Did anyone get a port for chemo?

I didn't have a port for chemo and wish I did; AC is REAL hard on the veins. A port is so easy, just a little stick, no digging around for veins with lidocaine and a long needle. I got my port 3 years ago for Herceptin and Zometa and am soooo glad I did. Hope this helps.
hummingbyrd

I had an axillary node dissection with my surgery in February 2003 so that just left me with one good arm for chemo. I thought my 4 AC's would create no problems for me but I was wrong. Although the nurses were always able to hit a vein, the same one needed to be used for 3 of the 4 leaving me with a very painful arm for several months after chemo. IV's since then have had to go into the back of my hand because my most prominent veins actually hardened to the touch. I don't have the best veins to start with so this may be a unique experience. If I'd known it was even a possibility, though, I think I would have considered the port. Best of luck with your chemo.
terri

Yes, I did get a port, and am very glad I did. In my case, I was having 12 weekly infusions of Taxol, with bloodwork each time to boot. The idea of being stuck 24 times did not appeal to me, and the port has been extremely easy.

Hello again!
I wasn't sure about the port either... mine was "installed" during my mastectomy and reconstructive surgeries. Easy enough. I was *very* glad to have had it as I have rather fine veins and after the lymph node removal I would have only had one arm (or perhaps two legs, in addition) to use. I had the Portacath, I believe it was called, installed subclavicularly, under the skin on my chest, just below my left clavicle. This was all good and fine except that I just couldn't keep the area still enough to heal properly so I have a very wide and rough-looking scar now. I look sooo tough! *grin* Nobody told me that I shouldn't be playing badminton right away!!! *rolling eyes* I know, I should have known better. Too busy living!
My Plastic Man even revised the scar for me while revising my overly happy TramFlap. To no avail... I ruined it a second time. I'll just live with it now. Of course, it draws some curious looks if I have a fairly open neckline... keeps people guessing. *wink* I have had one person so far who recognized it as a port scar.

The sub-clav. port is fairly protected, so it doesn't seem to get in the way too much- unless perhaps one likes to imitate Celine Dion or Tarzan and hits the chest wall often- my only problem was having a stack of plastic storage dishes falling out of a cupboard and hitting it dead on! Eek!
Those I've known with the arm port (which seems to be done much more often around here), have had complaints of hitting it or having someone inadvertantly grabbing their arm...

Then comes the removal.. here, our heroine became quite the wimp! I had a fear of hearing this "schloooorrp" sound as the doc pulled it out. I asked to be put under... I had been through enough be that point! Everyone else I know with the upper arm (underside)port had it put in and taken out in office while they were awake. No big deal!

Did they explain why they suggested a port? My understanding is that AC and it's equivalents are very tough on the veins, so the port allows it to be dumped near the heart where there is more blood volume to dilute it.

In all, I'd suggest going with it. It is "minor" and can make things much easier in the long run... if you do get one, be sure to ask for that topical anesthetic to put on the port site an hour beforehand! Why feel the prick if you don't have to?? I never was offered it but my niece was and though it didn't hurt much, it would have been nicer without it...

All my best to you. You will do what is best for you!
~marty

Hi, I had a port installed 18 months ago and no problems. It is a simple surgical proceedure and really helps during chemo. It has been a year since my last chemo and no problems with the port. I have it flushed every 30 days. Very important to ask your surgeon questions, because knowledge of the proceedure is vital and comforting. Good Luck and God Bless. Audrey

OH yes! yes! yes! I have been getting chemo since september 1997 and could not survive without my port. They use it for any necessary venous access including chemo, bloodwork, injection of contrast media for tests such as CAT scans, MRI's etc. The insertion of the port is done on an"out patient basis, takes about 1/2 hour and is essentially painless. When they access the port for chemo or bloodwork it feels a little like a spike going through your chest HOWEVER... there is a cream that you apply about an hour or two before you go to the doctor. You cover the area with plastic wrap and allow the cream to absorb and believe me it is magical...you feel absolutely NOTHING!!! The name of the cream is EMLA CREAM (you need a prescription) it contains Lidocaine and Prilocaine (medication the Dentists use to numb your mouth. I have been on a major campaign to inform patients with ports about this cream. If you have a port....don't leave home without EMLA CREAM. There is also a generic brand. It costs about $12 a tube and lasts forever.
One other thing about ports....some docs put their patients on low dose blood thinners to keep the port from clotting. As I said mine has been in place since Sept 1997 and I have not had a single problem. The very best of luck to you.

I didn't have a port because the surgeon said I had the best veins of 95% of her patients. I had no leakage, no problems hitting veins etc. I didn't have any residual arm pain either. The only problems later were the blood draws later in radiation therapy. It was just difficult for them to find a good vein, but they always did. Whichever way you go, I hope all goes well!