Port Questions

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.

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.