Port Placement
 

Hello My HER2+ Sisters,

I hope you are all doing well today, I had my port placed today and I'm feeling great! I know there are dozens of posts already existing RE: Ports however, when I was first told I would be getting a port I was panic stricken. "Oh my goodness, I am going to have a doorbell inserted in my chest" I did tons of searches on ports, I needed to know what they looked like once inserted. I Goggled, I Binged, I was on every Cancer forum....I couldn't find what it looked like. All I found for the most part was posts of praise. Everyone was thrilled with their port choice and for the most part basically everyone said they would do it again if they had to (well wishes to everyone and hopes that they will NEVER have to deal with ports again...)
I've decided that for the neurotic individuals out there like myself that will spend hours upon hours researching ports and what they look like as soon as I can remove the gauze I would like to post a picture.....it will be a surprise to me too as I still have no idea what it looks like :-/

Any objections?

Hugs to you all.....Lisa

Re: Port Placement
 

No objections from me. I've seen worse! I will say that port placement and appearance can be different with individuals. And there are more than one type, I think. But as a general reference, why not. You might want to let it heal a bit first.
Keep the faith.

Re: Port Placement
 

I would be very grateful if you would post a picture! I am under pressure to have my hickman line changed to a new port. I can see the advantages but have the same concerns as you. I know we are all different but to see a picture and know which type of port it is would be GREAT!
Thanks
Ellie

Re: Port Placement
 

Hi, you will really like the PORT, I've had mine in a few weeks, has healed well and I can sleep on my tummy or side without any issue now. It is quick and easy for the nurses as well. I use the Emla patch to numb the area prior to my chemo sessions, just so I don't feel any prick, tired of the prick of the needle feeling. I run and do yoga with it no problem just a slight 1-inch scar that's it. No worries in the shower or while swimming, and I don't have to cover it up, very pleased with it! Take good care, YellowTail

Re: Port Placement
 

Glad you like your port.

I kept my 2nd one for two extra years after finishing my treatment in 2008(usually it is adviced to keep it for 1 year after treatment). Finally had it removed this past summer after having been 'bugged' by my oncologist for a long time. He acted like I was having some kind of attachment issue - while in fact I just did not want to be 'poked' everywhere since there're always problems drawing my blood with a regular syringe.

It makes sense since I won't need to see him until next summer.

Re: Port Placement
 

If you google POWER PORT you should be able to see what the device looks like with information on how it works as well.

Re: Port Placement
 

Yellow Tail, yes...that is what I was able to find. I saw dozens of pictures of what the unit itself looks like but no actual pictures of what it looks like once its placed under the skin.

Jackie, I can see me becoming attached to my port too. I think in some way while Chemo and Ports are reminders to our situation, I think they also act as a security blanket for us in some odd way.

Ellie, I will be able to shower in two days I will post a picture then. Like Yellow, mentioned from what I can tell its rather small and does not extend very far out. According to the size of the bandage (2" x 3/4") the incision has to be only about an inch!! YAY!!

Bonnie, I agree there are different typs of ports and of course different bodies that they will belong to. I am a very visual person and I need to see things in order to grasp them fully. It may not be exact but it at least gives a better understanding of what is somewhat expected.

Hugs to All.....Lisa

Re: Port Placement
 

Hi again, I just took a photo of where my port is. It was put in Aug. 22 with no complications. It is just above my left breast as I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node on my right side. Just one finger width below the scar the PORT now lives. There is a tube that runs just under my skin up to my collar bone and into my juggler vein. You can not see it unless I tilt my head to the right and the skin tightens. Not sure if I mentioned this prior but I use an Emal patch which I place on top of my skin 1-hour prior to having the treatment which simply numbs the area and I don't feel the needle. It is really remarkable and better on our system as it is the largest vein and the blood flows through it the fastest carrying the meds throughout compared to the smaller veins, that is how my Onc explained it. I hope that photo helps a little, no one can see it on my other than the scar. When people hug me I am very careful and request light hugs no bear hugs please. I hope you can see the photo, if not let me know and I will try to upload it again.

