port installation

[Green999]

Hi all,

Tomorrow I will have Port implanted because I have my hands inflamed.

I am so scared, did someone have a port? If it’s painful? How you feeling with port?

[Lyndy]

Hello Green999

I havent had a port-yet. But I can sympathise with your anxiety, I get the same with anything new! We get so pushed and prodded around during this journey, it’s not unreasonable for us to react like a cat going to the vet…panic first, ask questions later!

I am due a lung drain next week,sounds scary? But as I have had it before I know what to expect.

Most people on here seem to report good things about having a port and medics are very careful to avoid causing pain or distress. Don’t forget you can stop them at any point… it’s under your control!

(Just don’t ask me to have a gastroscopy-then I really would run away 😂). xxx

[Cah60]

Hi Green999, by port do you mean a PICC line? If so, please do not worry as it is painless and takes no more than 20 to 30 minutes.I was feeling exactly the same as you. Really anxious and dreading it but I shouldn't have worried.

Chemo is so much easier with the port. I used to dread each treatment as knew the pain I would endure when the nurse tried to put the cannula in my hand.

Good luck to you x

[Cheadle]

I had a port inserted last year. I was terrified too! The procedure itself was really straightforward and only mildly uncomfortable. One of the best decisions I have made in terms of treatment. No more painful cannulation and my port always behaves itself, never gad a problem with it. These days only needs flushing every 12 weeks so you you can keep it in long term and have it flushed before 3 monthly clinic check ups.

[Green999 in reply to Cheadle]

Thank you very much! I feel so much better now! I will be comfortable tomorrow, I am relieved!

[Saintgermain]

I've had 2 ports done one without general anesthesia the second one with it. It looks a bit bad afterwards but heals nicely not much pain from what I remember it's a must with chemo so much easier.

[Ljwatten]

Most os habe one No it is not painful

[AuntyOrange]

I'm on my 2nd port. Had one a few years ago & new one just recently. It's my best friend. The procedure is painless but it can be a little sore sometimes. I use a numbing cream one hour before chemo but I forgot once & it still didn't hurt. The relief of not needing a cannula every time I have chemo or immunotherapy is so good. I'm very grateful for it & I'm sure you will be too. 👍💜

[Moonbeams33]

I have had a power port for over a year. It was placed while under general anesthesia. So far so good. Instead of lidocaine to numb it before chemo or blood draws I place a little baggie with ice on it that the chemo nurse gives me to hold on the area for a few minutes. It works very well and I cannot imagine having to get stuck so many times without it for all the chemos and CT and PET scans. Hope it goes well for you!💚🍀

[Pumpkininja]

Dear hope all good! The port was the best thing that happened to me by far.Hope is the same for you

All the best xxx

[Green999 in reply to Pumpkininja]

Donne ! Not painful , little bit only. Happy to finally have a port!

[Leniko]

I have been so happy with mine. Chemo can be very rough on veins. No pain much gain. Good luck!

[Green999 in reply to Leniko]

Thank you, done!

[Leniko in reply to Green999]

Brava!! I think you’ll be much happier and more comfortable! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[delia2]

most people with ports love them, me included. I had it in under general anesthesia and it was sore for two weeks but I have had it for five years. They use it for everything at the cancer hospital but not a the regular hospital.

[Kickcancer247]

I've had a port installed since November 16th. Procedure went great. I still have the port- it saves your hands-and allows things like magnesium to be put in through the port. I feel it's been great to have a port. Didn't really hurt. And it's been 5 months. I start immunotherapy this Thursday. The chemo and debulking surgery went great.