Getting a port on Friday

I didn't know what to expect from the port procedure, but it went very easily for me. I was actually awake during the procedure, but felt no pain or anxiety (must have been the pre-procedure drugs). It went pretty quickly – the nurse later said in recovery that she should have told my sister not to go too far as I had the "speedy" doctor. I would have like to watch on the big screen what he was doing, but he had me turn my head completely to the left side as ihe nserted the port on the right side.

Since I was having chemo the next day they left in a connection that was used by the oncology nurse. I couldn't get that gizmo wet, so I had to wash my hair in the sink and do a sponge bath before chemo rather than my usual shower. I don't remember it being particularly sore afterwards, but it did feel weird until I got used to it.

I was glad that I had the port as it gave me a lot more freedom during infusions.

The port insertion was a very easy procedure for me as well.  Like cmb, I was awake and had my head turned to the side.  You will have a nurse, a tech and a doctor, and perhaps one or two more people in the room.  You may feel some pressure or tugging, but it won't hurt and the meds will keep you calm.  They won't want you to lift your arms over your head for a week or so, in order for the tubing to "set" in your large vein.  Don't worry - this will go ok!

Mine was done by a surgeon about a week before my first chemo.  No problems.  Unlike Molly, I'm very susceptible to sedation.  I don't remember what they used, but I don't remember any of the procedure.  I'd like to have watched, too!  Mine is on the left, maybe because I'm right handed.  The chemo nurses commented that they could guess who put it in, apparently because he and his partner place them a little lower than some doctors.

Since I don't ordinarily wear button front shirts, I ordered one from Comfy Chemo that has zippers at the shoulders for ease of port access.  I was glad to have my hands free during infusions.  Although I'd love to get it out - maybe some day - it doesn't really bother me.

Good luck!

I had my port put in on Tuesday last week and they used it for chemo last Thursday. They always sedate but it's usually Twilight sleep. My first port I was under just like a colonoscopy. But last week I was awake the entire time, just very relaxed. It made it nicer because I got to leave soon after it was over. I think they said two or three hours because it takes time for all the paperwork, meaning they asked me a zillion questions and inputted it in the computer. Then they have to get you all prepped and ready. The actual procedure only lasted twenty minutes or so. You'll be happy you got the port. You can also ask your doctor for lidocaine cream to use before chemo. It numbs the area and you feel nothing when they access the port. I couldn't use it last week on my new port but it only hurt for a brief second. It was so much nicer than the IV for my first chemo. Good Luck!

Primavera said:

Thank you all!

I went for my Covid test today and will have this port in tomorrow. I was only called with instructions not to eat after 12am tonight and to be there at 9:15am. They said it will be about 2 to 3 hours?! But I've been given wrong estimates by receptionists or appointment makers who are not really nurses, so I'm not sure it will be that long. Or maybe it's because of all this virus problem.

I am right-handed, but I guess I'm worrying too much about an operation in March next year and maybe radiation on that side and also that I have to continue Herceptin for a year after the operation. That's the only reason I thought they might spare my left side from so much.

Fridays Child, thank you for that Comfy Chemo name. I've been worried about what to wear.

Molly, if they told me not to eat anything, maybe it's because I'm getting sedation.

All I know is I'm seeing a vascular surgeon, so I hope I'm in good hands.

Thank you for all the answers! I know I'll feel better tomorrow when it's all over. I need this port. I would never want to watch (lol). I don't even want to watch when they inject me with anything.

Hope everything went smoothly!  And although I'm right handed, I don't think it would have made much difference if I had it on the right. 

As for the lidocaine cream, they gave me that in the beginning and I used it regularly.  Then one day I was being evaluated for a clinical trial and had to be there for scans at 8.  Lab work wasn't until about 1.  No problem using the un-numbed port so I haven't bothered with the cream since then.  That'll be up to you and your comfort level.

Primavera said:

Thank you!

I got a port. It took all morning and afternoon! I had to go get an ekg, then was prepared for surgery. Didn't see anything or felt anything because I was completely sedated.

It reminded me of when I had the D&C. It took from 8:45am to 2:45pm and then they wouldn't release me until they my ride was there and they could wheel me down. I felt like it was a big deal for a small thing. Surgeon did it on the right side because cancer is on left breast, she said. I was so hungry by the time I woke up.

Hooray! How great that it's over and was a snap. I had to come early also, both for the D&C and the port insertion, and then had to be released to a friend both times since I was supposed to be sedated also.

With the D&C, they used a different drug for the twilight sedation because my wonderful gyn/onc told the anesthesiologist, and he not only came to give me the sedation, he walked next to the gurney when they wheeled me out of the room to go to the operating room. He said he wanted to be sure I was out before I got to the operating room. I love my doctor for listening to me, and I loved the anesthesilogist for listening to my doctor and me. I was out if it within seconds of leaving the room. Same thing for the hysterectomy. It was only in Interventional Radiology that they didn't listen. 

I hope the wonderful gyn/oncs, nurse practitioners, chemo nurses, techs. and others who listen to patients know what a difference they make in our lives and our expeience of cancer care.

Warm best wishes,

Molly

Primavera said:

I wasn't out before I got to operating room

Molly, I remember all the operating rooms! I saw it yesterday, too. I was put into one of those operating beds and I remember my arms being strapped, etc. by three nurses. Same thing for the D&C, I got to see everything in that room. And for the hysterectomy, I remember looking at that "robot" with all the hands coming down, covered in plastic, colored blue and white; I had looked it down online and this time in person it looked so huge.

So I guess they give me the sedation when I'm already in the operating room at this hospital. A year ago, I had never been to the hospital, now I feel like I'm there too often, lol.

You are a remarkable woman, Primavera. I would not have been able to cope with that. It sounds like you are not anxious or frightened by being awake, but if you ever are, you can ask them to give you something before you leave your room. I wonder if it's possible that they gave you something and you, like me, were not affected by the standard drug?

Whatever the case, I really admire your bravery.