Port for Infusions concerned about possible problems.
Any info would be greatly appreciated. I have been through 8 operations so I am not a stranger to pain. But some of these woman were claiming that it was worst than any operations they had. And some have had to have them removed.
Hoping some one out there has some answers for me.
Comments
-
Jeannie,
I am scheduled for
Jeannie,
I am scheduled for a port placement next week as well and will be curious to see what others say here. Unfortunately I can't comment from personal experience yet. Mine is scheduled with a vascular surgeon because that is who my breast surgeon uses for this. Best of luck!
Amy.0 -
Hi Jeannie and Amy,Amy-LLL said:Jeannie,
I am scheduled for
Jeannie,
I am scheduled for a port placement next week as well and will be curious to see what others say here. Unfortunately I can't comment from personal experience yet. Mine is scheduled with a vascular surgeon because that is who my breast surgeon uses for this. Best of luck!
Amy.
I had a port put in and I think it's the best way to go to avoid vein problems. I was told to get one by doctors and nurses so I just did it. My advise to both of you is to do just that. Mine wasn't completely pain free but I still think it was the right thing to do.
I love the idea of a vascular surgeon Amy because I believe something inserted into a major vein should be done by an experienced surgeon.
I had a breast surgeon (not mine, one from the chemo center) put mine in and asked my thoracic surgeon to remove it. It is commonly done through radiology now so I guess it works for most people.
Best of luck to you both and the majority of women here haven't ever mentioned too many problems with theirs.
Hugs,
Wanda0 -
I have a love/hate with my port
I had it put in the day before my 1st chemo. Since I had a mast. and node removal on left side they only had the right to work with, additionally that means right arm only for needles of any kind. The port has saved my veins for sure, my general surgeon put it in, he put it a bit higher up, almost mid chest but on the right, sometimes shows in low cut tops. I had a lot of hiccups after it's placement but I don't know if that was the port or the general anesthesia I was given to place it. It was also tender to begin with, no pain, just a sore spot on my chest. After 8 chemo trtmts, some radiology testing, and monthly flushes in the past year I have learned how they should stick it to make it happy...it is a little picky...and am glad it works. My MO has asked me to leave it for a year due to my initial dx...calls it my insurance policy. My boss also has a port...colon ca...it is under her left bra strap. She has left it in for 4 years post chemo and has had no problem with it, again, insurance.
I really think the port is the way to go.
Good luck,
Jennifer
P.S. I had my port placed the Monday after Thanksgiving 2010 and 1st chemo the day following. So far so good.0 -
So you will not experience exactly what any one else does.
My port was put in by my breast surgeon the day before I started chemo (A/C). I can't say there was no discomfort at all as it was a bit tender -but OTC tylenol was more than enough. Dr G did give me Vicdin and Hubby insisted we get it filled and I take it so I humored him and took it at noon and 6 but when he woke me up at midnight to take it - I refused and didn't take anymore of it. I was riding and giving lessons in 2 days though I did get out of heavy chores for 2 weeks. 2 weeks after implant I drove in my first Powder Puff. Mud Bog ithout even a twinge Placed second to a big modifird truck that there was no hope of Son's stock Scout could have beaten (made it further around the course than Son did) .
Personally I never gave it a second thought. - I have great veins and I intended to keep them. I knew that due to having to have a Mod. Rad. Mast. after the first batch of 4 A/C I'd only have one arm left to use for draws/infusions for the next 12 Taxol , there was no way I was going to take a chance of ruining them.
Be sure to find out if your facility has numbing spray for accessing it or get numbing cream to put on before going in. The stcik in it hurts a lot more than sticking a vein (at least for me). When using the cream cover it with a small piece ( 1 1/2" or 2" square of saran/cling wrap over it. It will just stick there, help it work better and protect your clothes from iit.
Remember - no one can tell you ahead of time how it will go for you - get all the info you can but don't expect the worst to happen - it doesn't usually.
Susan0 -
Radiologist
Jeannie,
The Radiologists alot of timess have more experience with the ports and pick lines than some of surgeons. They are put in under x-ray (flouro). If that is who they are having do the port, that is probably the case. I didn't get a port and the nurses in oncology were disappointed that they had to start an IV every time. They are not very good at it anymore. I had the mastectomy after chemo so they had both arms to choose from and I have ropes for veins. Some of them still took 2 tries.
Most of the other people there had ports and loved them. I didn't hear of any issues.
Just remember, like with the mammo and child birth, you only hear the bad stuff. No one says "oh, that wasn't so bad".
