Chemo without a port

I always felt I was unaware of options; did not know a port was available to me. My first chemo treatment was uneventful in relation to the IV process. Each treatment that followed became increasingly difficult to the point where a port was suggested.

The port was great for access for medications. Maintenance of the port minimal. I wish I had the port at the very beginning.

So yes you can have chemo without a port but the port just makes it so much easier for the person taking chemo & care givers who administer the chemo.

Thoughts are with you....

My mother started her chemo intravenously because she really did not want a port put in, but after a few times she relented and had it done. She said her chemo was much more comfortable with the port than without, but obviously chemo can be done w/o a port.

I had my first w/o and all was fine.  It was a matter of timing, getting me started on chemo before they could get a date to have the port put in. With IBC my onc was anxious to get me started on chemo.  I was told that chemo can wear out/collpase your veins and this is why the port is so helpful and recommended.  After surgery, nothing is recommended on the surgical side ie : blood pressure, blood draws, iv's so only having one side to use for IV can wear out veins sooner.  You do not want to have your veins collapse, it will leave few options for the future.  A couple of infusions w/o a port should be fine.  Check with your onc.

Be well

Nel

I had a PICC line twice but my body clotted around them both within 72 hours. ( once when chemo started and one when I needed IV antibiotics for sepsis even with blood thinners) So I had 4 AC and 12 taxols with IVs on one arm. My chemo nurses never ever had to try more than once! I always drank 2 litres before chemo and we ran my chemo with concurrent saline whenever possible. My veins did get a little sore but I made it.

I have had 4 AC and 1 Taxol without a port so far and have been pretty happy about it. They do sometimes need to try more than once to get the IV started and being hydrated is a must.

Hi

I had four rounds of chemo with no port-it was never even suggested. we used my arm or hand-- I did not have any problems.

Hi Fabian,

I also have experienced chemo burns with 2/3 infusions. The first was pretty nasty; the 2nd is less so - so far. A nurse told me to use Eucerin on the damaged skin. Too early to tell if it's helping, but it does keep the area well-moisturized.