Port or not??

[crb]

After meeting with the oncologist last Thursday, it was briefly mentioned about putting in a port. The breast surgeon wanted a sentinel node biopsy prior to the chemo, but stated she didn't put the port in - another surgeon was needed for that. She squeezed me in the next morning for the biopsy (couldn't do it any other time for about a week & a half and didn't want to hold up chemo) & we didn't have time to set up the 2nd surgeon for that operation.

So now I have my first chemo date set up for next Thurs (didn't realize it was going to be ALL day - onco said a few hours) and I'm second guessing if I should have the port placed and if I should try to get it done before next Thurs or just wait until after and see how my veins hold up? I'm usually OK with needles, but just noticed my wrist is nicely bruised from the last IV. Also, now that I have consulted "Dr. Google", I am really thinking the port is the way to go.

Any thoughts??
Thanks!!

[jaykay]

The port is a blessing - go for it. The surgeon will arrange for another dr to place the port. Save your veins and remember that you have a year of herceptin that will be given via the port.

Best,

Janis

[Aussie Girl]

Oh definitely the port ASAP. Saves a lot of trouble down the line for most of us. Unfortunately it causes some pain and bruising, so get some pain meds from your doctor. The pain goes down in a few days.

A port might delay the chemo a little, but I think it is worth getting - ask your oncologist as it depends on how your tumor is growing and what chemo they are giving.

Good luck

Aussie Girl

[Coux92]

I felt I had good veins and since I was getting TCH as apposed to the AC (more toxic to the veins), we felt I should be OK forgoing the port. I made thru chemo fine but have had some difficulty with the first few solo herceptin infusions, my veins were worn out. It took warm packs, a few sticks and good hydration to get through. Now my veins seem to be recovering and the last two infusions I had easy IV access once again. I hope it continues. I do herceptin till June.I have to say, I have had some second thoughts of skipping the port. Hope this helps and I hope chemo is kind to you but deadly to the cancer.
Elizabeth

[caya]

Get the port.

all the best
caya

[crb]

Would anyone suggest trying to get the port prior to 1st chemo next Thurs (and possibly have to put off chemo for another week)? Or just suck it up and see how it goes - surgeon said I can do after 1st treatment also...

[caya]

I got my port after my 1st chemo - they couldn't schedule me in beforehand and onc. did not want me to delay my chemo.
Don't delay chemo, one vein IV will be okay. You can get the port afterwards.

all the best
caya

[tricia keegan]

I hated the idea of a port but finally had to ask for one after my third chemo by which time my veins had already been damaged and they still are today, I'd say get a port as it really does make the whole thing far easier.

Although they say a few hours, there's always delays in waiting for blood results or the pharmacy etc and it takes longer for the first infusion anyway, good luck.

[Laurel]

Port. ASAP. You will not regret it.

[Debbie L.]

I think it's possible, with decent veins and a good nurse, to get thru fairly smoothly without a port (I did). But having said that, it also needs to be said that I've never heard anyone who did get a port say that they regretted the decision, as you've seen from most of the responses so far.

Whether you get it before or after the 1st chemo is probably not of much importance. Do whatever fits your schedule and life.

So glad to hear about the negative nodes. How did the recovery go?
Debbie Laxague

[sassy]

Port definitely.

[BonnieR]

Port. Cause even if you start without, it will catch up to you. I went a few treatments without one and the treatment room nurses pretty much insisted I get the port.
When I did get it installed, I had chemo later the same day. Don't recommend that! I had issues with real discomfort and inflammation
I did not love the placement of my port. It was annoying. But a necessary evil. And temporary
Was installed as out patient surgery
Keep the faith
PS: the first chemo is the longest. An all day affair. They go real slow. It gets a little better but always took most of a day Dress real comfy. And warm. It's always cold there bring snacks and water. iPad, iPod etc. I began a journal

[crb]

Debbie:
Recovery from the node biopsy was a breeze! Surgeon wanted me to take a few days off work, not drive for a week, etc. Had my mom spend the night Friday (hubby and son were out of town), so the next morning I was at daughter's lacrosse game (taking only 1/4 percocet), Sunday went to practice (friend drove), but by Monday I went to work for a bit and drove no problem. Took a nap or two over weekend. No more pain meds after Saturday - only Tylenol then Advil once or twice this week.

But I'm a bit stubborn and hard-headed...drove myself to the hospital down the interstate while in labor with daughter (contractions every 5 min), had her about 2 hours after getting to hospital (14 min after water broke) with no pain meds/epidural (THAT was not by choice). Could've driven myself home that night

[Catherine]

Get the port. My onc said that I could get a port after first chemo 8 yrs ago. Then there was a cancellation and they squezzed me in. I was happy to have port thru all chemo and then the year of herceptin. All the best!

[Aussie Girl]

Dear CRB

If I was you I would have the port put in before the chemo, unless your oncologist says otherwise or it just can't be scheduled. A week's delay in chemo is usually OK unless your tumor is growing faster than average.

Aussie Girl

[Rolepaul]

Chemo then the port. Do not delay chemo as some evidence that early chemo prior to immediately after surgery gets cells that break lose during surgery. That is from some unpublished data. Don't ask where you can find it as they were told not to do so.