Did you get a port?

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SandyinPa
SandyinPa Member Posts: 34
edited June 2014 in IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)

So far I have put off getting a port. But, I don't know how long the veins in my hands will hold up. Just wondering if you got a port and how it went or if you didn't. I guess there is another option, a think it's called a stick line or something like that; it's run through your arm and you tape it down and a port is placed under your chest above your breast? It's made of titanium and plastic. I guess it saves your veins and it's easier on the nurses? The first story I heard about in the major news about a port was that little girl going through chemo who got an infection through her port. The parents pulled her out of chemo and the doctors called social services. So, that's what made me afraid to get a port. It's surgery.

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  • sewingnut
    sewingnut Member Posts: 1,129
    edited February 2013

    I loved my port. I had 6 TCH and Herceptin to finish out the year. Some Drs don't believe in them but my Onc likes them. I had it put in the week of chemo and taken out 2 weeks after my last Herceptin.

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  • Dutchie
    Dutchie Member Posts: 112
    edited February 2013

    I adore my port. No question it has made all my infusions over the past 4 years a total breeze, not to mention blood draws etc. I couldn't use it once and it was torture. Purely subjective of course but I couldn't have ever done without it!! Good luck.



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  • Nel138281
    Nel138281 Member Posts: 2,124
    edited February 2013

    Just had my last treatment today after over a year and all with a port.  It was day surgery going in, home that night and tho I have know it is there, it has casued me no problems.  And for all my treatments, it made my life so much easier . I can't imagine going thru treament without one. 

    Be well

    Nel 

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  • Alicethecat
    Alicethecat Member Posts: 535
    edited February 2013

    Hi Sandy

    I have a PICC line (line in the arm): 

    http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertreatment/Treatmenttypes/Chemotherapy/Linesports/PICCline.aspx

    which is  much less invasive than a port.

    As long as you don't mind having a district nurse out to clean it once a week, could it be for you?

    Best wishes

    Alice

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  • 7of9
    7of9 Member Posts: 833
    edited February 2013

    Didn't do one/need one. Had 8 treatments neo chemo before surgery (double). Only had one ouchie chemo where they had to move damn IV 2 or 3 times, but that was it.

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited February 2013

    My port's been in since Aug 24, 2009 - the day before my first A/C.  For me - it was never a question - I have great veins but after surgery I'd only be able to use one set/side so I would protect them with a port.  

    Because I'm IBC the odds are fairly high that something will arise that will require more chemo in the future.  So with my Drs approval I am keeping it in till I hit 5 yrs.  I visualize it as my little soldier standing guard so the big nasty "C Monster" won't try to come back  - but IF it did the soldier is there and armed ready for the battle.  I know that's silly but that's how I visualize it.   It also allows me to feel I'm still being 'pro-active' with doing the monthy flushes - I get to see my PA's RN then and if I have any question she'll get me answers.

    Some do use their ports for blood draws - I don't - for me it's easier and quicker to just stab the vein as a port has to be flushed before use and then the Heparin block re-established after.

    I never thought about doing a PICC line as it is external and requires more care be done.   I'm very active outdoors so there would have been a lot of potential for infections while the port is enclosed within your body (sort of as pace maker is).  Port gets one stick when it is accessed so of course there is potential for infection just as when an IV needle is put in vein. 

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  • SandyinPa
    SandyinPa Member Posts: 34
    edited February 2013

    Why don't some doctors believe in ports?

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