Got my port implanted today

Puffin2014
Puffin2014 Member Posts: 531 Member
edited July 2014 in Breast Cancer #1

Got my port this morning. Nurse had to stick me twice to get my IV in, reinforced my decision to get a port. Did it without sedation or IV pain med, just local numbing medicine. He touched a nerve once that gave me a jolt but he quickly added deeper numbing medicine and the rest of the time I just felt the tugging and pushing, no pain. No sedation meant I could eat right away and no nausea. Took some Extra Strength Tylenol and spent a couple hours at a reunion of hospital employees and then a friend picked me up and we spent a couple hours doing day 1 of the annual community flower and garden tour.

Read my port instruction booklet and wrote down my questions so I can ask them at my Chemo 101 class tomorrow morning which is held prior to getting the chemo. If I'm feeling up to it, I'd like to go to a couple hours of day 2 of the flower & garden tour, maybe later in the afternoon after I've had a nap.


Comments

  • Pixie Dust
    Pixie Dust Member Posts: 424 Member
    Great

    Pixie, good news to hear. I will be thinking of you tomorrow. Hope chemo goes well for you. Seems like you have an attitude that you need to fight this ugly beast Hugs

  • Puffin2014
    Puffin2014 Member Posts: 531 Member

    Great

    Pixie, good news to hear. I will be thinking of you tomorrow. Hope chemo goes well for you. Seems like you have an attitude that you need to fight this ugly beast Hugs

    thank you

    thank you.

     

  • rutzetta
    rutzetta Member Posts: 174
    Good Luck

    As your journey begins, I hope all goes well. Drink lots of water starting today. It really helps to flush the system. Remember your Pink Sisters are here for you.

    Constance

  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    I was totally 'knocked out'

    I was totally 'knocked out'  at the hospital for my port implant.  I woke up in OR to see Dr walking out the door.  He went to talk to Hubby to tell him it'd probably be 1 1/2 - 2 hrs before I'd be ready to go home and they'd call him when to come back for me.  I did not go to 'recovery' but straight to discharge and they called him to come for me before he even got out of the parking lot.  Had to eat and drink 'something' so had a blueberry muffin and OJ and was finished and dressed by the time he got back up.  I've never had any nause from any anethesia.  We are all different - thankfully.

  • desertgirl947
    desertgirl947 Member Posts: 653 Member
    I think you could have a

    I think you could have a normal kind of day tomorrow, really. Get out there and enjoy the Flower & Garden Tour.

    Cool

    e

  • Puffin2014
    Puffin2014 Member Posts: 531 Member

    I think you could have a

    I think you could have a normal kind of day tomorrow, really. Get out there and enjoy the Flower & Garden Tour.

    Cool

    e

    first chemo day

    Had first chemo today, class from 8-9 and chemo from 9 to 1. Got 3 strong IV anti-puke meds, then the 2 chemo drugs. They provided a free sack lunch, wonderful caring nurses.

    Came home and took an hour nap and then went on the second day of the garden tour with a friend, she drove. Then another friend gave me some awesome homemade soup, and another made me a soft knitted cap to wear after I lose my hair.  And Lew's there doing anything and everything else I need. Everyone is taking such good care of me.

    Looks like my first side effect is going to be swollen feet/legs, so I've got them propped up. Tomorrow I go back to get the shot that makes the bone marrow produce more white blood cells and I'll have the nurses take a look at my legs then.

  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member

    first chemo day

    Had first chemo today, class from 8-9 and chemo from 9 to 1. Got 3 strong IV anti-puke meds, then the 2 chemo drugs. They provided a free sack lunch, wonderful caring nurses.

    Came home and took an hour nap and then went on the second day of the garden tour with a friend, she drove. Then another friend gave me some awesome homemade soup, and another made me a soft knitted cap to wear after I lose my hair.  And Lew's there doing anything and everything else I need. Everyone is taking such good care of me.

    Looks like my first side effect is going to be swollen feet/legs, so I've got them propped up. Tomorrow I go back to get the shot that makes the bone marrow produce more white blood cells and I'll have the nurses take a look at my legs then.

    Neulasta

    Were you told about taking Claritin (reg. - not long lasting) before and after Neulasta to minimize pain effects?  Many do get pain from Neulasta but I didn't - just went to sleep, almost to the minute, 2 hrs after injection for 2 hrs.

    Were you given Emend and other meds for post infusion?

  • Puffin2014
    Puffin2014 Member Posts: 531 Member
    Rague said:

    Neulasta

    Were you told about taking Claritin (reg. - not long lasting) before and after Neulasta to minimize pain effects?  Many do get pain from Neulasta but I didn't - just went to sleep, almost to the minute, 2 hrs after injection for 2 hrs.

    Were you given Emend and other meds for post infusion?

    Claritin and post infusion meds

    I bought the non drowsy Claritin to take, is that OK? But actually don't mind being drowsy, especially with the dexamethasone waking me up up 4 AM. Just don't want the bone pain.

     

    Yes I got Emend, and and bunch of other stuff, don't have the list right here

  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    Yay!!!  Your port is in!!!  I

    Yay!!!  Your port is in!!!  I love my port and have had it with no problems for over a year.  My advice about port care is: don't let anyone other than a chemo nurse touch it!  After my first chemo round in 2012, I ended in the ER with a fever and neutropenia (low white blood cell count).  Anyway, the ER nurse did not mask and use sterile technique which is a huge no no with a central line. I later shared my concerns with my onc.  Because the typical hospital nurse does not often use a port, they may not remember the proper sterile technique involved in accessing one.  The hospital actually changed its policy in response.  Can you believe it?  Now, if a patient is on active chemo, a hospital nurse is not allowed to use the port (unless there is an emergency or no other access). 

    I also do my blood draws separately - not from my port.  The chemo nurses probably think I'm crazy, but as an NP, I saw many central lines clot off with blood draws.  I use my port only for chemo.  Period.  My port, my choice.  I am on chemo indefinitely and doing my darndest to keep my port.  Smile

    I hope you make your flower and garden tour.  I love my garden too!  But do let your body guide you and, if you are too tired, you can do it another time.  Gentle (((hugs))).

  • Puffin2014
    Puffin2014 Member Posts: 531 Member

    Yay!!!  Your port is in!!!  I

    Yay!!!  Your port is in!!!  I love my port and have had it with no problems for over a year.  My advice about port care is: don't let anyone other than a chemo nurse touch it!  After my first chemo round in 2012, I ended in the ER with a fever and neutropenia (low white blood cell count).  Anyway, the ER nurse did not mask and use sterile technique which is a huge no no with a central line. I later shared my concerns with my onc.  Because the typical hospital nurse does not often use a port, they may not remember the proper sterile technique involved in accessing one.  The hospital actually changed its policy in response.  Can you believe it?  Now, if a patient is on active chemo, a hospital nurse is not allowed to use the port (unless there is an emergency or no other access). 

    I also do my blood draws separately - not from my port.  The chemo nurses probably think I'm crazy, but as an NP, I saw many central lines clot off with blood draws.  I use my port only for chemo.  Period.  My port, my choice.  I am on chemo indefinitely and doing my darndest to keep my port.  Smile

    I hope you make your flower and garden tour.  I love my garden too!  But do let your body guide you and, if you are too tired, you can do it another time.  Gentle (((hugs))).

    day 2 post chemo, day 1 post neulastin shot

    Thanks for the port suggestions.

    Yes, I did get to go to the garden tour, had a friend come with and she drove. Yards were beautiful and inspiring.

    Today is day 2 post chemo, day 1 post neulastin shot and I can tell the premeds are wearing off. I took my Claritin pre neulastin and will continue it a couple days and so far no bone pain, but woke with a little sore throat and tummy not feeling right. Have to take my thyroid pill on an empty stomach which I've done. I can also get a funny stomach just from being hungry, so I'll try eating a little somthing before I start compazine, I have yogurt and hard boiled eggs ready.

  • Pixie Dust
    Pixie Dust Member Posts: 424 Member

    day 2 post chemo, day 1 post neulastin shot

    Thanks for the port suggestions.

    Yes, I did get to go to the garden tour, had a friend come with and she drove. Yards were beautiful and inspiring.

    Today is day 2 post chemo, day 1 post neulastin shot and I can tell the premeds are wearing off. I took my Claritin pre neulastin and will continue it a couple days and so far no bone pain, but woke with a little sore throat and tummy not feeling right. Have to take my thyroid pill on an empty stomach which I've done. I can also get a funny stomach just from being hungry, so I'll try eating a little somthing before I start compazine, I have yogurt and hard boiled eggs ready.