Cindy0 -
My port is my warrior/life jacketgrams2jc said:I have a love/hate with my port
I had it put in the day before my 1st chemo. Since I had a mast. and node removal on left side they only had the right to work with, additionally that means right arm only for needles of any kind. The port has saved my veins for sure, my general surgeon put it in, he put it a bit higher up, almost mid chest but on the right, sometimes shows in low cut tops. I had a lot of hiccups after it's placement but I don't know if that was the port or the general anesthesia I was given to place it. It was also tender to begin with, no pain, just a sore spot on my chest. After 8 chemo trtmts, some radiology testing, and monthly flushes in the past year I have learned how they should stick it to make it happy...it is a little picky...and am glad it works. My MO has asked me to leave it for a year due to my initial dx...calls it my insurance policy. My boss also has a port...colon ca...it is under her left bra strap. She has left it in for 4 years post chemo and has had no problem with it, again, insurance.
I really think the port is the way to go.
Good luck,
Jennifer
P.S. I had my port placed the Monday after Thanksgiving 2010 and 1st chemo the day following. So far so good.
My port has been in 2 yrs. 3 mths and will be in for another 2 yrs , 9 mths. I'm IBC and I like the idea of keeping it for the 'majik' 5 years. My DRs approve. I just go in every 4 weeks for a flush but that even makes me feel like I still fighting the fight which is good.
I sometimes visualize 'things' strangely. My port is my little Warrior that is standing guard to keep the Monster away. If something happens that the Warrior's presence doesn't keep it away, then the Artllery (port) is there ready for the Drs to arm with ammo.
Yeah I'm wier4d. LOL!
Susan0 -
My port
My port was put in at the same time I had my lumpectomy. I have to admit it was a lot more sore than I expected it to be. The soreness lasted for a couple of weeks, now I forget it's even there. It does make chemo much easier, I can't imagine having chemo without it.
Once you start chemo, I would recommend asking for a tube of lidocaine. It's a numbing cream you put on the port about an hour prior to treatment, it numbs it so you don't feel the little prick when they access it.
Good luck!
Hugs,Debi0 -
port placement
Hi
i had my port placed a week ago yesterday. It was done in radiology. The placement was easy, but went home and took a nap. I worked the next day. It was ok for me the first day or so but really bothered me for the next few days. I even thought I would want to take it out but the next day (tuesday) it started feeling much better. The tube that goes into the vein goes over my collar bone and I didn't think I would be able to get used to it, but it is fine now. Used it on Wednesday for a blood draw. Was fast and easy. Good luck!0 -
port
Hi there, I had a port put in on Oct31st (how befitting hugh?). I was scared to death because of the conscious sedation. I made them put me out as much as possible. I don't want to scare you, but I cannot wait to have my port taken out. I'm having my 2nd treatment on Dec 2st, so it will be a little while yet,but as soon as I'm done with chemo...it's out. I can't say it's causing pain,but it does get tender and sometimes swells around the catheter rather than the port itself. It's definately doable, but a big bother.
I have no idea what type of port it is. However, if you have problems with your veins, I would recommend having one. I SO didn't want to do it, but my veins are hard to locate. I couldn't see having them poke me numerous times for what should've been one or two sticks. Maybe you should research the types of ports, find if you can, the most successful one statistically and request (strongly) that you get that type. I wish you the very best.
Vicky0 -
Forgot to tell you.
Forgot to tell you. Definately ask for a tube of Lidocaine or Emmel I think it's called. It's a numbing cream to put on your port an hour before accessing it. It still hurts a bit, but only for a minute. No one told me that these creams are by prescription only. So, get the RX ahead of time.
Vicky 0 -
Forgot to tell you.
Forgot to tell you. Definately ask for a tube of Lidocaine or Emmel I think it's called. It's a numbing cream to put on your port an hour before accessing it. It still hurts a bit, but only for a minute. No one told me that these creams are by prescription only. So, get the RX ahead of time. Vicky 0 -
Forgot to tell you.
Forgot to tell you. Definately ask for a tube of Lidocaine or Emmel I think it's called. It's a numbing cream to put on your port an hour before accessing it. It still hurts a bit, but only for a minute. No one told me that these creams are by prescription only. So, get the RX ahead of time. Vicky 0 -
Hi Jeannie, I had my portbayareamom said:port placement
Hi
i had my port placed a week ago yesterday. It was done in radiology. The placement was easy, but went home and took a nap. I worked the next day. It was ok for me the first day or so but really bothered me for the next few days. I even thought I would want to take it out but the next day (tuesday) it started feeling much better. The tube that goes into the vein goes over my collar bone and I didn't think I would be able to get used to it, but it is fine now. Used it on Wednesday for a blood draw. Was fast and easy. Good luck!
