Port-A-Cath

[Sunnydrinking]

Hi

I’m having a port fitted next Friday. I am sure this will help with bloods & treatment in the future.

It seems a straightforward procedure. My concern is that I’m a very restless sleeper and toss & turn a lot - hope this doesn’t affect the port.

Any comments and/or advice very welcome please.

Jo xx

Ps sorry I’m “Miss Needy” at the mo 😂

[jersey-jazz]

When installed, the port is completely flush with the body. Your restless sleep will not disturb the port. Good luck with your treatment.

[Hidden]

Good luck with your treatment Jo.Clare

[Hidden]

Hi Jo My port is slightly raised from my body and at times it has been slightly uncomfortable when trying to sleep on that side . But never extremely painful . It has however taken months to completely heal, I had it implanted dec 23 and it has just recently healed . The oncology team has been able to access since first infusion in January and I do not regret it at all . Remember to put your numbing cream on 1 hour before your appointment so they can access the port for bloodwork they also might add a numbing spray .

Luann

[Topood]

The port is placed so that it is in a spot that isn’t really vulnerable when you move around a lot....I’ve had 2 ports placed (24 years apart in my unusual cancer history) and neither of them has given me any problem at all....in fact I kept my first one in for 7 years just because I was afraid of the cancer coming back.....(but it didn’t do that for 17 years!)

[MaryCos]

Hi Jo! I have a PowerPort. Another MBC friend I met through this forum, who has lived with BC for more than 20 years -- and was not new to chemo but was poised to get a port for the first time, had the same concerns as you. I talked with her about mine, and even showed her photos and did a short video of mine. Once you get through temporary tenderness in the port area after placement, you will forget it is even there. Even when sleeping.... or trying to sleep. I, too, am a restless sleeper. And a pajama-less naked one at that! No issues whatsoever.

I got my port when they thought I was only stage 2 or at most stage 3. (And my first oncologist started me on chemo even though we got the PET back days before my first scheduled infusion indicating suspected bone mets, and, therefore, stage 4.) I switched oncologists after my 3rd AC chemo treatment, and she had me finish up the course before switching to Ibrance/Letrozole; the final scheduled AC treatment (of four). Now I use the port for my quarterly Zometa infusions, but I recently started using it for blood draws and, just last week, my CT scan tracer/contrast injection. While I thought when I first started cancer treatment (in thinking I only had one tough year ahead of me) that my port would be temporary... I am JUST FINE with it staying with me for the duration. In fact, I want to use it whenever I can when it comes to injections and blood draws. (NOTE: Not all port models allow for this, is my understanding.)

Reach out if you have questions or need support on this.

Cos

xo

[Buffwright in reply to MaryCos]

I had a port back in 1994 when I was on AC. Mine actually had an external tube, but I don’t remember discomfort at night. It was great for blood draws and everything else! I sometimes wish I had one now for monthly blood tests over the past 5 years. I don’t know how I haven’t sprung a leak!

[MaryCos in reply to Buffwright]

Was that more of a cath? I would have been nervous getting something with tubes, given the increased risk of infection (I am assuming). I'm a big fan of my port. It is my friend. 😊

[Buffwright in reply to MaryCos]

Truly! It has been so long, I don’t recall what it was. Maybe a central line cath. It wasn’t a bother! I had it for about 5 months

[Hidden]

Best wishes with another new introduction to your treatment Jo. Keep us updated.Best wishes

Cheryl