Port Question

Smichaels11

I am scheduled to have my port inserted on 6/22 and I imagine it's going to be there for a while since I am triple positive and I believe Herceptin is injected into the port as well? Anywho, my question is whether or not I can swim with the port. I'm afraid to Google ANYTHING right now. Also, how big is the port? They are saying it's a "mediport" if that makes a difference. I am scared shitless of all of this. I have a very weak stomach as it is.

Spookiesmom

Don't see why you can't swim, you shower and bathe with it. Mine has been in 8 years. I don't want it out. Mine is slightly smaller than a quarter. Very small bump. Makes chemo so much easier. Getting it put in isn't a big deal, just follow instructions forafter. Lifting, etc

Google isn't your friend.

Seilien

I think it kind of depends how your surgeon put it in. It is ok to be in water, I have gone swimming a couple of times but I see some people have theirs in deeper than mine. Mine felt like the size of a half dollar coin so bigger than a quarter and it was itchy sometimes. But a nurse told me that mine was put in well.

SpecialK

I had a very small subclavian port that was put in during my BMX and it was not at all noticeable even though it was right near my collarbone. I was very glad to have the port and kept mine for six years. I had surgery first because I was treated in 2011 before neoadjuvent for triple positives was more common due to additional targeted therapies like Perjeta, so I had chemo and Herceptin afterward. The Herceptin does get infused through the port, although some remove their port after chemo, particularly if they have post-chemo surgery, and get their Herceptin through an IV. You can swim with your port once the surgical site has healed, just like with any type of surgery, but you could also put a piece of tegaderm over it if you feel more comfortable doing that when swimming.

Each_day_2018

Once you have it put in and the skin heals (the incision closes), you likely won't even know it's there! I had no trouble with mine, only reason I had it removed was because for me, it symbolized the end of that chapter. I didn't want to be reminded of it anymore! I didn't like to wear wider-neck tops, because you could see it and I didn't like for others to see. Now my scar is still pretty visible but I'm hoping it will fade with time.

ElaineTherese

My doctor told me to wait two weeks before swimming with my port. I'm seriously into swimming, and haven't had any problems with my port during the six years I've had it. I love my port and still use it for blood draws. My oncologist thinks I'm nuts and has asked me when I plan to remove it. Maybe, after I'm finished with Zoladex + Aromasin? (Since I have to go to the oncologist for monthly Zoladex shots, I just get my port flushed at the same time.) My port surgery was uneventful; hope yours is too.

AmyQ

Yes, you can swim after the skin heals. I swim all the time.

exbrnxgrl

I believe Mediport is a brand name. Several different companies make ports but they all work in a similar way. My port is a Bard PowerPort ( this means that medicine can be infused as well as being used for blood draws) And is quite small as it is their petite size. As others have said, once you’re healed you will have no restrictions on your physical activity

Smichaels11

I'm afraid to look up pictures. Is it completely under the skin? How do they access it for chemo?

Flnana2

Smichaels11, Yes the port is completely under the skin. Depending on how much extra skin (fat) you may have in that area and how deep the surgeon puts it will determine if you can see it at all. On me, mine is visible so I'm not thinking of keeping mine for long after I'm through with my treatments. Like you, I'm triple positive, so I used it for my TCPH and now use it for Kadcyla. The nurses access it with a needle and it's used both to draw blood and to infuse the drugs.

I know this is a scary time for you but breath deep and if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

SpecialK

Yes, the port is completely under the skin, looks like a bump. Don't Google because there are photos of insertion - if you are squeamish. Would you like me to link a photo of a healed over port? I found one that would be reassuring, I think. It is accessed with a short-ish needle that is inserted through the skin into the port. I would recommend that you get some EMLA cream (lidocaine) from your oncologist and put a blob of it on about an hour before infusion and cover with a piece of Press N Seal plastic wrap to keep it in place. It essentially numbs the skin, but I also asked for some freezing spray just before the access. It didn't hurt to have the port accessed when I used those two things, and all I felt was a little pressure.

Smichaels11

Yes, I think the picture you have may help me put a picture in my head of what I can expect. Thank you!

exbrnxgrl

Did your mo explain the installation process, how a port works or what to expect? We have a wealth of experience here but your mo needs to give you specifics particular to you!

