Port a cath

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Albion
Albion Member Posts: 11
edited April 2018 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

Hello! I had to have a port inserted into my chest due to collapsed and burst veins and the fact my veins are so small they could not be found, and when found did not have blood return.Anyone else? How do you feel about it?

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  • Indigo29
    Indigo29 Member Posts: 120
    edited January 2018

    Albion, sorry to hear about you poor vein. I had my port put in just under my collarbone and it was the best decision that I could have made because I don't think that my veins could have withstood the weekly chemo. I was fortunate enough not to have any issues with it. Just had it taken out on the 27th of December as I have finished with my treatments

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  • Albion
    Albion Member Posts: 11
    edited January 2018

    Hello! That is good to hear! I had mine inserted three days before my first chemo treatment and it was so tender. I still have issues sleeping with it. But overall I am glad I had it done as well!

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  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited January 2018

    My port has been in 5 years. I go for flush every 8 weeks. I don’t want it removed.

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  • Albion
    Albion Member Posts: 11
    edited January 2018

    Are you still using it for treatments? Do you find it worrisome at all? Does it ache? Mine still aches, I can sometimes feel the sudden rush of blood and it hurts.

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited January 2018

    I've had mine a little over a year. I get my last Herceptin infusion this coming week. My MO talked to me about scheduling it's removal the last time I saw him. I'm not ready for that.

    I don't love it. There are times when it bothers me and I wish it wasn't obvious with some clothes. But mostly it's just there and fine. I put Emla cream on it about an hour before it's accessed and also have them spray the freezing stuff so I don't feel anything.

    I think I'll keep it for a while. The type I have only has to be flushed every 3 months. It's a security, I guess.


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  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited January 2018

    No, I’m not getting any treatment. It doesn’t bother or hurt. If I take it out now, that’s a surgery, copay, risk of infection. And if cancer comes back, same thing, except it’s placement is more limited. I’m high risk for reoccurrence even after 5 years. So unless it goes wonky, it’s staying put

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  • Outfield
    Outfield Member Posts: 1,109
    edited January 2018

    I asked right away to have one. I got super skinny during chemo and it was a little uncomfortable when it got bumped then, but I would definitely do it again. Mine is out now - done with active treatment.


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  • Madhatter50
    Madhatter50 Member Posts: 1
    edited April 2018

    does anyone know of people with power ports who docampanology?have had mine in now for three weeks, but unsure what will happen when I start pulling bell ropes again

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  • Runrcrb
    Runrcrb Member Posts: 577
    edited April 2018

    well I learned a new word today- campanology.

    I had my portacath in for about 5 months and it never prevented me from doing anything.

    Do your bell ringing and just pay attention. My bet is that you’ll fatigue sooner due to treatment and not be bothered by the Porta a cath.

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