information about Ports

Options
enjoylife
enjoylife Member Posts: 578
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
information about Ports
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
«1

Comments

  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited June 2008

    I have a port and it should come out when I am done end of august from my lips to his ears and when I went for my first ta ta juice the nurse who is nice as can be came at me with a can of stuff its cold like liquid nitrogen, I work at a nuclear reactor in the office so I recognize it but its scary now I am not a baby went through surgery like a pro, etc had a 10 pound baby 30 years ago but this I have had nightmares about is there anyone out there with a port and cant they put the stuff on a cotton swab?????Please help I have # 2 at 9:30 tomorrow Thursday the 5th ...my ex mother-laws birthday who would of thought at young 56 I have ta ta juice and she is 78 and going strong scoring points to the wrong place ....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jule
    Jule Member Posts: 250
    edited June 2008

    I have no idea. I thought there was a cream that they could use. Although I have not had anything put on the port before they insert the needle which is uncomfortable. Good luck tomorrow.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cynthia1962
    Cynthia1962 Member Posts: 1,424
    edited June 2008

    They can prescribe a numbing cream for your port and you apply it about a half hr before they're going to access it, and cover it with plastic wrap until then.  It works great!  Silly me, I didn't ask for it until I was already done with chemo because I expected it to cost a lot, but I finally caved after my first port flush and was pleasantly surprised to find it was very inexpensive.  You can also have them access your port without the spray, too.  It hurts, but it's not that bad. 

    Cynthia 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited June 2008

    I found the solution to no spray the needle its self is easy nothing to it compared to the spray as many needles as we have had this is nothing but I do have a question should I keep my port in if I have to have Hecptior for a year or should I just go through the vain I have good veins and I don't really want to keep the port in what are your suggestions?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited June 2008

    I found the solution to no spray the needle its self is easy nothing to it compared to the spray as many needles as we have had this is nothing but I do have a question should I keep my port in if I have to have Hecptior for a year or should I just go through the vain I have good veins and I don't really want to keep the port in what are your suggestions?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cynthia1962
    Cynthia1962 Member Posts: 1,424
    edited June 2008

    I have to have my port in for 2 yrs, so I'm probably not much help there.  It doesn't bother me, fortunately, and it's a convenient way for them to get my blood every few months. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2008

    You may have good veins now but after a few months of chemo, bloodwork, and other tests, they are likely to be a bit worse.

    With the Emla cream using a port is best for your body and best for the healthcare providers. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • angie27
    angie27 Member Posts: 863
    edited June 2008

    Hi everyone:

    Why am I so scared to get a port?, I dont know, all of sudden I just became a chicken again, I being told over and over that I need one, and i just dont listen, how can I just conquer this and get it done......

    Thanks to all of you.............

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited June 2008

    I was afraid also and it was just anohter step for me for the treatment plan but I am so glad I got one they dont use the spray or cream on me either and its so easy to have access,in fact I hate it when I have to have a shot for my blood work this friday without it. I can wear my v necks in the summer. You will like it once its in I didnt like the idea of being put under again too but it was fine now I will probaly keep mine in through my Hersepter teatments I know the fear I had it too but once you do it you will be glad its so much easier on your vains too.

    Good Luck

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lynnmom1968
    lynnmom1968 Member Posts: 25
    edited June 2008

    I'm scared of getting the port, too.  I wasn't even afraid before the mastectomy, but something about the collarbone and moving the muscles sounds gross and painful to me.  Does it continue to irritate as long as it's in?  I've got to have mine for at least a year.  Also, what is the recovery like after the insertion?

    Thanks.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited June 2008

    I think everyone is different but I worked half day went and had it done and went to work the next day I was fine it didnt feel bad at all maybe alittle numb the first few days but that is it. I was also scared but I am glad I did it now and I also have to have it in for a year.

    You are a strong women anyone who is visiting this site is strong we just didnt know how strong. I am getting ready to shave the head and that is a step for me it strips me down completly but there is only one place to go then UP and grow that hair back like no other....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NancyD
    NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
    edited June 2008

    lynnmom, I can honestly say that I don't feel mine at all (it's been in since February), and I sometimes forget it's there.  Make that—most of the time forget it's there.