Happy Thanks Giving,
Marlene

Re: Port Placement
 

Ops should have mentioned, I had a friend visit yesterday and she asked me if the nurses slice it open each time to access the PORT I thought that was very funny and proceed to show her the photo of the unit and the special needle they use to activate the PORT and administer the meds. It was so very innocent and cute :)

Re: Port Placement
 

YellowTail....this may sound strange, but darlin your port is just beautiful :)

Pretty sure mine will look just like yours, I had my face all up in the mirror trying to see where the tube going into the jugular is....can't see it. Going back to the mirror and doing the head twist...LOL

Tell your friend thanks for the laugh. I can clearly understand how she may have thought that...not sure if at some point I was thinking the same.....

Hugs to all.....Lisa

Re: Port Placement
 

Marlene-Thank you so much for posting this picture. It looks fabulous ! Could you tell me which make of port it is?? Here in England ports are very new and though I attend a major onc centre there are only a couple of ppl with them. I mentioned to them that I would like one with a low profile so hopefully it would look like yours. If I had manufacturers name I could persuade them to order one. Many thanks.

Lisa-Glad your port is healing well. Look forward to a picture of yours also. I'm sure it will be brilliant!

Ellie

Re: Port Placement
 

Good Morning Ellie from across the pond,

Here is the contact information:

PowerPort

Bard Access System Inc.
Salt Lake City Utah, 84116 USA
801-596-0700 (phone)
clinical Information Hotline 800-443-3385
www.bardaccess.com
www.portadvantage.com

I hope this helps in your request, keep us posted!

Take very good care,
Marlene

Re: Port Placement
 

Once again many thanks! I am boggled by the number of ports available. I notice there is one powerport that says 'slim' and suited for thin or petite patients and those concerned about cosmetic appearance. I guess I fall into the 'concerned' group!
I am going to print it off and take it with me!
Will let you know how it goes.
Best wishes
Ellie

Re: Port Placement
 

I'm glad to see these posts. I'm having a port put in next Tuesday...really had no idea what to expect. Thanks for all the info!

Re: Port Placement
 

My port looked very different to this and felt it fair to mention, I'm very small on top and during chemo lost so much weight the port stuck out so much from my skin that I had to only wear certain sweaters or tops or it would show to everyone!

I was still glad to have it as it did help me a lot but felt I should warn others who may have the same experience, I wish I had known this may happen and although I still would have had it, I would'nt have been quite so shocked!

Re: Port Placement
 

I am in Tricia's camp. My port looked NOTHING like this. I am small around this area and my doc could not find any "fat" in which to imbed the port (too bad she couldn't use my thighs, plenty of fat there!). We tried to avoid where straps would rub but to no avail. The port protruded considerably and was very annoying in terms of clothing and undergarments. I, too, was happy to have it but also glad when it got removed.
Important to point out the possible negative results!
Keep the faith.

Re: Port Placement
 

Bonnie,
your post just cracked me up...Tomorrow is my big unavailing, I will post pictures. When I went for consultation with surgeon, I told him I was concerned by what this thing was going to look like sticking out of me like a doorbell. Most of my concern is that nearly every weekend I am attending some gala or likewise function and formal ware tends to be a bit reveiling.....
He touched my chest and said "you don't have enough fat in this area, it will unfortunately protrude" Damn, I have enough fat in all other areas of my body bat wing arms, fat @ss, thunder thighs etc... Just my chest has to have no fat!! Really??
I asked him if there was such thing as a pediatric size port and if that could be used assuming that it would be smaller...he smiled at me and said he didn't think it would be possible.
After surgery when I was in recovery m sister was all smiles...she said to me that everything went well and that Dr. told her he had given me the smaller port.
When I saw the Dr. I am so happy to get the heck out of there, don't you know that I never asked him what my sister meant about him giving me a smaller port??!!
As I said I am still bandaged but when I run my hand over it, it feels like its sticking out a good 1/4 inch.

Re: Port Placement
 

Hi all
As previously said I have been following this with great interest as I am concerned about a port protruding a lot! I have checked the bard website and it would appear there is a slim power port designed for ppl who have not much fat/tissue in the chest area.It would be good to know if Lisa or anyone else had been fitted with this type?
Lisa- looking forward to the unveiling!
Ellie

Re: Port Placement
 

I don't have much fat on my chest so the surgeon put the port in the strap area. The natural dip helped a tiny bit. but mostly it showed. I could easily hide it. (Bonnie and Lisa I too suffer from the fat thigh thing. I also have not found anything useful to do with that problem area!) Peace.

