What should I wear to treatment?

[Angela]

I have had a port put in. I never had a port before. When I go for my 1st treatment, Jan 12th, what should I wear. I usually wear turtle necks. Will they want to go down the neck of my shirt to get to the port in my chest or will they go from the bottom of my shirt up? Should I wear short sleeves so they can go up the arm of the shirt? Any recommendations from those who have ports?I am so glad you all are here...you'll never know what a blessing you are to me especially when I have such strange questions.

Hugs,
Angela

[chrisy]

Hi Angela,

I have never had a port - maybe I was some sort of masochist letting them stick me weekly! The infusion center I go to, they access the ports from the top (neck) area, so I'd recommend wearing a button down or open collar shirt rather than a turtle neck.

I'd also recommend bringing a comfortable sweater or scarf, that you could take off or put on as needed. Layering, you know! I found that I would get cold because the infusion is room temperature and we are not (thank God!). Depending on how long your treatment is, you might welcome a nice light blanket. My infusion center has them and they are great.

Good luck - you will do just fine!
Chris

[Barbara H.]

Hi,
I always wear a shirt with buttons.
Good luck,
Barbara H.

[Carolyns]

Hi Angela,

I always wear a v-neck top and I bring a sweater or jacket in case I get cold. It is so great not getting stuck. Also, sometimes they ask if you want some kind of numbing spray before they access the port, but I always say no. The stick for the port does not hurt me at all. It is the best thing I have done...getting the port.

Take care! Carolyn

[chrisy]

but I do have a sort of strange answer to add! I ALWAYS chose what I wore very carefully - more thoughtfully than just dressing to go to work or anywhere else.

I always make sure that everything I wore carried "good energy" and love. So I was literally wrapped in love and carried all the good "chi" from those who cared about me. Everything from head to toe is special and carries sentimental value. And above all is very comfortable!

My standard things I always have is a prayer shawl (really a big scarf) which was made by ladies at my sisters church as they prayed for me. I also have a necklace, just a chain really, on which I wear my dad's and grandmother's wedding rings, my niece's thumbprint in silver, special things from my hubby and sister, cross....you get the picture. I jangle all day with good healing energy! I call it my "chi chain"

So it sounds a little silly, but I believe healing energy comes from all around us, including the treatments we receive but also from higher powers and sometimes a pair of red shoes!

take care
Chris

[LAURIE]

They have me pull my neck line down and then put the needle in. I usually wear a tank top with a jacket or zippered hoody over top of it. I would say any kind of top that you does not have a high neckline would work fine.`

[Jean]

Angela,
I always chose pants that were slip on like jogging pants no waist band to
cinch your waist as you sit for a few hours during treatment. Soft fabrics
and always choose your best. I always took great care to look my best
it was a way of having positive energy for the infusion room. Also, like
Chrisy I always wore my Mother's gold and pearl ring and a special braclet
that my husband gave me and a healing scapula that my son's delivery nurse gave me 22 yrs. ago.

Sending you all good wishes,

Regards,
Jean

[tousled1]

I agree with everyone else - comfort is the most important thing. I always wear a tank top with a blouse over it as it makes it very easy to access the port. If you experience any discomfort when they stick your port ask for a prescription for Lidocaine cream (not ointment). You just put a blob of it on your port and cover it with a small piece of plastic wrap about a half hour before your infusion. I always wear bright colors as it makes me feel better.

[Carolyns]

Angela,

I agree with Chrisy and I also bring items of importance and support to my infusion experience. For me, I kind of baby myself and also bring symbols of love and support. For one thing, I have a beautiful pink blanket that my friends gave to me and you can almost feel the love. All of the ladies at the center comment on it. Whatever works for you and provides strength and confidence in the process. I loved hearing about Chrisy's tools!

Best of luck to you and let us know how it goes.

Happy weekend, Carolyn

[AlaskaAngel]

I like Chrisy's response about positivity.

Nevertheless, I will be truthful and say I was so angry at the failure of medical personnel to provide me with even a minimal discussion of the basis for treatment recommendations prior to treatment to allow meaningful consent, that I wore solid black to every treatment session and I don't regret it. (We are all a little different in one way or another...!)

Either a V-neck or a button-up blouse works best. The facility where I had mine was always quite cold and with the additional anxiety I was constantly shivering so I wore a warm fleece jacket and also brought a quilt that a friend made for me.

Best wishes,
A.A.

[Mary Anne in TX]

I wear a cotton camisole with a button up shirt over the top. Makes it easy for them and easy for me. Most importantly, I take a pair of really fun socks to wear in the chair. My mom was a sock nut and I have become one. I pick really warm fuzzy, goofy ones to keep me warm and make me smile. Then when I need to "run" to the restroom, I do it on "fun feet"! They provide pillows and blankets for comfort, but I bring the "personal" things. It always seemed to me that if I made it easy for them, they'd make it easy for me! Surely does seem to have worked. I feel like a princess there!

Best wishes for "port treatment"!

[sassy]

I usually wore button or zipper top and always chose carefully to look my best while being comfortable--because if I looked good--I felt good! Always took something to "work" on--knitting, book, etc, and something to drink. My center had snacks available and volunteers often came by with homemade goodies too. I usually took a sweater or jacket and socks, although my center had warm blankets available also. Often I slept, but I was prepared for everything!
________
ROLL A JOINT (http://howtorollajoint.net/)

[Bev]

If you wear a turtleneck, they are going to pull your shirt up from the bottom. I always wore something lowcut under something zippered or buttoned. Remember they like to do BP with only one layer of clothing on your arm. Layers. You will go from hot to cold. It sometimes is the little things that matter. Good luck. BB

[mts]

All the previous responses are good ones... I would just add that you may not want to wear your "best or newest" tops because sometimes, the goo they sterilize the site with prior to accessing the port may stain your clothes (and bra). Make sure they clean it off completely becasue if you perspire just a little bit after your infusion, the goo will still stain your clothes.Maria (MTS)

[Lee]

...so its easiest to wear a v-neck, a shirt with buttons, or something with a zipper. I often work a tank top with a zippered hoodie over it, and yoga pants. Something comfortable, for sure!

Best of luck with your first treatment.