Mediport question

Lovemyboys3 · 09-07-2013, 02:35 PM

Hi All, I had my second surgery yesterday and am feel pretty good. I won't know the results of my pathology report until next week. So here goes the waiting game yet again. Praying hard for clear margins. In the mean time they also placed the mediport for my chemo which is surprisingly uncomfortable. I really didn't expect it to be this uncomfortable. I do have a question for anyone whom can help me. I really didn't get specific instructions before I left the hospital about showers and such. So I am not sure if I can shower or if I have to sponge bath for a while. I have heard about a cover for the port but I don't have any idea what that is or where to get it from? By the time I felt ok the docs office was closed so I wasn't able to ask any additional questions and didn't think of it until today. I am sure the other area on the breast is ok to shower without a cover as they went through the same incision from before. But this port is making me nervous. I don't want to do something that I shouldn't do. Any advise is greatly appreciated.

Thank you All!
Lovemyboys3

JennyB · 09-07-2013, 05:24 PM

Hi There,

I'm sorry you're port is uncomfortable - I don't remember any discomfort with mine unless it was pressed or knocked and even then not a huge problem - even with toddler jumping all over me!
As for batheing I wasn't given any special instruction and just showered as normal - I maybe had a waterproof clear bandage on for a few days post surgery but definately nothing different instruction wise from the surgeons.
I hope this helps?
Jenny

Deb33 · 09-07-2013, 09:13 PM

My port was on the inside of my upper arm and while it definitely served its purpose, I wasn't a fan either. It was bruised the entire 6 months I had it in. When it was first placed, I was told to keep it dry for one week and then return to get the stitches removed. At that point I got the thumbs up to shower, swim or whatever. Mine was really sore initially and had a giant bruise but it goes away and saves your veins and will some day be in the past. Hang in there and reach out when you need us.

Jackie07 · 09-08-2013, 02:31 AM

I had the port on the left side of my chest both in 2003 and 2007. Never had any problems with them either during showing or light exercising/stretching.

'lizbeth · 09-08-2013, 07:54 AM

Lovemyboys,

It is common for the office to have an after hours number to call, or a place to leave a message. At the very least call the office and leave a message.

I would use caution, better safe than sorry, and try to cover it.

You must have a different port than I had, as mine was completely covered and under the skin. It was very convenient. I am sorry that you have to deal with this uncertainty and discomfort.

Praying for clear margins - that's the wish for you!

Lovemyboys3 · 09-08-2013, 10:19 AM

Thank you lady's for all of your great advice.

Lizbeth- mine is under the skin on my upper right chest. The incision is closed with some strips right now and I am just worried about getting that area wet. So far I have just been careful and left it covered to be safe.

It doesn't really hurt, it just feels odd but I guess its to be expected since there is a device now under my skin. Just another step on my journey to being cancer free.

Thank you all!

tricia keegan · 09-08-2013, 11:28 AM

I think its usual for the area to ache a little for ten days or so but it should settle down, I was told it was fine to shower and even to go swimming with mine but as you have strips on still I think it best to call them and ask. I don't know if they mentioned it but you can get Emla cream to apply to the area half an hour before your chemo and it helps numb the area although I didn't feel discomfort anyway.

'lizbeth · 09-08-2013, 01:17 PM

Love my boys,

Now I understand, I had this picture of something more open.

I just had stitches and they did not want me to get the area wet for about 24 hours. The ER tech told me that showering would be good to help wash out any dirt or bacteria.

No baths, but a quick shower should be fine.

I had my port out a couple years ago and that area is still sensitive to my shoulder belt in the SUV. I had the child's bard port put in. The adult port must be a monster. Sorry it bugs you, but your body should adjust. If you have concerns you can bring them up to your medical team.

The misadventures of breast cancer . . . .

SusanN · 09-08-2013, 05:49 PM

I have the "purple power port!" At the time is was placed, I was uncomfortable for a good week...it is on my left chest, underneath my collar bone. When I first began chemo, the nurses wanted a copy of my "card" that came with my port, I also carry it in my purse/billfold.
I have at least 6 more months of Herceptin to go, could never do this without it!! However, my skin is very thin, so it is quite noticeable. Otherwise, no problems.
Just be sure and watch it...you will do great!!

Aussie Girl · 09-08-2013, 07:59 PM

Quick info from a doctor:

Any new or revised wound is best kept dry or protected from water by a dressing for 48 hours. After that the clot is sealed and basically waterproof.

So shower is ok. Keep dressing on during shower. If there appears to be water under dressing afterwards, change the dressing for a clean one. Can remove dressing if wish after 2 days, but 4 to 5 days is more usual as wound may weep a bit on to clothes. Remove dressing at the earlier date if you have allergies to adhesives.

My port was very tender for a couple of weeks. I swear they put it in with a sledge hammer. Now it is just fine and I'm very glad I had it put in. I use a tube of sheepskin around the seat belt in the car when driving to lift the belt away from the port site.

Good luck