    I like to tell this story about it. I woke up one morning just before I was to have my first CT/PET scan to look for possible spreading. My hand brushed against my port while I was still hazy and I thought, "Oh s--t, there's a lump!" I had so forgotten about my port!

    My veins are great...every nurse who has had to take blood from me has said that, but with the number of treatments and the toxicity of the drugs, I didn't want to compromise my arm veins. And especially if you'd already had breast surgery and lymph node removal, you're down to the one good arm and it's vein.

    The port eliminates any worry about collapsing your good arm vein and then having to look for some other access point. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited June 2008

    I completly argee with NancyD I feel the same way and I too have great vains but didnt want to loose what I had. Another funny story is after my breast surgery I had a expander in and it created a lump area and I told my sister oh my goodness I have breast cancer again in the same breast but the breast was gone we both laughed it was the expander etc.. have a good week its HUMP day almost gone this week ..

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lynnmom1968
    lynnmom1968 Member Posts: 25
    edited June 2008

    Thanks for the comments.  They really do help.

    Lynn

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited June 2008

    Any of you ladies have had diarrhea with your treatments I don't want to take anything for it I am afraid it will do the opposite this is my 2nd treatment and the bowels seem to be worst if you know of anything to eat or drink to help it I have no appetite because I don't want to spend it on the toilet ha....

    Help loosie goosie .......

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NancyD
    NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
    edited June 2008

    I always started out with constipation, but it would do a 180° turn after a couple of days. You might try some Pepto Bismal or Imodium.

    Angie reccommended mashed, cooked plantains, but I know regular bananas are considered binding, too. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jancal
    Jancal Member Posts: 2
    edited June 2008

    Hi Mo,

    This is my first time at this site, but you've all answered a lot of questions that I've been having too.

    As  for being "loosie goosie", try the BRAT diet.  That's what they give people after the flu.  It Bananas, Rice, Apple sauce, Toast and Tea Are the "T's", which aren't applicable in this case.  Also cheese is more constipating.  Avoid roughage like fresh fruit and veggies (which aren't a great idea for chemo patients anyway), or high fiber food---which all make you NOT constipated!

    Thanks to all for the info on Ports, I'm due to get one next week and not especially looking forward to the process, but I know how hard the chemo is on the veins.  I'll just shut my eyes and go for it!

    J

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • monandeclan
    monandeclan Member Posts: 412
    edited June 2008

    Ok, Ok.  Tell me more about getting the port put in.  I am pretty much decided to do the chemo, and the onco said I need an appointment for "education", one to get the port put in and one for the first treatment.  Now you've got me freaked about getting the port!  LOL  I just assumed it wasn't a big deal.  Do I have to get put out?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited June 2008

    Really its no big deal you will be glad and your vains will be gladder if that is a word ha I was actually out in the yard and the nurse called and said she was bringing me some paper work I was suppose to take home and she said you shouldnt be out here and I said listen I have listened to everyone since Feb. and I feel good and I am out side. I had it done quickly its not like your knocked out for your surgery they call it a local your awake right away, heck I had eveyone talking about my plastic surgery they were so impressed and its not done yet until I go to Boston in 09 after radiation. the port is nothing to be afraid of if you have done your surgery you will think this is a piece of cake and I know you will be glad you did it there are so many steps in this new world we were put in and its just another step. Please let me know how you make out and I think that is great they are giving you a class on it. You will do wonderfuly...I shaved my head and love it feels so good wig is on and now its all the way up grow back rubbing i am doing every day

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lynnjobe
    lynnjobe Member Posts: 7
    edited June 2008

    nk

    did this port hurt?  i get mine done tomorrow and am terrified.

    any words of wisdom???

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lynnjobe
    lynnjobe Member Posts: 7
    edited June 2008

    nk

    did this port hurt?  i get mine done tomorrow and am terrified.

    any words of wisdom???

