More Port Questions

Passenger59

Hi everyone, Thank God for this site. I don't know who I'd talk to without it. I am scheduled to have a port put in (I asked for it since I only have one good arm, etc...) and they will put it in chest, up by collarbone, etc.. Dr. told me possible risk of infection (small) and risk of nicking lung (?!) because of proximity and even risk of heart damage (probably won't happen.) Now, I am scared. I am still recovering from my second surgery. My arm and underarm hurt so much. I was petrified to have my drain out - and then the day I was scheduled to have it out (yesterday) it FELL out. I assumed it was God giving me a break (or the doctor) - but now I am scared that maybe the doctor didn't do a good job putting the drain in(?) Of course, I did accidentally pull it a few times. But now I'm thinking well, if the drain fell out because she didn't do a good job, maybe she'll also not do a good job on the port. What if she "accidentally" nicks my lung!!! I am so scared. Maybe it's the port, maybe it's everything. Has anyone else had their drain come out on its own? Perhaps it's not uncommon and I am over-reacting because I'm hurting and scared. signed, so brave yesterday, so scared today, Passenger 54 (AKA Debi)

Lauralynne

Hi Deb,

Take a deep breath.  Let me tell you my experience and maybe you can feel some calm.

I had a drain come half-way out and then doctor pulled the remainder out.  I think I have have accidentally pulled it a few times myself.  My surgeon was great, said it happens and she was ready to take it out anyway.  No worries after I had it out.

I just had a Bard Power Port inserted on Wednesday and chemo on Thursday.  I too was petrified of getting the port for years!  I have been getting chemo for 2 years and was such a chicken.  Now I could kick myself about not getting it sooner.  Yes, they nicked my skin to access my jugular vein but it is all glued up now and not a problem.  I really did not feel anything other than the radiologist pressing the port into place so he could get it in the right spot before sewing it up.  They gave me Versed, which induced a twilight sleep, I told them all I was extremely anxious and could they give me a little more and they did.  I was awake, but draped so that I could not see what was happening.  When the doctor said, "All done here.  Good luck to you" I was floored, did he finish so soon? It was easy and I am so glad I had it done, I think you will be too. I have been getting blood draws, chemo, transfusions, everything out of my right arm for years, now I have a port and could jump up and down about it (if I had the energy).  I know you are hurting from your surgery still, but you will be so glad to get the port over and done with.  You will feel so much better when you are all healed, you will see.  Don't worry too much, I worried for months and it was all for nothing.  You go Deb.  You can do it, girl!

Lauralynne 

az8n

I understand my port install was guided by xray??? or some other method that would show the doctor doing the install that it is where it is supposed to be.

The day after my port was installed, I went back to the doctor to tell her that I was having a LOT of pain.  She asked if I am able to breathe without difficulty and I was breathing good, just in extreme pain - as I guess my body was not really happy with something foreign inside me.

She sent me (actually walked me) to the Radiology department to have xray taken.  She wanted to make sure that the catheter did not puncture my lung.

I asked if it was a punctured lung, will I still be ok at that point?  Install was about 24 hrs prior to me visiting her for the pain....she said you will be having breathing problems by now if it was the case.

She mentioned that should I have pain and difficulty breathing,  I should go to the ER right away and ask for xray. 

She recommended I use a hot compress to help the muscle relax.

Passenger59

Thank you both for relaying your experiences. I feel a little better now (took pain medication and that helped.) So, who put your port in? My surgeon said she will put it in. Does a radiologist usually put them in? In my case, I know I will need one because my left arm is somewhat swollen (and very sore) and I did have lymphedema in my breast after my lumpectomy, so left arm is out for use of veins, etc - I want to keep right arm vein healthy - therefore, a port seems the most logical and reasonable way to go. I guess I just want to be sure THE MOST competent and experienced person will put it in and although I love my surgeon, I was freaked when my drain fell out (and thought it was because she didn't put it in right, etc...) I guess today was just a hard day (emotionally speaking.) I'm so grateful I have this discussion boards to post on, to ask questions, to find others who are going thru or who have gone thru similiar experiences and to keep me centered and sane(?) (smile) Thanks again, to all who shared re: this. signed, Passenger54 (AKA Debs)

hunkydory

Pass54:  I had my port put in after mastectomy.  Twilight sleep....and was home in 2 hours.  It was a piece of cake.  I am so thankful that I have it.  I have seen so many people in the infusion centers with their arms completly bruised black from poking at tired, rolling veins.  It makes it longer for your chemo session also when they struggle to get a vein.  And, as a mastectomy patient...they only want to use the opposite arm.  Don't worry over it too much....I'm sure it will be fine.  HunkyD

LisaSDCA

Debi - a port placement is no biggie for an experienced surgeon. Yours is just being conscientious by telling you the risks, however tiny. It is good to be informed, it is not so good to dwell on the small possibility of complications.  Instead, be grateful that you have a diligent surgeon. You will be SO GLAD you have your port!  Yes, it will be dang sore for a while, but then it will make every infusion and every blood draw a breeze, and will save you from damaging your 'good' arm.

I'm glad your drain 'removal' was so easy after you were so worried about it.  Obviously it was 'ready', and the few pulls you had given it just hastened the process. I hope your underarm pain goes away soon, too - it takes a good while for this area to heal, but range of motion stretches do help.

Good luck to you!

Lisa 

Passenger59

Thank you, thank you, guys. - P54 (AKA Debs)

Anonymous

Didn't the surgeon stitch the drain tube to the skin?

That's how they did mine. It would have to be literally yanked and that would have torn my skin to come out.

Passenger59

Hi LJ13, Yes the surgeon did stitch the drain tube to the skin. I guess I must have pulled a few stitches at a time. I did have some moments of intense pain. When I got to her office (it had already slid out a hour before) she did have to cut the remaining stitches out left in my skin. I had hoped to hear this was NOT TOO uncommon. Because otherwise, I will worry that she didn't do a good job. Which I don't want to believe as she is my surgeon. So, if anyone else had their drain fall out, let me know. My surgeon is due to put in my port in 2 weeks.

kayakgirl

I had my port put in at the same time as my bilateral mastectomies prior to my chemo by the breast surgeon. I was very glad I did. I have not had any problems with it and it will make the chemo expereince easier.