Port

[Lark78]

Hello ladies my onc has suggested I get a port because the last time I had to get my infusion and scans I had to get a mid-line I only get my treatment and scans every 90 days do u think it’s worth getting a port plus I’m scared because I know ports can get infected sometimes too...thoughts?

[Shelly1009]

Wow. Is your MD thinking you'll be moving on the more frequent IV treatment in the near future? Are you a hard stick? Is the treatment you're receiving very caustic to your veins, like Adriamycin? Seems weird to get a port for treatment only every 3 months. But having said that I had one in my upper arm when I was getting IV chemo with my initial diagnosis. I quite liked it there. Out of the way, not visible when wearing a shirt with a lower neckline, and the scar is on my inner/upper arm so no-one can see it when the port is there or when it's removed.

[Lark78 in reply to Shelly1009]

No my treatment is working I’m on I dance and letrozole and I receive zometa every 90 days but I’m an extremely hard stick 11 years ago I had breast cancer and I did my chemo intravenously for the 16 weeks and that chemo blew my veins completely out now that the cancer came back every time I get blood work or my scans they have a really hard time finding my veins

[Shelly1009 in reply to Lark78]

It would make your life so much easier if your veins are that shot. They can give your treatment and draw your labs off the port. The procedure is quick and painless and then just a little discomfort while it heals. I put a smear of numbing cream covered by a tegaderm on the port site about an hour before my infusions and the access was completely pain free.

[blms in reply to Lark78]

Same happened to me 23,years ago with my initial chemo and my veins blown out. This time, two weeks ago, I had a port installed. I’d like the Idea that it’s completely under skin and there’s no expose lines. I really don’t have any discomfort in at all right now and I expect it’s going to be a lot easier when I start of your taxol on Monday. So basically I’m glad I got it plus I’ll save a heckuva Lotta time with the infuse me. I was very nervous about getting it but now glad that I did

[Totheriver in reply to Lark78]

I am on the same treatment as you. I also had treatments that were given intravenously and it wrecked my veins. I would not get a port unless I absolutely had to . If I had to have treatments weekly that would be different. Just ask them to use a butterfly needle which is much smaller than a regular needle. That seems to work for me.Theresa

[Cowgirl1951]

Since 2013 I have my Zometa by IV every 90 days and I do not have a port.

[Jerseygirl45]

I have had my port all most a year and love it. I have been in the hospital and lot and it saves a lot of sticking.

[Tobysasha65]

If it’s any consolation I’ve had my port since July 2 2014 when I had my second BC diagnosis left breast.

I also had a port in 2006 with my first diagnosis right breast.

I can no longer have blood pressure nor needed sticks in my arms due to lymph node removal on both arms.

I love my port as it makes everything easier for my scans with contrast at times, my 6 wks blood counts and port flush yes port flush between 6/8 wks to keep it flowing.

I’ve been so blessed not to have any problems with it.

I can’t make your decision choices, I can only

share my experience. I am starting Chemo again on March 29 due to many Mets now. I would never do chemo without a port.

You will make the right decision for you.

Best of luck on your journey...🙏🏻😘

[Lark78 in reply to Tobysasha65]

Best of luck to u too much light and love!

[jersey-jazz in reply to Tobysasha65]

Dear Tobysasha65What's this about not having any blood drawn from the arms because of lymph node removal in both arms? I have lymphedema in both upper arms resulting in lymph removal from both underarms. Please tell member.

[Susanita10]

Hi. I have a port and I would do it again. They flush mine every 4 weeks and it really saves me from needle pricks for bloodwork etc.

[ChipCw]

Got mine in two weeks ago ,no problem it’s so handy no prodding with needles ,easy minded

[PJBinMI]

I love love love my port! It's been in my upper chest, below the collar bone, for almost 17 years and I have never had any serious issues with it. Since it is so old, it is not a power port and the only med I ever got thru it was Zometa and I was switched to Xgeva when it became FDA approved. So it hasn't been used for anything in a long long time. I get it "flushed" every 6 to 8 weeks. It was placed during the time I was going thru initial staging, after we knew I have bone mets, but before a definite treatment plan was in place, other than knowing I'd need Zometa. It makes getting IVs so much easier! I know that some oncs routinely prescribe a numbing agent that's applied right before the port is used, but I have never needed anything like that. When I stopped getting Zometa, my onc suggested leaving the port in place in case I need an IV med again and I saw no reason to have it removed as long as it's healthy. Personally, I think it's worth having for an every 3 month infusion because of how much easier it is on veins and how much easier it makes the infusion. Easier to walk to the bathroom, easier to hold something to read. I had a really horrible experience with an IV when I was young. It infiltrated during the night while I was in the hospital and no one noticed it until morning. Since then, I'd had a low level PTSD type reaction to needles and very early in my cancer journey I realized I better get comfortable with needles. I started working on viewing needles as my "friend", there to deliver helpful medicine or take a bit of blood for needed tests and info. That worked well for me, though it took some time. Anyway, I am a big fan of ports and would not want to have recurrent IVs without one!

[Gingerann1]

I too had a port with original b/c diagnosis in 2013 placed right below left collarbone. It was convenient for bloodwork and chemo and a bit later Herceptin infusions. Two caveats/tips...I did need the Emla cream each time, glob on a heaping teaspoon 11/2 - 2 hours before they access, cover w/ a piece of Saran Wrap to keep in place and protect clothing or I will feel like someone sticking a thumbtack directly in my chest. Ask Onc for prescription when you get it placed. Also, when it was finally removed in 2015 is had really attached to my chest wall and had to be cut out rather than “removed”. Can’t imagine removing after many years in place. If I had to have another though I wouldn’t hesitate. This time around I would be in a better situation to manage my expectations and stock up on the Emla cream.

[CincinnatiExperience]

I would not hesitate one bit! I had my port placed in 2003 when I was first diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. The onc suggested I keep it, just in case anything came back. Even though I went a few years with just flushing it every 8 weeks and no other use, I stuck with it, and I am so happy I did. I now have mets and we use the port every two weeks. I use Lidocaine cream about an hour before they access and there is no pain at all. It is fully under the skin, at my left clavicle, so there is no risk of infection. Go for it!

[Adele_Julia]

Hi there ! I found a port a blessing. Believe it or not, it's no big deal. They put it under your skin. In my case on my right side below the chest bone. It's nothing more than a tiny pillow the size of a nickel. No pain. This was a life saver. For two years I was picked, poked, on chemo and such. Blood tests etcetra. To have the port made it so easy. I didn't have to look like a heroine addict ! LOL. All I had to do was put a cream on to numb and then "bingo" ! I highly advocate a port (again it's under the skin and barely detectable).

[EvaL]

I was diagnosed with MBC in December of 2015 had my port put in and have not had a problem at all. I still get treatment every 3 week. It’s so much easier I think.

[WordNerdSharron]

To port or not to port? I went through my entire chemo for my initial diagnosis in 2004 without a port. This time around, with MBC, I chose to have a port installed, and it was one of the best decisions I made. As long as you have it flushed monthly you should be fine. It sure does make this life with cancer a whole lot easier, and it saves the veins. Good luck with the right decision for you.