Running with a port

I've had my port for less than 2 weeks, and I'm sure with time, it'll seem like a regular part of my body.  For the time being, though, it's a tender, vulnerable, alien bump that just happens to reside directly under the strap of every running bra I own.  Any tips on how to protect it from chafing?  Will regular sports lube protect the skin there enough?

So far I've tried doing nothing (and wound up with a nasty abrasion that scabbed over), then gone to the other extreme by taping gauze over it before heading out (which seems increasingly ridiculous).  There must be some middle ground.

(I don't know which frightens me more: getting a skin infection in that area, or having the chemo nurse yell at me for being an idiot.  Thank goodness the scab from my first running misadventure has finally fallen off.)

Linda

Debbie, belated thanks for your response.  I haven't been able to find a bra that doesn't touch the port . . . though admittedly, I haven't spent a whole lot of time looking.  So, I've been sticking with the gauze-and-paper-tape routine, and it's become exactly that: a routine, like putting on my running clothes, lacing up my shoes, etc.  Perhaps it's excessive, but it's working.  (Much better than being 3 miles from home and discovering that the bra I thought was OK is actually sawing against the side of my port bump . . . yuck.)

The running is going great - it's a huge boost to my spirits, and I really think it's helping me handle the physical effects of the chemo.

Hoping to hear some updates on your own running on the "fitness goals" thread!

Linda