My Mom is operated for breast cancer surgery and now doctor advised 8 chemo sessions. I want to know portacath or drip which one is better.

[vishalagr]

Breast cancer was diagnosed to my mom a one month back and she got operated on 7 may to remove that lump . Surgery happened in max hospital by Dr. Harit , now she need to undergo to 8 chemo sessions. Is it require to go for port surgery or it could be done using drip. please advise.

[kontak TeamBCI]

Hi vishala gr - welcome to our forum. Its very difficult to face the tough time. We all have gone thro the same.

Port is the best option, On the right hand side see under the topics PORTS - you will get a detailed information on it.

If any more querries do write. We all are here to help each other. Take care

[sumeet_shah Administrator]

My personal preference as a Surgical Oncologist is for a PORT, if one can afford it. PORT makes life much easier for the patient and all other problems due to an intra venous infusion are avoided. Once a vein is used for chemo, it is less likely that the same vein will be in a position to be used again. Veins through which the chemotherapy drugs pass, tend to become hard like a cord. Initial few cycles are easier, but in later cycles, to find a vein becomes difficult for the doctors (unless there are lots of prominent veins) and more important, becomes painful for the patient. PORT also has its own problems, though, but it is anytime better than an IV infusion.

[Hidden]

Hello vishal

Welcome on the forum.

Well, have gone through all this treatment, I would like to answer your query.

I heard different opinion from the people about it.

Positively, it makes life comfortable and stops numerous pricking as compare to cord.

While, Some negative feedbacks are

Its an extra financial burden. it cost around 15-20 thousand i guess.

Some people I met got port infection, though its rare.

After chemo if doctor advised you to keep it for longer time, it needs regular flushing to be done. My port was kept for 1 year since insertion,

And , yes one more scar

Personally I would say I too had port for my chemotherapy and I didn't get any problem.

All the best for your mother.

Rana

[vishalagr in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply .. I think port insetion is better so i will choose that option. In max hospital it costs around 75 K . Any advise for handling the side effects or any issues which may come across and needs to take care of them before.

[Hidden in reply to vishalagr]

No vishal, as such no issue. Mine was done with local anaesthesia, after surgery .

About cost, different hospitals have different cost. I have no idea on it.

All the best !!

[Chpatel]

Recently my friend wife put the port costing 60000/-

Her exp is good.

[shubhac]

The PORT is definitely better. A BARD PORT costs around 16K, and 5-8K for insertion. Yes, it does need regular flushing. But saves one from multiple pricks, slow drips and hardened veins.