That being said, yes, it is completely under the skin. Depending on where it’s placed, it may or may not be visible. The port is accessed with a special needle called a Huber needle. My center uses a numbing spray so I do not feel the needle insertion, but one time the numbing wore off and I still barely felt it. My port has 3 palpation bumps arranged in a triangle But that is particular to the Bard brand. Some ports appear circular. Do speak with the doc who is inserting the port about location as some people find it annoying if their bra irritates it.

Here is a pic of my port. Not scary at all! It’s that raised area on the left side of the photo. You will do just fine 😊

SpecialK

exbrnxgrl to the rescue! Yay! The photos I found were very similar to this - so there you go!

Smichaels11

Thank you! That doesn't look too bad at all. Does it hurt when its bumped? I have a rambunctious 5 year old son who undoubtedly will make contact with it at some point. Unfortunately I haven't even met with the oncologist yet. That is set for Friday. That may even get pushed since my PET scan was delayed since the insurance preauth isn't back yet and I might not see her until after the port is placed. This whole thing has been a whirlwind and a clusterf*ck to say the least. They want to be very aggressive with my treatment due to my age (30).

Spookiesmom

That’s what my port looks like too. Spookie, 9#, has stepped on mine. Love those doggy kisses. I could feel pressure, but wouldn’t say it hurt.

SpecialK

My port was a little tender right after insertion, but fine once it healed. I am sorry you are dealing with this at such a tender age, I know it is a lot. Wishing you the best and I encourage you to visit the Triple Positive thread, linked below, lots of nice folks there with good advice and support.

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/80/topics/764183?page=1291#idx_38707

exbrnxgrl

smichaels,

I teach first grade and have 3 grandchildren, ages 8,4, and 2. No problems at work but there have been a few times when a grandchild accidentally head butted the port when we hugged. I felt it but it was no big deal. I have had mine for almost 9 years and barely notice it.

Again, I would discuss the placement with your doc prior to the procedure. A bc diagnosis is never easy but the pandemic has made things that much harder. Don’t forget to take good care of yourself

MinusTwo

Like I mentioned on one of the other threads you started - you should trace your bra strap with a Sharpie before surgery. You'll be much more comfortable if the strap doesn't rub on the port all day.

Also - do make sure you ask for a "power port". It's a type of port and not the brand. That way the docs can use it for everything from blood draws to infusions to contrast for imaging.

And if you can swing it to start chemo the next day after insertion, ask them to leave the "dangles" so your first access will be easier. Otherwise Special K is right - get some Emla cream, put it on an hour ahead and cover with Press N'Seal or Saran wrap. Oh - and don't put the cream on with your fingers or they will be numb.

Smichaels11

What does the press n seal do? Lock in the numbing cream? Does it stick to your skin under your shirt?

MinusTwo

Yes - it sticks to your skin and keeps the cream in place.

Also I used it to wrap around my drains after surgery so I could shower. No water could enter. I learned about it from people who had to protect a cast from a broken limb.

exbrnxgrl

EMLA is a prescription numbing cream and plastic wrap holds the cream in place over the area you want to numb. I used it (I already had some) for my first Aredia infusion (older bone strengthener) and had them use the numbing spray as well which was definitely overkill! EMLA is long acting, longer than you need. The numbing spray works well but is very short acting, which is all you need. If you’re concerned, ask for the EMLA prescription and have it filled in advance

cyathea

Smichaels11, last June I was where you are now—concerned that a port would cause other medical issues, but I knew I needed one since my veins would be difficult to access. I’m very glad to have it.

The surgery was easy. Although I chose not to have anesthesia, you will have a choice to do it or not. The local numbing was very tolerable and I just remember some tugging and pressure that was annoying but not painful. I was done in no time and back home. I was able to do some computer work that day. I remember it being tender to touch/pressure for a few weeks, but I didn’t need to take any potent pain pills.

You will be fine. Yes, make sure you get a power port and I definitely echo that Emla makes access painless when you get chemo or Herceptin. It’s one prick of your skin and they are “in”. It’s good to put the cream on about an hour before they access it. There have been a few times when I forgot. It wasn’t any worse than a regular IV needle prick but hey if you can prevent pain, that’s a good thing.

