Port questions

[Snowcone16]

I have the option of a port. Currently doing GemCarbo by IV. However, after my hospital stay 2 weeks ago and limitations to 1 arm, IV is becoming a challenge.

Where is the port located usually? Does it interfere w bra? Can I lay on stomach?

How do they implant it? Are you sleeping?

I’ve read some people saying they have it for years. I’d preferably like it for however long the GemCarbo works....and if I switch to xeloda then I don’t need port.

Do you have to wear loose shirts? Summer is hopefully 3 months away! How do you reduce risk of infection?

Cathy

[4thTimesTheCharm]

Absolutely agree with Tri78. SO MUCH EASIER to have the port to use than i.v. chemo procedures. Under clothing was never a problem for me as it was positioned on my chest just above my bra line. It was placed while I was under “light anesthesia”, and removed the same way.

Good luck with all your treatment plans and procedures.

[Merma]

I've had my port for over 2 years. It's in my chest, upper right side, above the bra. The nurses said to never take it out. The docs said to keep it in a while longer. They've been saying that for almost two years. I am not receiving infusions, but I still need to go in every 4 to 6 weeks to get it flushed. I just time it so it's on the day of my monthly blood test and drs appointment. The port made the infusions less painful (chemo destroyed the veins in my arms at the time) and I have used the port for some blood draws. Now that my veins in my arms have healed, they can use them to draw blood when I'm not in the infusion center.

I am no longer self-conscious about it. If I wear a low cut top and it shows, so what! It's a part of me now.

[Burgerde]

I ama nurse practitioner and knowing well the story, I had a port placed right before I started chemo and have left it in due to frequent blood draws. I agree with all the earlier comments,including leaving it in. The only thing I would add is if you drive, ask them to put it in right because seat belt rubs. It won’t damage it but is just uncomfortable. I wasn’t given option and didn’t know I could ask.

[Snowcone16 in reply to Burgerde]

Wonder if my right is okay if I had lumpectomy, radiation and axillary nodes (4). I just know they can’t draw blood or do blood pressure on right.

[Burgerde in reply to Snowcone16]

I'm not sure about that one. I think when you consider anatomy it would be fine but it is an excellent question. You should ask your Oncologist . No big deal if they use left, just more comfortable if you drive if put on right. At first I was self conscious and covered it. Now I wear whatever I would have before. Clothing doesn't seem to rub where it is positioned for clothes. I wear whatever tank tops, swimsuits, etc. I did before. Hope everything going well.

[Bubbles001]

I had a port several years ago and got it removed after chemo. Now I’m MBC, I had the port reinstalled and am so glad I did. It makes scabs and blood draws so much easier. I have small veins so it’s a lot easier on the nursing staff, too. I get it cleaned monthly if not using it, but that is no big deal since I’m at my Onc’s monthly anyway.

[mariootsi]

Cathy,

I had a port with my initial diagnosis when I received chemo. So much easier than having them use veins! Easy to have it put in. No pain. They gave me light sedation.

[morty87]

I've had my port since 2006 and it is my best friend in the oncology office!!! Evidently I'm one of those unusual patients that have had their port for such a long time. I begged my dr in 2007 to keep it because I was such a difficult stick for lab work. He agreed and I still have it today. I'm fortunate that after 11 years of being cancer free that I still had the port when round 2 of cancer came back. I use my port for all lab work in the oncology office (ask your dr and nurse to schedule your port for lab work!) and I have gone to my oncology office to get lab work done for my GP as well. I highly recommend the port. I've not had any problems with it physically, maybe the only issue is some nurses outside of oncology saying they don't know how to access it.

[laurac1014]

You all make this seem Do-able if the need should ever arise. This really helps me have peace of mind that I will be able to handle whatever this darn disease throws at me next.

[Kimr2081]

When I had a port they gave me the option of my chest or on the inside of my right upper arm and that's where I choose. I just didn't want to worry about wearing a scoop next shirt and such. The arm was a piece of cake. If they don't offer it ask them about it. It never bothered me at all.

Kim

[Mimigram]

I had it under right arm but removed it after chemo. I wish I still had as I get labs now every month for MBC.

[natalieqa]

they place port on the opposing side of the affected breast

[Arkait]

Very useful input My greatest problem is getting stuck in veins so often,

But I am concerned about need to "flush" every 4 to 6 weeks. What about

those of you who kept it in for years. Isn't this flushing requirement

a bit of a nuisance?

[hdhonda]

I love my port. It was placed on my right side above bra. It makes blood draw, etc so much easier. No one has ever talked about removing it. I am a hard stick with small veins. It didn't hurt to put it in. It was done by a radiologist. I was awake, but they had given me something through an IV. Just don't let anyone access your port who has not been trained. Blessings, Hannah