Portacath question

Westcoastgirl · 08-23-2009, 10:02 AM

Hello ladies,
I am wondering if any of you have had the spring that is part of the portacath poking you? I can feel a sharp end and see the sharp end pushing out my skin. It feels like it will poke right through and at times gives me quite a bit of pain. With another 8 months of Herceptin to endure I have to wonder if this spring will stay where it is supposed to be. I am quite slim so maybe there is supposed to be a layer of fat between the spring and the skin but there isn't so maybe this poking is normal?? I know this is a trivial question with so many more important issues for people to reply to but I am hoping that you will not mind. I have finally received the word that I will begin radiation this coming Tuesday. It feels like I am getting ready to start a full-time job as it is quite a distance across to the clinic and it will take most of my day but I will be so glad when it is done. After that I will feel like I have been set free. By the way I have had my first Zometa treatment and was disappointed to find that I was one of those unlucky few that had very difficult side effects for almost 2 weeks. I found out hydration is key to keeping the pain at bay as well as protecting your kidneys.

Thanks for all your advice, Carolyn

Midwest Alice · 08-23-2009, 11:48 AM

Hi Carolyn

I had two days of flue like side effects after my first Zomita and then on other side effects with Zomita treatments after that. I hope the same is true for you.

No questions a trivial question here. Glad you ask. I don't know about that kind of port problem...
. I have a deep port with a lot of fat on top. I just got a bra and two breast in the mail. The strap lays right over my port and presses on it. Not comfortable at all. I may try to cover it with padding cause I would like to try to wear the bra and see how I like it..

Carolyn .. I'm sure some others have had your same issue and will post soon.

Have a great day,

rinaina · 08-23-2009, 11:58 AM

I think the best thing to do is have the oncologist or oncology nurse check it. Why second guess it. They are the experts and should be able to let you know if it is a problem. Good luck.

Westcoastgirl · 08-23-2009, 12:04 PM

Hi Alice,
I too have two breasts that I bought at a store. I knew I would want a sport bra as that was what I had always worn before. I looked at her other bras and could see they would interfere with my portacath. The sport bras however just cover it nicely with gentle pressure on either side so I am happy with them. I have to admit however I tend to just wear them for dressing up i.e. very occasionally. I am mostly just into being comfortable although I like the look of appearing normal (as best I can while being bald). My Zometa side effects lasted almost two weeks which I read was very unusual. I also read that the worst side effects are usually with the first one. I had just horrible pain in many muscles and joints. The Taxol was nothing compared to the Zometa. I was not expecting that at all after reading about it here so I am glad I am one of a select few and such severe side effects are rare. I am hoping that someone can put my mind at rest with this spring poking up into my skin from the underside, probably something I just have to grin and bear, but it is quite sharp and really does feel like it will break through the skin.
All the best, Carolyn

BonnieR · 08-23-2009, 12:54 PM

My port was uncomfortable but my doc said I did not have enough fatty tissue in the area to imbed it any better. Even though we had discussed placement prior to the surgery. I could not really wear any sort of bra or straps for the year I had the port because they irritated it. Mostly just wore Softee garments. Still do, actually.
However, what you are describing sounds like more than just an inconvenience. As others said, you should have it seen by your doctor. Good luck and keep the faith.