[ElaineM]

Welcome aboard the her2 train Brina.
It is not a train that anyone wants to ride, but it is a doable trip even though it gets a little bumpy sometimes. The ride is a little bumpy for you now, but maybe the ride will calm down once all the details are known and the route has been decided.
I was diagnosed in January, 1999, but I am still here making trouble for my doctors. Many others who were diagnosed before me are still alive and kicking too.
The port is an excellent idea, so is the numbing cream.
I love my port. It is one of my most cherished possessions. I am very protective of my port. Nobody gets near it, except for medical reasons. I use mine for regular blood tests too. No more arm stuff for me !!!!!!!
I guess you could say I am also very protective of my veins too.
Take good care of yourself. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. I have my fingers crossed for you.