Port Questions

Scrappygrl

Did anyone have any problems pain wise after port was put in?  I had mine put in yesterday and by the time I got home I was in incruciating pain.  Took Tylenol as directed and then it was worse this morning.  I went back to person that placed it and he said to take percosac and see him 1st thing monday morn.  But the pain is not in the port area but rather in the higher areas of my my neck.  And I cannot move my head from side to side.

Also, how long were did you have your port in?  I would like to get mine removed the second I am done with Chemo but have heard and am hearing ppl have theirs in for 1 year.  Is that by Dr. Recommendations or just in case?  

Thank you for any responses

GoodMommy

My port was placed at the same time as my bi-lat. mast. and it bothered me more than having my breasts removed.  It was also bothersome the whole time that I was on chemo.  My first onc. wanted me to leave it in a year after chemo; but for personal reasons, I changed oncs and my current Dr. told me that I could have it removed as soon as I would like.  I had it removed prior to rads.  I hope this helps you.

God bless,

Chris

P.S.  It is very important to have a port and I don't mean to diminish it's importance.  The chemo drugs will play havoc with your veins.

scrappy_survivor

Seriously I thought I was the only one. I had my port put in on Tuesday & I swear I am gonna cut it out myself it hurts so bad. I see my onc on Tuesday before my 1st chemo. If he can't help me with this.... then I will have it removed & do chemo without it. That is how bad mine hurts. I even stripped the bandages today & put on fresh ones in hopes it would help. No such luck.

LibraGirl

Although not everyone has pain with their port insertion, it is not uncommon.  Proudawife00 the pain you are describing in your neck is probably from the catheter portion of the port-o-cath, which usually runs from the port up and over your clavical and into the adjacent artery.  On some women the catheter is clearly visible while on others it is hidden in tissue.  It is quite normal to feel as though the catheter is being pulled or strained with movement in the early days, but eventually this sensation subsides. I thought I would never get used to my port, but now I only feel it when my hand or clothing brushes against it (six months from insertion).  If you are having a type of chemo that is hard on the veins (e.g.., andriamyacin) or prolonged treatment (e.g., herceptin) it is well worth having, though I know many women who managed both situations without.

2z54

I just finished chemo this week and will have my port removed when I have my bilat. mas. in January ( I had chemo first). 

I remember not liking the port at all for the first few weeks.  I had it put in when they did my SNBs (both sides) and it bothered me more than the SNBs.   BUT, eventually the discomfort stopped and I got used to it.  Now I couldn't imagine going thru chemo without it.  You'll see... once your doc checks to make sure that it is placed correctly, you'll get used to it and be happy you have it!

Good luck!

Scrappygrl

I am feeling better today.  Not so much pain as it is irritated.  I'm glad it is starting to subside because I really need it to stay in and Dr. said if it was still hurting later, they may have to remove it.  So now, I'm pretty sure he won't have to do that.  YEAH!!! It still bothers me but not nearly to the extent as it did Friday.  Thanks for all the replies ladies.  I appreciate it.