got port "installed" yesterday

Hi Tracy
So sorry for all that you are going thru. I will pray that everything gets better and easier for you.

Love, Jeanne ♥

blazytracy said:

Thanks for your input Kat!
Do you have any input on the salve that you put on your site before the needle to make it numb? Do you use that since you have to have it in for so long? I think I read somewhere that it takes an hour for it to get numb after you put it on?????

At the CCI, I go to they
At the CCI, I go to they spray a numbing spray on that works very rapidly before inserting. So far I've had no pain at all when they insert just a very slight pressure. The first time that my port was used was approx. 24 hrs after it was put in and no prob.

Susan

Marlene_K said:

It does feel strange for a
It does feel strange for a while, Tracy... I thought I'd never get used it. I had chemo 6 days after inserting and it didn't bother me at all when they poked me and I didn't have any numbing medication. Perhaps I got a great nurse, as I know that sometimes makes a difference. Now I don't at all feel it there unless I bump it, but the site of it is still totally gross! I don't like wearing any low cut shirts where you can see it pop out. I'm guessing that we will always have a scar there making it difficult to ever wear something revealing, huh? GEESH! Anyway, rest assured, as with everything... it does get better.

Hugs ~ Mar

Tracy
Sorry that this is so
Tracy

Sorry that this is so hard for you. I didn't have chemo so I can't speak to ports etc. but I will keep you in my prayers that this gets better and that your treatments go smoothly.
Stef

shortscake said:

port sisters
I guess we are port sisters i had mine put in yesterday morning and i have done ok so far i have not taken any of the pain pills yet. Oh but they are next to the bed with a glass of water..lol..i keep looking at my port like wow i can see it and feel it..gross..I had to have one because i have very poor veins, they had to stick me 8times yesterday to get an iv in they were talking about puting it in my neck i was crying saying please look at my arms and feet again yes they stick me in my feet man that was some pain. my port was put in on the left side and that is were i carry my bag.not anymore, the pain i got from putting it there wow then the seatbelt in the car..wow...wow life is changeing everyday...but i am happy to be here to enjoy it every step of the way.

Ports are uncomfortable,
Ports are uncomfortable, but they work better than trying to find veins. One stick and wahla its over. The cancer center sprays it which immediately numbs the area, they draw the blood, and install the vehicle which accommodates the chemo. They have me count to 3. On count 2 I breathe in (port needle goes in) count 3 blow out, and its done. My port is always a little sore. I place a heart shaped pillow over the port when using the seat belt. I did get the cream, I think the generic is lidocaine, however I dont use it because everything is done at the infusion center. Blood drawn in the am, chemo in the early pm. Makes for a long day, but it's better than waiting at the local lab to have blood drawn. Blazy so sorry you have other health issues to deal with in addition to this BC. You are obviously one very strong lady.

fauxma said:

Tracy
Sorry that this is so
Tracy

Sorry that this is so hard for you. I didn't have chemo so I can't speak to ports etc. but I will keep you in my prayers that this gets better and that your treatments go smoothly.
Stef

Sorry Tracy
Tracy, so sorry that this was so hard on you. Sending you big cyber hugs!

♠♣ Susie ♠♣

Hi, Tracy.
I feel the same way about my port. Mine doesn't work as it should, it allows too slow of a drip going in and no blood comes out. So, they're going to try a bigger gauge needle next time. Can't wait! The first week was very uncomfortable for me, alot of bruising is normal. When I took a deep breath, I felt a big pulse sensation in my neck. I guess that tube being new inside there. The salve doesn't work for me either as for as numbing. It feels the same with or without it. To some, the port is a wonderful thing, but for me, it's not. I hope you do well with yours.

jnl said:

So sorry. Vent whenever you
So sorry. Vent whenever you need to. That is why we are here for you, to listen and support and encourage each other.

Leeza

Love My Port...
My port was put in same time as the mastecomy so it was really no big deal. After a couple of days I didn't even know it was there. It's a blessing, I have no veins and my only good one is in my right arm and can't be used. I use Emla or it's generic numbing ceam and hour before and you don't even feel the needle. When I was in the hospital a couple of days ago they drew blood as well as my IV. It was a miracle.

I hope once you heal you will get the benefits from it. My chemo nurse said she wished everyone had them. Even if you have good veins, no sense in "wearing them out" with chemo chemicals.

I understand a pic line leaves a tube sticking out of your arm that you have to flush constantly and keep bandaged. I have an allergy to tape so I hope my port continues to work well.

We shouldn't ever be ashamed to vent, if we can't vent here, with everyone understanding, where can we? Does us good to vent and to even have a little pity party now and then. We've earned the right! Just let's not stay at the "party" too long....

Hugs and Luv, Judy :-)

blazytracy said:

Wow - thanks everyone!
I now know the name of the cream thank you, and also that most everyone loves their port, and yes seatbelts suck. That makes me feel a bit better...I still haven't seen mine, bandages don't come off till Friday. I sure am bruised tho - wow!! No idea yet Laurissa if it can be used for blood draws yet, it would be awesome if it could..thanks again everyone for the great response. I feel better already..haha.

just a suggestion
Why not use a small pillow to put between you and the seat belt?? I used one after my masectomy and it helped alot.. Sorry your going through all this!!