One thing I didn’t realize is that I had a stitch that didn’t dissolve. It was poking out of my skin for a long time and I thought it was part of the port apparatus. LOL. I found out when I had my BMX (and had 2 other stitches that didn’t dissolve) that you can ask the nurse to pull them out if that happens to you. So now my skin is smooth again over my port. 😀

My nurse told me to be careful with strenuous exercise or housework with the arm/side where you have the port. It is rare but it can get out of position, which they can fix, but I gather it might be a little uncomfortable if that did happen. I’m not that active now, so I didn’t have to change my lifestyle at all. I hardly even notice that my port is there unless my cat steps on my chest when he tries to cuddle.

I wish you an easy port installation surgery and treatment. We’ll be in your pocket on Monday.

Smichaels11

Ugh I hate all of this. My longtime boyfriend is the eternal optimist, hanging onto the words of the surgeon who said I would be fine. So now he thinks that's it, just a little bit of bullshit and I'll be right as rain. I finally told him today that taking poison through a hole in my chest, my hair falling out, and the having my tits cut off just so I can then spend the rest of my life petrified this will come back is exactly how I expected turning 30 would feel definitely shut him up. I've been drinking heavily since my diagnosis because its the only way I can cope right now. I've read it's awful for my kind of cancer but if I didnt have something to take the edge off I dont known what I would do. You ladies have been both my greatest hope and my biggest fear. I appreciate everything and ever word I am given, and I hope you understand my terrible headspace right now. I hope on Friday the oncologist tells me something optimistic. Everything is dark right now.

ElaineTherese

OY. I drank some after diagnosis, too. It didn't help that one of my kids (I have twins with severe autism) was undergoing some kind of psychic break and became violent. I was so relieved when bedtime came around so I could drink myself to sleep. I get it.

My husband was also super-optimistic and hated accepting help from all the people who stepped forward to help us. My daughter was doing sports, and I really needed people to drive her home after games/practices since he was working nights. Eventually, he relented.

I'm glad you told your boyfriend how you feel. There's no need to play the super hero with the people we love. We're all supposed to be "strong" and "fighting" and all that. But, some days, it was hard to just get out of bed in the morning. I hope your oncologist is a positive person; mine was a very caring person who helped me through some of the darkest days of my life. ((Hugs))

FarAwayToo

Looks like your poet questions are answered, so I will "address" headspace.

I'm not a drinker but there was no way I would have made it through without Ativan. Ask your MO for prescription, and see what it does for you.

CocoB122

I am happy that I have my port, even though it squicks me out to think about it. It does not hurt to access (I use Emla numbing cream) and it makes blood draws, chemo, and herceptin a breeze. I shudder to think of all of the arm sticks I'd endure otherwise.

That said, I still find it psychologically difficult. It's gross to think about and to look at (even though it's just a small bump like in the photo above). It does not hurt on a daily basis.

I also want to share that I was told that insertion would be a breeze with little down time. While I had no complications, I was in a lot of pain for the first 24 hours, with significant swelling and reduced rage of motion. I was shocked because I thought this was supposed to be easy. Sleeping was difficult because I was still sore from my lumpectomy. I have a relative who is an oncologist and has lots of patients with ports. She advised that I will feel much better after the first 24 hrs and almost normal after 48 hrs, and this was true. Just knowing that it would not be painful forever was helpful. I also advise discussing a good pain control plan with your doctor.

Spookiesmom

What would you do/think if you had to have a pacemaker for your heart implanted? Or a pain pump for your pain put in your spine.

Just wondering.

Smichaels11

Honestly, I dont know. Didnt think I would need a port for anything at 30. I had an epidural with my son and I cried relentlessly over it. I have always had a weak stomach. Hell, I had to get a gum graft last year and I passed out while they were doing it. The sounds and knowing what was happening was too much. Something about blood, skin, veins, etc. just does something to me. That said, my pain tolerance is high. Mamy tattoos. So weird.

Smichaels11

exbrn - Do you still have the port in? Does it ever bother you?

Spookiesmom

Mine has been in 8 years. No problems no pain.