Re: Port Placement
 

Bonnie I wish I could have had it on my thighs or back side too lol!!!

Mine also was a Bard port and since then I've heard of one for more petite or thinner women but it was not offered to me at that time.

Re: Port Placement
 

I had a port put in yesterday. I don't know what kind it is. I'm pretty thin on top, so it does stick out, but not too bad. My concern is the pain I'm having. The nurse said it would feel like someone punched me, but actually it feels like someone stabbed me. Tylenol is helping, but when it wears off it is hurting pretty bad. Also, I'm really red around the incision site. Anyone else have pain like this, and how long did it last? I was going to go to a limited mobility yoga class today, but I'm way too sore to do anything!

Re: Port Placement
 

Patz,

I had my port put in last Friday, while chunky in other places my chest/collar area is the only bony place on my body...go figure?

As per the pain, I must be completely honest...I had no pain just soreness. The first night it was difficult to sleep on my left side without propping a pillow under my arm. Thereafter it has only been an odd sensation of knowing that something is sticking about 1/4 inch from my body. It's not sensitive to touch unless of course you press on it with vengeance...which I have a few times just to see how much pressure I could take.
While everyone is different when it comes to pain tolerance, I know mine is extremely high...have never taken any form of pain medication for either of my lumpectomies, re excision or the port placement.
So....with all that said I am not so concerned with you being in pain as much as I am with it being red around the incision site. I think I would have that checked...

PS....I've been trying to post a picture but cant figure out how to do it :(

Hugs to all....Lisa

Re: Port Placement
 

Hi Lisa
Hope somebody will chime in with instructions for posting pics! I can't do it either but would love to know how.
Glad it's healing well.
Ellie

Re: Port Placement
 

Hi Lisa,
I had the port re-checked this morning. They said it looks good. She said if it was infected that it would be red going up my neck, but it's just red and swollen around the port, and a bit tender to the touch just above it. I was told to ice it every hour and take motrin, and if it still really hurts in a few days to come back again. Right now it's not too bad, but on the way to the hospital, every time the car hit a bump or pothole, it hurt like hell! I would say my pain tolerance is about average. But I am very sensitive to a lot of things. My arm is really red underneath the spot where I got my flu and pneumonia vaccines the other day. My whole lower arm turned red and blotchy after getting an injection of benadryl yesterday before having the port put in. And when I get mosquito bites I get large welts! I'm really hoping I won't have any "weird" reactions to the chemo, although it seems like you never know what kind of reaction someone will have to chemo!!!!

Re: Port Placement
 

Good news that there is no infection!! Great news as a matter of fact! You know, you mentioned the pothole and I did experience that too on day two. My poor fiancé, he was shot the look of........!!
When do you begin chemo? mine begins tomorrow....not sure how I feel. I would say that one part of me is scared as hell while the other part of me is excited!! Yes, I did say excited. I want to begin this journey and start my countdown.
The beautiful ladies of this forum have been so open about their experiences that I am going into chemo with a lot less fear then what I thought I'd have. I feel like I know what to expect, the good...the bad....and the ugly. I know we all react differently to the drugs, but they've given be a base on which to rely.

Mustering up the courage to shave the head today...26" boohoo hoooo! I want it all off before I begin treatment.

Good Luck to you Patz... I'm sure in a day or two you wont even realize you have the port!!
Keep us posted.

Hugs to all....Lisa

Re: Port Placement
 

Hi Lisa and Patz! Just dropping by to offer encouragement as you get started with treatment. As Lisa said, starting the countdown! Just keep your eye on the prize. I have often stated here that a psychologist told me that once I begin chemo it will be like having a balloon pricked...all the anxiety will be released. So true.
Patz, if the team is aware of your allergic tendencies, they will administer meds prior to infusion. Well, they do anyway. As a precaution. So just be sure to mention it to your doc.
You might put info in your signatures so we know more about you both.
Keep the faith.

