Another Port photo

[kristinaapril]

I see Kryssy ended up posting her port picture before myself; however, as my mom volunteered, I figured I would post it as well.

As you can see, my mom's port is hidden rather well. She did have her port flushed yesterday, which is why there is a tiny bruise! The port tubing (up on her neck), is visible whenever she turns her head to the opposite side (like is shown in the photo).

Mom wanted me to express again how much she is grateful for her port, as it has saved her from being jagged in her hand (as her veins in her arms are impossible to get).

[Kryssy]

That's a much better looking port than mine. Is your mum able to wear low necklines as it's a bit in the middle. Mine never shows despite it sticking up a lot more now. I think we should have a port beauty contest for a laugh. I'd get the booby prize for ugliest sticky-up port I think. Second thoughts, never mind the prize just send the boobies as mine have disappeared south.

Kryssy xxxx

[kristinaapril in reply to Kryssy]

Got quite the chuckle out the boobies relocating to the south!

She is able to wear low "v" neck cut shirts without it showing. Low cut scoop tops are hit or miss, just depending on how wide the scoop is. No one has ever commented on it when it is visible, though they may just be polite.

Kris x

[Yoshbosh]

My port looks more like your mum’s Kristina. It doesn’t stick out much.

[January-2016-UK]

Good pic. Would seem to be very innocuous. I'll see what I can find out if everyone would eventually need one, i.e. their veins will eventually pack up (I'm still unsure exactly what that means). I'm assuming so otherwise why would the French system automatically give everyone one.

[Luci22]

Hi all,

New on here... can anyone tell me what the port is, I'm wondering if my mom should also ask for it down the road. She is about 6 months into initial treatment, had surgery in December and finishing up 3 more chemos. Will she need a port over time?

Thanks,

Lucia

[kristinaapril in reply to Luci22]

The port shown above is a Power Port (which allows for CT infusion dye, which a typical non-power port cannot use). It is an implantable mechanical device, that runs a small vascular tube through your subclavian artery. A port allows for easier vascular access; though, like any medical procedure/implantation; there are risks as well.

Each country tends to have there own "norms" about ports or picc lines. In my state, ports are standard care procedures; and my mom was given one before starting chemo.

It's hard to say if your mom will need a port over time; though if her veins become poor/difficult, it might be suggested. My mom was born with a valve defect in her heart, which on it's own caused small veins. Top that off with being poked and prodded over the years, the veins in her arms are just to poorly to be used. My mom has decided to keep her port and gets the "flushing" infusions every 6 weeks, to keep it in working order.

Since power ports are standard care here; all facilities (that mom has went too, at least), have been able to access her, though sometimes finding the port needle is a bit of a hassle. This makes it much easier and less painful, to get routine blood tests done.

Kris x.