Suspect that MO may be putting me on chemo before too long.
Have read several different things about the infusion process.
My question - is a port necessary for 6 rounds of chemo? I think i would prefer to avoid the port surgery if it is not really a necessity.
Thoughts from those that have already traveled the road?
Port or no
Best wishes
I had chemo four years ago. Since then I have had a PORT. It's still in there (collarbone right).
You don't necessarily need a PORT, you can do without it. But it has some advantages. With a normal vein access, the chemo gradually destroys the veins. Later blood sampling may be more difficult. With a port, the needle sits inside the patch. It is disinfected, the needle is applied and ready. Because the veins in the collarbone are quite close to the heart, they are larger and the chemo is distributed over a larger volume. Thus, it also spreads faster in the body.
So I have not regretted it. If you are still actively driving a car, you should put the port in the right side so that the seat belt is not over it. This is not a problem in itself, but it feels a little uncomfortable.
Best wishes Theo
Thanks Theo. Appreciate your input.
Theo, do you have any idea if intensive weight-lifting may be OK soon after getting a port?
You can do almost any sport with it - even weight training. I know some people who do that.
I would just make sure that no device presses directly on the port.
This also feels uncomfortable...
I think I remember - it was more than 4 years ago - that no muscles are cut during implantation. These are only pushed to the side to form a kind of "cavity" for the port.
Regarding the earliest possible time to start training, I would definitely consult with the surgeon.
They gave me a pressure test on my arm and decided that my veins were sufficient for infusions.
Thanks Fran
Great info for me
First infusion burned veins in arm and boiled to surface--not good. Had PICC line installed before second infusion right to heart intake. I used it for 6 months and 8 more cycles of taxotere. No problem with line, but had to return every week or so for it to be flushed. No surgery, just guided install--about half an hour which didn't delay second infusion.
Shooter - no surgery sounds better. Were you sedated? Obviously, was it painful?
Nope. Slid right in and he checked placement by sending signal down line while watching my heartbeat and picked up extra beat from signal, kind of interesting to see and he could shock my heart that way.
Shooter. Wow. Sounds like a good option. Thanks for responding. Merry Christmas
I am a huge fan of the port. After years of blood draws, infusions, injections, etc, my veins were difficult to access and a huge source of anxiety. The surgery was easy and port access is quick and painless.
Chemo infusion is tough on your veins. I had the line blow out during my first infusion. All the techs told me to get a port. Installation was a half hour out patient procedure. Glad I got the port.
Here's a thread from a few days ago including discussion of a port:
healthunlocked.com/advanced...
Good info. Thanks to all for sharing your wisdom.
Now I feel confident to discuss with Dr when time comes. Guess i will go for the shoulder/neck option on right side (seatbelt) and ask for the no sedative 1/2 hour “easy” process.
This group is the best resource out there for gaining knowledge from your friends!!!
It depends on the chemo. The first time I did chemo in 2016 it was cisplatin and etoposide. I did it without a port. In 2019 I did Taxotere (docetaxel) and started without a port. But that stuff was trashing my veins, causing them to be scarred, collapse. I got a port and finished the cycle and kept it for about a year. I didn’t like having it, but it was probably good that I did. When I started keytruda I used the port for awhile- but it was not necessary so I had them take it out. It was kind of easy for scans, blood work as well as infusion. I’m glad it’s gone now. But it was helpful at the time
I did not have my port for the 1st 2 rounds of chemo. I have always had a hard time getting a vain for the IV and my arms looked like I was a junkie due to the blood draws and infusions! I got my port and they will not be able to take it away...I love it!! I am now on RA223 having had two injections and they say they can't use my port!🥴 Last week I sat for an hour...2 sticks and no luck for IV so they called the IV team who brings the ultrasound and quickly found what they needed. It took about 10 minutes for the injection and I was out of there. I have also seen pictures of what it looks like when a vain blows during a chemo infusion...not pretty! I say get a port and love it!😉
Port in chest for Provenge?
Starting Docetaxel soon.
Pluvicto and a port
Does docetaxel cause burns?common?
Double J Stent and Starting Chemo
