant I would have to travel at least 300km and be worked up for it. Quite frankly I was fed up using all my time off for surgeries so put it off. Getting flushes done 6 weekly. But now a new surgeon can do it. They rang me Tuesday and said...we will do it this Tuesday after long weekend...can you come in for workup. As I work at the same hosputal I ran in for that between appointments. So Tuesday...7.00 am I will be waiting. I'm so happy to have it gone now. It's interfering with my fitness activities as I strive to regain muscle and strength as at times it is uncomfortable. I have no idea yet how long until I'm allowed to swim and do weights yet...but it needs to happen . So far the plan is for local but we will see on the day. I recently also had an endoscopy and colonscopy. Bottom end good. Top end shows Barret's oesophagus which can turn cancerous so guess I will be on regular checks. I got really anxious before this procedure . And I got nervous about my pap smear and results as my result took ages to come back. Having cancer really impacts on your old resilient nature. Work has been hectic and emotional as one of my regular clients died. It was very sad. I ended up with a horrid headache Friday which led to Saturday and my stupid brain did the "maybe you have brain mets...maybe you should see a Dr for a CT scan before the port comes out. Oh ffs...I hate how cancer does that to you. It makes you question everything. But as always the headache passed and I'm well again. Nervous? ...Probably. But it is another thing ticked off in acknowledging I am a survivor. Will we ever feel safe? Probably not. But it gets better.
