port-a-cath

ever1
ever1 Member Posts: 26
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi everyone! I am scheduled on 3/16 for a port-a-cath (I think that's what is called). I'm not sure what to expect so if anyone would like to share their experience & give a few words of advice, I would appreciate it! I know it is scheduled as an outpatient procedure & was told not to eat or drink after midnight the night before. Is this done as a local anesthesia or will I be completely out of it? After the procedure on the 16th, I meet with the ocologist the next week to schedule chemo. I'm sure I will have lots of questions when I get closer to the chemo. Thanks for everyone's support & comments.

Comments

  • chessie
    chessie Member Posts: 40
    #2
    Hi there. It is an easy surgery. They give you a light anesthesia, but you won't remember it. No nausea afterward, and I was fine. I still have my port (finished chemo 5/04 - doc wants to leave it in for a while longer since I had positive nodes) It doesnt bother me at all, I don't know its there. Have to have it flushed every 3 months to keep it open. Good luck with your treatment and hang in there - better days will be coming.
  • Future
    Future Member Posts: 133 Member
    #3
    ever1: They used conscious sedation and local anesthesia for my catheter. The sedation relaxed and made you sleepy. The day after the procedure I felt like I had been punched in the chest but that got better over a few days. When you see the oncologist, if your port is completely under the skin, ask about a numbing cream to put on an hour or two before your treatment. Makes the insertion of the IV needle much more tolerable.

    Let us know how it goes.

    future
  • SusanAnne
    SusanAnne Member Posts: 245
    #4
    Hi ever1. You will not be aware during the surgery. In relation to everything else we have to go thru, it is a minor inconvenience. It will, however, make your treatments a whole lot easier and quicker so it's worth it. Depending upon it's placement it may take some time for it to settle in and feel comfortable. Mine was invaluable since I had 15 months of treatments (a year of which was weekly). I did have it removed right after my treatments were over. I know some oncologists like you to keep them in for a while afterward but I was having none of that! It was too much of a reminder to me (and the rest of the world since you could kinda see the outline of it under the skin) of what I had gone thru. Good luck.

    Susan
  • MiaKrause
    MiaKrause Member Posts: 4
    #5
    Hi. I had a port put in my chest in January. It isn't so bad... The procedure was quick and it doesn't hurt too badly when healing. I got mine 10 days before I started chemo. Using it is weird because the needle is long, sort of like a dart- but it only hurts for the second that it goes through the skin- then you can sort of forget that it is there. I have my blood drawn from my port too- when I go for blood count checks. It is nice for me b/c my veins are small and seemed to collapse at the sight of a needle! I wish you luck. Mia
  • hounddog
    hounddog Member Posts: 115
    #6
    Hello from Marilyn do not be afraid of a port a cath it is no big deal the put me half out of it I remember looking to the guy on my left and said it hurts and he said what hurts dear and I said the whole thing hurts and started moving and I heard them say shes moving hold her tighter. The reason for a port a cath is because your viens are to small and a port is easier. I do hope it goes good for you .Keep us informed of how it goes.
    marilyn

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