Hi Jeannie, I had my port put in about 1 1/2 years ago, just after I had a masectomy in April, 2010. I was in as an outpatient, done under local anesthetic, 2 hours after recovery was sent over to the chemo unit for my first chemo infusion. It was tender for a little while. My team never used any numbing agent for the stick and I found it very bearable. I still have my port per my onc's suggestion and it comes in handy with some of my other health issues. Have to have it flushed every few weeks but it has not been much of a problem. Mine is called a power port. Keep posting and let us know how you are.0 -
We're all differentmadsters1 said:Forgot to tell you.
Forgot to tell you. Definately ask for a tube of Lidocaine or Emmel I think it's called. It's a numbing cream to put on your port an hour before accessing it. It still hurts a bit, but only for a minute. No one told me that these creams are by prescription only. So, get the RX ahead of time. Vicky
Another example of how we are all so different. For me the EMLA (well actually mine is a generic version) cream, works best between 1/2 an 3/4 hour after putting it on - don't feel even a prick. By the time it hits an hour out will feel a slight prick. Coveringv it with a small piece of 'Saran' wrap helps it work as it hold it to the site without it being taken way by clothes rubbing against it. Don't need to tape it on the cream holds it in plase for me.
Susan0 -
Infusion Port
I have to say, as someone else here posted, that I too have a love/hate relationship with my port. I frequently refer to it as my alien space invader. (Shades of Star Trek - "resistance is futile, you will be assimilated") Most of the time it is not any big deal. I don't really care if anyone sees it or not. Sometimes it bothers me, not really painful, I just feel it and it is uncomfortable but, again, it isn't really a big deal. I really, really, really look forward to having it removed. Psychological thing - it will feel like I'm evicting cancer from my life. Obviously I will have to wait for my oncologist to give me the go ahead -- IF he will give me the go ahead. Well, the veins are in good shape anyway! I'm stage 3A, triple positive with VERY high numbers and had a bilateral in February. What a year!!0 -
Wishing you good luck ongrams2jc said:I have a love/hate with my port
I had it put in the day before my 1st chemo. Since I had a mast. and node removal on left side they only had the right to work with, additionally that means right arm only for needles of any kind. The port has saved my veins for sure, my general surgeon put it in, he put it a bit higher up, almost mid chest but on the right, sometimes shows in low cut tops. I had a lot of hiccups after it's placement but I don't know if that was the port or the general anesthesia I was given to place it. It was also tender to begin with, no pain, just a sore spot on my chest. After 8 chemo trtmts, some radiology testing, and monthly flushes in the past year I have learned how they should stick it to make it happy...it is a little picky...and am glad it works. My MO has asked me to leave it for a year due to my initial dx...calls it my insurance policy. My boss also has a port...colon ca...it is under her left bra strap. She has left it in for 4 years post chemo and has had no problem with it, again, insurance.
I really think the port is the way to go.
Good luck,
Jennifer
P.S. I had my port placed the Monday after Thanksgiving 2010 and 1st chemo the day following. So far so good.
Wishing you good luck on Monday.
Hugs, Kylez0 -
Port was easy for me
Hi - I had my port put in at the same time as my lumpectomy. It was sore for a few days but now I don't even know it's there. I've just completed chemo (YIPPEE!!) and it has been so easy. No pain, no discomfort, nothing. The only time I'm aware of it is when I notice it in the mirror or when my 14 month old thinks it's a button and tries to push it (ha ha). Seriously, your experience doesn't necessarily have to be like anyone else's, so if you're hearing lots of bad stuff, don't take that as the only possibility. I'm grateful for my port - it has made chemo much much easier and otherwise not a bother at all. Whatever you decide, good luck, stay strong, and remember that you are not alone!0 -
Port
Jeannie... go with someone who has experience inserting ports. My breast cancer surgeon inserted my port and, later, removed. I never had issues with my port. Worked perfectly for an entire year( Herceptin).
Best of luck to you.0 -
I love my power port.Bella Luna said:Port
Jeannie... go with someone who has experience inserting ports. My breast cancer surgeon inserted my port and, later, removed. I never had issues with my port. Worked perfectly for an entire year( Herceptin).
Best of luck to you.
It was put in by the radiologist's PA. It was fine had chemo 2 days later. It was uncomfortable until I was use to it. I would not have been able to do all this chemo without it! Best decision for me.
Wish you all the best with this.
Carol0 -
Wishing you Jeannie and youAmy-LLL said:Jeannie,
I am scheduled for
Jeannie,
I am scheduled for a port placement next week as well and will be curious to see what others say here. Unfortunately I can't comment from personal experience yet. Mine is scheduled with a vascular surgeon because that is who my breast surgeon uses for this. Best of luck!
Amy.
Wishing you Jeannie and you Amy the best of luck with your port.
♠♣ Love, Susie ♠♣0
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