Re: Port Placement
 

Bonnie, Thank You for the encouragement, it's greatly appreciated...I'm ready and set to go!!
Yes, indeed I will post my info my signature. You'd think I would have done that immediately considering its the first thing I look at on others... :/

Ellie....YAY, just figured how to post the avatar picture. Its quite simple. Go to User CP and check avatar, then from there you can upload a picture you have saved to your computer.

I'm still trying to figure out how to post a picture in a thread....oh well, I guess I will just have to play around some more

Hugs to all....Lisa

Re: Port Placement
 

http://images3a.snapfish.com/2323232...44534%3Bnu0mrj
Well, I got the picture on....I dont know how??? and it's huge, cant figure out how to shrink it????

Re: Port Placement
 

Well done Lisa! Port looks smaller than I thought. As it settles down a little I suspect it will look even smaller.
I totally understand the hair issue. Mine was a similar length to yours. I didn't shave it until lots had fell out! Looking back I think I would have shaved mine as I started treatment as to be truthful the traumatic part was watching it come out in handfuls everyday until finally my partner got the shaver and took the remaining strands off!
Ellie

Re: Port Placement
 

Hi there Ellie, I am looking forward to them pulling back the surgi-strips tomorrow so I can really see what this thing looks like...Ohhhh Yikes!
You my friend have more courage then I. There is no way I could wait for my hair to begin coming out in clumps..That would destroy me. I figure if I do it first then having a baldy head is my choice and not something that is a consequence of my treatment. Awww who the heck am I kidding? I want it off so I can go wig happy on all the colors and styles I've wanted but never had the courage to do before!!! LOL

Hugs to all....Lisa

Re: Port Placement
 

Hi Lisa and Bonnie, and everyone else!

The port is already less painful than it was this morning, but it still feels weird. I can't wait until I don't even notice it! I see my oncologist next week to go over my test results (bone scan, CT scans, echo), and I guess that's when he will tell me when I am starting chemo...I'm guessing the following week.
I'm not as brave when it comes to the head shaving. Anyway, i need to go pick out a wig and some hats and scarves first! Then i will probably wait until the first sign of hairloss, and then have a friend come over and do it with me. It's going to be weird.
As for the chemo reactions, I just get nervous, because in August I had my bilateral mastectomy, and reconstruction, and I had complications that landed me in ICU. I was in critical condition, on a ventilator for 8 days. It was totally unexpected. I am a pretty fit person (have done a few triathlons, and love to run and bike). Anyway, ever since then, I am scared of even the weirdest possible side effects. When I had checked in for my surgery, they asked if I had a living will, and I said no, and in my head was thinking I should work on that someday, but it didn't seem to be a concern for a fairly routine surgery. Less than a week later I'm laying in ICU with a feeding tube, and a ventilator....it made me realize that anything can happen at any time. In a lot of ways it changed me for the better. i was already a person with strong faith, but that made it even stronger (pulling through). Anyway, I'm nervous about side effects, and I'm also nervous about how I will react to my hair loss, even though I'm trying to be prepared for it. I am sure I'll be ok, but it is a little scary. This whole cancer journey has been weird...good, bad, and emotional!
Thanks for all the support. i will continue to check in here, and keep everyone updated. Now i will work on my photo and my signature info!
Pat

Re: Port Placement
 

I managed to get my avatar up, but I can't seem to get my signature up. When I first wrote it, it came up as an error; too many characters. So, I re-wrote it, and saved it, but it's still not showing???????

Re: Port Placement
 

oops....it did work!!!!

Re: Port Placement
 

Hi Ladies,

Just thought I would tell you how my hair experience was. Remember everyone is different.

I waited until my hair started to fall out because I could not bare to cut it my self. What a mistake for me! (I sure wish I had!) 3 weeks after Chemo started my hair and scalp started to hurt unbelievably bad!!! after the first 3 days I could not take it any more! I went out that day and had it shaved and the pain went away immediately! I sure hope this does not happen to you Pat.

Gods blessings to you both on your Journey. I will pray the side effects are minimal for you both.

