Port or No port with Cytoxan and Taxotere

I only had one or two veins and I think I would have had problems with receiving chemotherapy through them. I was happy to have a port. I had to have my port replaced (rare) and had targeted therapy through my vein between ports. The targeted therapy doesn't have anything in it that is irritating but my vein ached from the coldness of the fluid and I can't imagin having to do the chemotherapy that way.

I only agreed to have the port removed when I was finished with treatment after the i interventional radiologist promised they would be able to put one back in if needed.

I had 6 infusions and didn't have a port. If I'd had more, I might have needed one, but as it was, it went fine.

Margo, if it were me, I'd go for saving my veins, especially if you only have 1 or 2 good ones. Something to consider is that sometimes down the line in life we may have health changes and we will need our veins even more. Just a little piece of the equation to consider.

I'd get a port. You need to protect your 'good' arm because that's the arm you will always need to use for any IVs, blood pressure checks, shots etc. etc. in the future.

As you can see, to port or not to port is a very individual decision. If you have a limited number of good veins in your arm, you really need to weigh possible venous damage into your decision making process. The problem is that you have no way of knowing whether using your limited number of veins will work out or not. Essentially, you’re taking a calculated risk. So only you can decide how much risk you’re willing to accept

The veins in my good arm were blown from IV antibiotics I needed for a post-surgery infection. I didn't want a port, so I got a PICC line instead. Worked for me (6 chemo infusions, 3 weeks apart).

I did 6x TC (just finished) and did not have a port. I really didn’t want the surgeries to place and remove it, plus the scar. Had no issues with my veins but I then I also have “good” veins. The nurse used three different locations for 6 treatments

I had Adriamicyn, which is implacable with the veins. My veins were very good before chemo, and I was lucky to be able to use both arms since I did neoadjuvant chemo. Now they have worked very hard to place the IV for my post treatment CT and my arm still hurts 5 days later... Do the veins heal over time or is the damage permanent? Because this is just the beginning

I had a port and never had issues. I have never had bad veins and don't remember questioning the recommendation. I guess I was still trying to wrap my head around things at the time. It was annoying at first with the seat belt, but I got used to it pretty quickly. As soon as I was able to have it removed, it was gone. A mental thing, I guess. Good luck with your treatment and good for you for looking at your options.