Hi everyone,
Just wondered if anyone had any advice about this - I have been reading online and it seems i might have a choice of where it is put, chest or arm.. If it turns out that i do have a choice does anyone have any information/advice that might help me choose best? Many thanksx
Hi, I have a port in my chest since 2019 & other than been sore & bruised for a few days after it hasn't caused me any bother. You can swim & shower without it been covered whereas I think if you have it in your arm it has to be covered. The ladies on here who have one in their arms will be able to fill you in better. Best of luck with whatever one you decide on X
My wife had one in her arm but seemed to have a lot of trouble with that one, that was a PICC line. They then put a port in her chest and that has been in for acompañe of years with no issues.
Thats good to know thank you!
I would opt for the chest definitely my Onc prescribed a numbing cream I would put a dollop on 2 hours before treatment cover with plastic wrap didn’t feel a thing when they accessed it.
Thanks saintgermain.. they put it in chest 👍 got my 1st treatment with it next week!
So glad that’s behind you hopefully it wasn’t too uncomfortable
Not too bad👍
Hi Lochawe, I had a port implanted in July 2020. My port is used to infuse, chemo, draw blood, and connects to CT machine for dye/contrast injection. Like SaintGermain, I am prescribed a numbing cream that I apply and cover with a large Bandaid or plastic wrap. I can barely feel needle insertion. Even when I forget to apply the cream, needle insertion is quick and quite tolerable. I was assigned a less experienced who properly inserted the port. However, if you get a more experienced surgeon, your port may be more artfully implanted. Before they knock you out, ask if the chest port can be inserted in a fleshier part of your chest. One of my nurses showed me hers. I couldn’t even see it. She placed my fingers on it so I could feel it. Amazing! Mine sits right on a boney area of my chest and is covered by such a thin layer of skin that the grey color of the port shows through my skin and looks like a bruise. I find my port rather unsightly, but I am very pleased that it works so well. I’ve even gone helmet diving (about sixteen feet underwater) with no problems. I am sure you will be happy with a chest port. Best wishes,
Sashay
Thanks sashay! It went in the chest and like you say, a few days discomfort and then okay👍 Havent had a treatment with it yet but sure it will be fine👍X
Haven't got one myself but three ladies in a group I attend all have it in their inside part of right arm just above elbow bend. (In what would be your 'bingo wing' if you have any!)
Do indeed have bingo wings.. 😉 it went in the chest!
Great. Glad you are sorted and comfortable with it in your chest. Iam sure it will make things a lot easier for you for treatment. Hope all goes well for you.x
Thank you
I have an arm port (not a picc line but an actual port in my arm) and I wouldn’t recommend it really. It’s quite uncomfortable and I have just finished chemo and really want it taken out asap whereas I gather people with chest ports are generally happy to keep them almost indefinitely. I wasn’t offered the option of a chest port (royal Marsden seem to be doing arms in preference to chests as it’s a less serious procedure and doesn’t require sedation only local anaesthetic). It’s quite prominent on my arm and my arm is quite painful and looks a bit bruised most of the time even tho it was put on in February! Hope this is helpful!
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