Your Friend,

Nancy

Re: Port Placement
 

Thanks Nancy,
I'm thinking as soon as I feel any discomfort or pain in my head, or see the hair coming out, that's when i'll shave my head. Did you do it yourself, or did you have someone do it for you? Did you buy a shaver just for the occasion? Did you cut your hair short first? Did you wear wigs or scarves mostly? I am going to try to go wig shopping this weekend, but i also want to have plenty of hats and scarves. After the hair is gone, do you wash your head with your normal body soap? Sometimes i have dry skin...I've never had dandruff, but i wonder if my head will get dry skin? I know these are a lot of questions, and they seem trivial, but everything seems so weird and different lately. My whole world seems to revolve around cancer lately!!!! Well, I AM going on a bike ride with a friend of mine on Saturday....nothing to do with cancer! Just a nice bike ride at the beach!
Thanks for any answers you feel like giving!
I'm very happy to have found this group!
Pat

Re: Port Placement
 

Thought would chime in about hair loss. Mine was very gradual...just keep thinning. No pain. Eventually I looked rather like an ostrich so began wearing scarves, snug hats when outside. I bought wigs but could not abide them so donated them to "Look Good, Feel Better" program put on by ACS. If there is one near you, they might provide a wig.
Last night I ran into another survivor and we were saying how we have kept our hair short since. And we agreed that going bald might have been just fine. I think a cancer survivor is a beautiful woman to behold. I never want to go thru it again, but if I did, I would not cover up so much. I think I partially was afraid of scaring people when I went out.
I remember being at a party with my head covered. It just was coming in peach fuzzy. The other guests encouraged me to go commando, so to speak, and uncover my head. I felt so empowered! It was our wedding anniversary too. I have a photo from that evening that I cherish.
Keep the faith.

Re: Port Placement
 

Hi Pat,

You sound a lot like the way I was while I was going through the whole hair thing.

My 22 year old son said when it came time to shave my hair he would do it. (We already had a shaver that he used.) When the time came he started to shave my head and it was very hard for him. He had tears in his eyes and knew I had been in pain and said I don't want to cause you any more pain. He hugged me and we sat for a while and talked. He had to leave for school and my 27 year old daughter came over and took me to a salon where they have private rooms. There my daughter and I cried as the hair dresser shaved my head. My daughter and I do not look a lot a like except our hair!

The hair dresser brought in many wigs to try on and my daughter and I started to have fun with it and laughed our selves silly! I walked out with a wig (400 dollars). I was way to self consious to go any where with out a wig on ever. My husband never saw me with out a night cap or wig on. I receive Botox shots for migraines and my neurologist was the only one who ever saw me bald. He is a very wonderful dr. I have known him a long time. when I told him I had cancer he teared up quickly and was very shocked. He pulled up a chair quickly held my hands and told me how sorry he was for me. He said he would always be there for me and he was.

I highly recommend a cooling cap to wear under your wig. I also tried halo wigs with
hats but I was to afraid the hat would come off. If you choose to have a wig, wig shampoo works very well and shine spray helps your wig keep from getting dull looking a pic helps a lot also.

I never did do scarfs. (I've never been a hat or scarf person.)

You will do what ever makes you feel comfortable.

I'm a very modest woman and I was embaressed to let anyone know that I had cancer or that I was bald.

TLC has a great wed site and catalog where you can find wigs cheaper, scarfs, hats, cooling caps, mast. bras you name it. I did not know about them until I already bought the wig!

Good luck shopping I hope It goes well for you! I recommend taking someone with you.

You can never have to many questions to ask. That is what all of your sisters and brothers are here for.

Gods blessings to you and your family.

Your Friend,

Nancy

Re: Port Placement
 

Pat,

I guess I over did a bit I hope its not to much info.

I just can't tell how long it is until I post. I always forget to press preview!

Peace

Re: Port Placement
 

Pat, my port area was quite sore for 7-10 days and then settled down, although throughout the months I had it I did get an odd sharp tingling pain now and then just for a moment.
The strange thing is years later I still get a little soreness there but not too often!

Nancy I also had that scalp soreness too which went as soon as all the hair did, in the meanwhile I found wearing a cozy sleep cap helped ease it, I got mine at www.headcovers.com

Re: Port Placement
 

Tricia,

Thank you so much for your response. Useful information, I love it. I pray to God I never need to use it though.

Gods blessings to you Little Sis.

Your Friend,

Nancy