    Chemo

    Pixie, glad you are doing well with chemo. I hope also that you do very well after Nelusta shot. After I had Neulata shot is when it really hit me hard. Some people are lucky and it does not bother them, others it does. I hope that you are the one that is does not bother. Good Luck&Hugs

  • Puffin2014
    Puffin2014 Member Posts: 531 Member

    Chemo

    Pixie, glad you are doing well with chemo. I hope also that you do very well after Nelusta shot. After I had Neulata shot is when it really hit me hard. Some people are lucky and it does not bother them, others it does. I hope that you are the one that is does not bother. Good Luck&Hugs

    neulastin shot

    I've been taking the Claritin and drinking Carnation Instant Bkf as recommended by some and OK'd by my Dr. Don't care why they might help, or even if it's a placebo effect, as long as I don't hurt! So far no pain. Took both my compazine and zofran to get stomach settled but was able to have a nice lunch of chicken/bean cold salad on lettuce leaves and some grapes. Think it's time for another nap though.

  • cinnamonsmile
    cinnamonsmile Member Posts: 1,187 Member

    neulastin shot

    I've been taking the Claritin and drinking Carnation Instant Bkf as recommended by some and OK'd by my Dr. Don't care why they might help, or even if it's a placebo effect, as long as I don't hurt! So far no pain. Took both my compazine and zofran to get stomach settled but was able to have a nice lunch of chicken/bean cold salad on lettuce leaves and some grapes. Think it's time for another nap though.

    I am not sure but you may

    I am not sure but you may want to find out if you can eat raw veges and fruit because your immune system is compromised by chemo. I have seen others write that they couldn't because of the effects of chemo on the immune system.

    Uncooked veges and fruits can carry bacteria that a compromised immune system from chemo might not be able to fend off.

    Lettuce can be particularly bad because of the bacteria that can be on it...like e coli and others.

    http://www.livestrong.com/article/293442-foods-to-avoid-during-chemotherapy/

    Glad to hear things are going well for you so far!

    \

  • Puffin2014
    Puffin2014 Member Posts: 531 Member

    I am not sure but you may

    I am not sure but you may want to find out if you can eat raw veges and fruit because your immune system is compromised by chemo. I have seen others write that they couldn't because of the effects of chemo on the immune system.

    Uncooked veges and fruits can carry bacteria that a compromised immune system from chemo might not be able to fend off.

    Lettuce can be particularly bad because of the bacteria that can be on it...like e coli and others.

    http://www.livestrong.com/article/293442-foods-to-avoid-during-chemotherapy/

    Glad to hear things are going well for you so far!

    \

    raw veggies

    I asked about that too and got the OK as long as they were either peeled or washed first, except no raspberries cuz they can't be scrubbed. I bought a special organic veggie wash to use so even the lettuce got cleaned good. The grapes and cantaloupe were part of the fruit cup they served me at the infusion center.

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    you are a better person then

    you are a better person then me...I have a phobic reaction to anything with surgery, stitches etc. JUST out cold on teh floor. I warn my Drs but htey think I am over stating it all..well once out cold n floor-they saiy I guess you werne't kiiding..

     

    MY dr wrote a letter to my insurance company (htey wont' pay to knock me out for dnetsl surgery) once the letter was sent in they sent %80 of my $1,000 to me..

     

    Feel better-take it esay (I have never had a port, so I can't totally relate)

     

    Denise

  • Puffin2014
    Puffin2014 Member Posts: 531 Member

    Yay!!!  Your port is in!!!  I

    Yay!!!  Your port is in!!!  I love my port and have had it with no problems for over a year.  My advice about port care is: don't let anyone other than a chemo nurse touch it!  After my first chemo round in 2012, I ended in the ER with a fever and neutropenia (low white blood cell count).  Anyway, the ER nurse did not mask and use sterile technique which is a huge no no with a central line. I later shared my concerns with my onc.  Because the typical hospital nurse does not often use a port, they may not remember the proper sterile technique involved in accessing one.  The hospital actually changed its policy in response.  Can you believe it?  Now, if a patient is on active chemo, a hospital nurse is not allowed to use the port (unless there is an emergency or no other access). 

