starting chemo and new port

Options
debbie6122
debbie6122 Member Posts: 5,161
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

Hi Ladies, well i finally got the go ahead on my chemo, after having mx on april the 6th, i had a infection that took so long to heal up,(not somthing that happens often) but was told today that i will be having chemo on the 26th of may, but was told that i will be having the port put in that morning as well, has anyone had there port placed on the same day as there chemo was done? Iam feeling a little anxious about all this, thinking i will be more tender and it might hurt more,can you take pain meds or valuim while taking chemo? I was doing ok till i finally got the date set and now iam just a basket case, any help would be great, thanks

angel hugs-debbie

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • reen
    reen Member Posts: 164
    edited May 2009

    Debbie, my son had leukemia and he had a port.  His got chemo the day after his port was placed.  He was given cream to numb the area before it was accessed.  It's called Emila.  Not sure about the spelling.  My port was used only days after being placed.  I never was offered the cream, but then again never asked.  I'm sure since you're just getting it, they will be gentle.  Good luck.  I'm sure you'll do fine.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nelia48
    nelia48 Member Posts: 539
    edited May 2009

    I didn't have chemo right away after getting my port, but they have always used a numbing cream on me.  They have it right there at the cancer center.  I didn't have to have a prescription or do it myself -- the nurses did it.  Just ask for it!!!  I'm surprised they didn't at least give you a day or two!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • deb6563
    deb6563 Member Posts: 179
    edited May 2009

    I found out at the cancer center yesterday while overhearing a conversation that if you have chemo the same day as port placement, the surgeon accesses the port while you are still under anethesia before he puts a dressing on it.  Your onc can then give you a treatment, pull the needle out and redress it. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sherrilynne
    sherrilynne Member Posts: 65
    edited May 2009

    I had my port put in the day before chemo and it of course was swollen and sore.  The nurse had to push on it to find where to insert the needle because of this.  She did use numbing creme.  After what we have all been through, this was something that I could handle.   You will be okay and will make it through!!!!! Hugs.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LRM216
    LRM216 Member Posts: 2,115
    edited May 2009

    The creme is called EMLA creme - make sure you get it.  Good luck.

    Linda

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • debbie6122
    debbie6122 Member Posts: 5,161
    edited May 2009

    Thanks Reen and Neila for the info on the cream, im glad to hear they have somthing to numb the area!

    Deb6563- & sherrilynne- I just found out that the bs will leave the needle in, so hopefully they dont have to mess with it to much, not sure what i will be doing during the time iam waiting for my chemo,since i go to hospital at 5:45 am and iam doing chemo at 1:pm - Iam sure if they leave the needle in they arnt going to send me home for a few hours?? Hmmm.. not sure, but thanks and hugs to all-debbie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • debbie6122
    debbie6122 Member Posts: 5,161
    edited May 2009

    Linda- thanks for the name of the cream im calling onc tomorrow to make sure i can get it, We all go thru to much to have to put up with needles pain, i for one am the bigges chicken Ever!! LOL

    angel hugs-debbie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited May 2009

    debbie - similar to what deb said - I had my port placed on a Monday afternoon.  The oncologist told me to tell the surgeon I was having chemo the next day and to "pack it off".  Basically, it means to leave the needle and tubing in place, and pack it off with a large bandage.  It was no trouble to sleep on it that night.  The next morning all the onc nurse had to do was to take off the dressing, and the needle and tubing were already in place, so it saved one stick with the needle.  Once I was done with treatment, they removed the needle and gave me a dressing. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories