Port-a-Cath or not???

1surfermom said:

Port
I have a port but I have had some problems with it. My the disk of the port( the circle where they insert the needle) is in my right breast, I have BC in my left breast.The tail of the port is up near my collar bone. My surgeon prefers this placement because the port does not show. Everytime I go for infusions the nurses complain and have difficulty accessing it. I have to lay flat in order for the nurses to get to it, I feel like such a freak in front of the other patients recieving chemo. Last time they could not get a blood draw and I had to receive the adriamycyn in my vein ( I was crying and scared but it turned out o.K.). When you get your port be sure to ask about i'ts placement. I wish I would have. Surf

You are not a freak Surfermom
I too had to lie down to finally get the port to work more times than it worked normal.

port-a-cath
I had mine put in when I first found out about having breast cancer and chemo treatments.. I watch other patients that do not have them in and I am so glad I do.. it takes them longer because it is harder on your veins and harder for the nurse to find a good one to do treatment with.. mine is small and not real noticeable one poke and I am ready. I would recommend it if you are in it for the long haul.. and you can always have it taken out which is what I am going to do when I have my lumpectomy in July... you will be glad you got it.. I love mine.. take care Diane

Yes on PORT
stox4bux:

I had requested for a PORT since my veins are small and sensitive. I easily bruise up when they draw blood from my arm. Its a personal choice.

The PORT is very convenient and less stress for me, as I have heard horror stories in regards to the chemo drugs leaking out and damaging your tissues.

Joy