    I also do my blood draws separately - not from my port.  The chemo nurses probably think I'm crazy, but as an NP, I saw many central lines clot off with blood draws.  I use my port only for chemo.  Period.  My port, my choice.  I am on chemo indefinitely and doing my darndest to keep my port.  Smile

    I hope you make your flower and garden tour.  I love my garden too!  But do let your body guide you and, if you are too tired, you can do it another time.  Gentle (((hugs))).

    Port for chemo only

    I've taken your advice Cypress about using the port only for chemo. So far they haven't had trouble drawing blood from my arm, and I don't have to wait an hour for someone from the infusion center to come draw from my port. I've heard those horror stories too of trying to unclot ports.

  • GlowMore
    GlowMore Member Posts: 789 Member

    you are a better person then

    you are a better person then me...I have a phobic reaction to anything with surgery, stitches etc. JUST out cold on teh floor. I warn my Drs but htey think I am over stating it all..well once out cold n floor-they saiy I guess you werne't kiiding..

     

    MY dr wrote a letter to my insurance company (htey wont' pay to knock me out for dnetsl surgery) once the letter was sent in they sent %80 of my $1,000 to me..

     

    Feel better-take it esay (I have never had a port, so I can't totally relate)

     

    Denise

    Hope it's going ok

     

    Hope week is going ok Puffin....how often will you be having your chemo?   Mine was a three week rotation....well...it was 3 weeks after they tried to do the FAC one week and the F the next week but couldn't because the whites had dropped too low.  Hope you are still doing well .....I had my port placement as surgery and was out all afternoon but went home that day.  That was back in 2002 and I kept that port for over 5 years with no problems...and did have some blood draws thru it...did not know how dangerous that was I guess...and the nurses didn't either maybe.........but later I wanted the Port out ...........Oncologist said ok and that if it comes back we can put in another one MAYBE....I'm Triple Negative Stage 3-A  ...but still here ....was just starting my chemo 12 years ago about this time too....thinking of you and hope all continues smoothly....

     

  • Puffin2014
    Puffin2014 Member Posts: 531 Member
    GlowMore said:

    Hope it's going ok

     

    Hope week is going ok Puffin....how often will you be having your chemo?   Mine was a three week rotation....well...it was 3 weeks after they tried to do the FAC one week and the F the next week but couldn't because the whites had dropped too low.  Hope you are still doing well .....I had my port placement as surgery and was out all afternoon but went home that day.  That was back in 2002 and I kept that port for over 5 years with no problems...and did have some blood draws thru it...did not know how dangerous that was I guess...and the nurses didn't either maybe.........but later I wanted the Port out ...........Oncologist said ok and that if it comes back we can put in another one MAYBE....I'm Triple Negative Stage 3-A  ...but still here ....was just starting my chemo 12 years ago about this time too....thinking of you and hope all continues smoothly....

     

    one down, 3 chemo to go

    I have my second AC chemo on Thursday. Days 2-5 were tough the first round, made worse because it caused my diverticulosis to flare up. The nausea meds were effective and only had to take them one day. Legs felt like jello and had to use my hiking stick to get around the house for several days. But now I've had 14 good days where I've been able to eat whatever I want and pretty much do what I want as long as I pace myself. No mouth sores, doing my baking soda/salt rinses and drinking more water than I've ever drank in my life. I start the dexamethasone tomorrow so am preparing for short nights and long naps the next 3 days. I'm also making more meals to have on hand for Lew to eat since I have a better idea of how long I'm down after the chemo.

    Hope you're feeling better and getting your mojo back.

  • dawn78255
    dawn78255 Member Posts: 2
    Dont forget

    In 2008 I had a double port put in .      It is still in place .  They forgot and I didnt  Know any better.  

     

  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    dawn78255 said:

    Dont forget

    In 2008 I had a double port put in .      It is still in place .  They forgot and I didnt  Know any better.  

     

    You have been lucky to have

    You have been lucky to have had no issues with clots from it caused by not flushing it for so long.  My port was put in Aug 24, '09 and is still in with no issues at all.  BUT it has been flushed each month the entire time.  

    It was an 'accident' it has been left implanted these almost 5 yrs or that it will remain in place for the forseeable future.  I'm IBC so the odds of mets is very high so to me, it omly makes sense to me to keep it in 'just in case' it might be needed in the future.  It'sthere and ready if needed and I won't have to have surgery to pit another one.

    Winyan - The Power Within

    Susan