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lynnjobe
    lynnjobe Member Posts: 7
    edited June 2008

    they gave you a class?  Man not a soul told me a thing except to be

    there at a certain time. it really helps???? thanx for your help.  I

    feel better now.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lynnjobe
    lynnjobe Member Posts: 7
    edited June 2008

    they gave you a class?  Man not a soul told me a thing except to be

    there at a certain time. it really helps???? thanx for your help.  I

    feel better now.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • oldcat46
    oldcat46 Member Posts: 53
    edited June 2008

    I had my port put in about 3 wks after lumpectomy.  My surgeon showed me one and she explained what would happen.  I didn't mind it at all and had no problems.   I finished chemo in Feb. and still get Herceptin once a wk.  Actually, it never hurts when the nurses put the needle in -- they tell me to take a deep breath and I don't feel it.  Coming out is the same way.  They use it for my CT scans as well with no problem.  They never said anything about numbing cream, but really I don't need it. 

    I've watched some people come into the Cancer Center and get IV's in their hands, arms, or anywhere else they can get them, and let me tell you it's painful for them wk after wk and sometimes their veins collapse.  Sometimes the nurse can't get it in at all.  I'm so happy to have my port so I don't have to go thru that. 

    Lynnjobe, I wish you luck, but if it turns out like like mine, you won't mind it.  Just remember how it's going to protect your veins in the good arm.   Best to you!!! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • monandeclan
    monandeclan Member Posts: 412
    edited June 2008

    Thanks for the feedback.  I go for my port on 6/27 and I need to know if I'll be down like after surgery or not.  I have a 7yr old at home for the summer.  But it sounds like I'll be ok.

    Thanks again.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jo-Anne
    Jo-Anne Member Posts: 41
    edited June 2008

    I'm having a port inserted in my arm tomorrow. I was given the choice of arm or chest, I chose arm. I have a friend who had hers inserted in her chest. She was bruised from her clavical to her ribs, and was in pain the entire fifteen weeks. She was so happy when the port was removed. Will start chemo next wednesday.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jancal
    Jancal Member Posts: 2
    edited June 2008

    Hey Jo-anne,

    We're almost on the same schedule.  I'm getting my port put in tomorrow, and start my chemo Tues 6/24.  For the first time I'm getting a little antsy about the whole thing.  It's not like my mastectomy where I went in, had it done and went home the next day---boom it was all done (more or less).  We're heading into (for me anyway) uncharted territory.  I'm such an anticipater----I know once I start, I'll have  a lot of questions answered----I guess it's just the unknown.  Reading all the entries here have helped, but being a control freak this whole BC thing has thrown me.

    Write again when you get your port, and then when you get your first chemo.  What are you having?  I'm going to get AC every 2 weeks for 8 weeks, then Taxol on the same schedule.  I'm also going to be getting Neulasta injections once every 2 weeks on the day after each chemo infusion.

    Lets keep in touch.

    Hugs,

    Jan 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited June 2008

    Janical I know what you mean I had the date of my sons graduation from high school on the calendar before they ever announced it. I was anxious too at my first chemo 2nd one wasnt as bad but now I am going to my 3rd one which is my hump one half way through and I am back to anxious so its normal. Ask questions about the Neulasta its great to have it but you can have pain when it kicks in with the bone marrow growing my pain was in my chest the first time and I am so glad I knew about it because I would of thought there was something wrong with me I am not trying to scare anyone but its better to know about this then to be surprized 2nd one I had no pain at all so its all different I guess. Good luck and this place is wonderful

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BikerChick
    BikerChick Member Posts: 32
    edited June 2008

    Jo-Anne and Jancal... Guess I will be along side y'all.  I get my port (arm placement) tomorrow the 20th and then anticipate chemo start at the end of next week.  Meet with the onc. again on Tues. and will have the game plan in place.  Want to get the treatment show on the road - getting antsy with all the waiting.  Good luck to you ladies.. keep us posted on your port placements and chemo starts.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lanihardage
    lanihardage Member Posts: 190
    edited June 2008

    I had my port put in yesterday.The most annoying part about it was the nurse -- I felt fine but she wouldn't take out my IV for hours.

    I was tired and sore today, but I didn't really need any pain meds today. I don't start chemo for another 5 weeks, so I hope the port doesn't clot up. My onc thought it would be fine, but the port info says to irrigate every 4 weeks. Have any of you gone longer?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories