Cancer Survivors Network

My Sympathy..........Why do they insist on Ports?.. I had a much less invasive Picc. Everyone I talk to from the U.S. Has a Port. Just wondering why?

Hugs Jxxxxxxxxxxx

hahahaha, I have no clue Tasha... I just do what my doctors say...I just know that it is supposed to be better than trying to find a vein and "sticking" you everytime....

tasha....

They like the port better than a picc line because I port is less likely to become infected. Picc lines need more maintance (with flushing, and dressing changes) unlike port a caths.. and with a picc line you have an open area in the arm which is a access for infection.. a risk no chemo patient wants or needs..

Blazt... much sympathy over what's going on.. I can relate to you dislike of the port.. I had same problem with the bruising and for almost 2 weeks after its placement I could barely move my head. I had mine removed 1 week after the completion of chemo.

I never got use to mine.. in fact i hated the bloody thing every blessed day it was in.. My kids would constantly bump into it and had to watch what kind of clothing i wore so you couldn't see it.. but like all this.. it has passed and I wear my removal scar as my badge of courage..

and yes.. Your port can and should be used for blood draws... My feelings were you made me get it ... so use the dam thing so i don't have to be poked...

best of luck to you

Do you have any input on the salve that you put on your site before the needle to make it numb? Do you use that since you have to have it in for so long? I think I read somewhere that it takes an hour for it to get numb after you put it on?????

Maybe emla cream?

I am so sorry that you are in pain. Emla cream might help.

At the CCI, I go to they spray a numbing spray on that works very rapidly before inserting. So far I've had no pain at all when they insert just a very slight pressure. The first time that my port was used was approx. 24 hrs after it was put in and no prob.

Susan

Tracy

Sorry that this is so hard for you. I didn't have chemo so I can't speak to ports etc. but I will keep you in my prayers that this gets better and that your treatments go smoothly.
Stef

Tracy, so sorry that this was so hard on you. Sending you big cyber hugs!

♠♣ Susie ♠♣

Ports are uncomfortable, but they work better than trying to find veins. One stick and wahla its over. The cancer center sprays it which immediately numbs the area, they draw the blood, and install the vehicle which accommodates the chemo. They have me count to 3. On count 2 I breathe in (port needle goes in) count 3 blow out, and its done. My port is always a little sore. I place a heart shaped pillow over the port when using the seat belt. I did get the cream, I think the generic is lidocaine, however I dont use it because everything is done at the infusion center. Blood drawn in the am, chemo in the early pm. Makes for a long day, but it's better than waiting at the local lab to have blood drawn. Blazy so sorry you have other health issues to deal with in addition to this BC. You are obviously one very strong lady.

You may not feel so great now ... but after you start chemo you will be so glad you have the port. In my opinion the person who invented the port is a total genius. I honestly don't think I could have gotten through chemo without it. I'm a real chicken when it comes to needles so I have a feeling that I would have just said "NO!" to chemo ... or I would have spent every treatment passed out on the floor or running out the door in a panic attack. As someone mentioned ... Emla cream is great! I asked my oncologist for a prescription before my first treatment and just put a blob of it on an hour before my appointment and by the time I got to the treatment center the spot was numb and I didn't feel the needle go in the port. They can do the blood draws with the port too ... so it all just makes me feel so BRAVE! :-) I'm on also on herceptin ... so my port will be in for quite awhile... and I am so thankful for it ... every time I go in for an infusion.

hugs.
teena

So sorry. Vent whenever you need to. That is why we are here for you, to listen and support and encourage each other.

Leeza

My port was put in same time as the mastecomy so it was really no big deal. After a couple of days I didn't even know it was there. It's a blessing, I have no veins and my only good one is in my right arm and can't be used. I use Emla or it's generic numbing ceam and hour before and you don't even feel the needle. When I was in the hospital a couple of days ago they drew blood as well as my IV. It was a miracle.

I hope once you heal you will get the benefits from it. My chemo nurse said she wished everyone had them. Even if you have good veins, no sense in "wearing them out" with chemo chemicals.

I understand a pic line leaves a tube sticking out of your arm that you have to flush constantly and keep bandaged. I have an allergy to tape so I hope my port continues to work well.

We shouldn't ever be ashamed to vent, if we can't vent here, with everyone understanding, where can we? Does us good to vent and to even have a little pity party now and then. We've earned the right! Just let's not stay at the "party" too long....

Hugs and Luv, Judy :-)

Why not use a small pillow to put between you and the seat belt?? I used one after my masectomy and it helped alot.. Sorry your going through all this!!