[Margerie]

I ended up getting a port after chemo to continue herceptin because my veins crapped out. I elected a PAS port- it is smaller and mine is placed on the inside of my upper arm. I also got a RX for EMLA cream. I put it on the skin over my port before I go to my appointments with a bandaid on top. I don't feel a thing when they access it. I did however have a sore arm after the surgery!! Maybe I am a wimp. Anyway, i had general anesthesia (needed thyroid surgery also) so of course I don't remember a thing.

The PAS port is a little more expensive (insurance covered), a little harder to place (need a good surgeon), slightly more risk of a clot, but lower surgical risk (nicking the lung, etc.) I love mine. It hardly shows at all. It is a small bump under the skin- only shows when I stretch out my arm. No maintenance if you are having regular treatments, need to flush it out every month or so after therapy completed. I haven't decided how long to keep it afterwards.