To Port/or not to Port?

[Merridith]

Is there anyone out there who is taking herceptin on either the one or two year trial who is taking the infusion with a needle in the vein?

I would like to avoid a port, but I have very fine veins and there's not much left after the chemo. Does anyone know if collapsed veins heal? I'm hoping that after a few weeks break that they'll be fine again.

[lisa]

Merridith,

What is your concern with a port? Most of us can't imagine having regular IV infusions without it. Mine is in my upper chest, but some are in arms. I have had two port placements in the past 4 years with absolutely no problems. Yes, there is a scar and it does "stick out" just a bit since I'm thin. If it is fear of surgery, I was lightly knocked out both times with no concerns.
Decisions, decisions, this disease is nothing if not filled with decisions!

Love and healing light,

Lisa

[Sheila]

Merridith
I am told I will be on Herceptin indefinitely, like 5 years or longer if it keeps doing its magic...I have no port, I am given Herceptin IV in the veins of the hand or arm...so far so good...I do get a little nervous as they cannot use my left arm due to mastectomy. So far Herceptin has not affected my veins the way other chemos would...and I have been on it every 3 wks sine Oct.
Hugs
Sheila

[Elisabeth]

To Port is the answer! For those of us who know we are going to have long term treatment it is a great option and it is all under the skin. I love my port. It was inserted on my right chest about level with my underarm (I had both breasts removed-so I am not sure where they place it) I do know that they prefer the right side for it to insert into the right sublclavian vein. I am able to use it for bloodwork, some tests- not CT scans.
As to your question about collapsed veins. Veins collapse on insertion because they are small and may not be able to handle the pressure change when the needle is inserted or there is simply not enough volume in the vessel. Heat applied to the vessel prior to insertion, a smaller gauge needle might do the trick. As a nurse I have started many an IV and that is what I was taught.
Blessings, Elisabeth

[Lyn]

Hi, I have been having chemo since 1998 and the port was the best thing, even though my veins have had a rest for over 2 years while having a port, I still have trouble when they try to find one for my CT scans and any other the medical problem that comes about. Even though my veins look fat and healthy when they try to access them they collapse. Depending on if you have had lymph glands removed as well, I could only have my chemo in the right arm, but I do get blood taken out of my left arm I had 16 glands removed. Depending on how long you need treatment for there is the alternative of a PIK line, not my first choice of course.

Big Hugs Lyn

[Linda in Calif]

Just wanted to throw in my 2 cents worth of advice....I was on the B-31 trial (supposed to get Herceptin for a year) and had to have a port placed to participate in the trial. The thing I liked about it besides saving my veins was that it cut down on the time it took to get Chemo and Herceptin significantly. I spent enough time at the Drs. and wanted to minimize the amount of time it took for the infusion. I had the port placed at the time of my Mast. (center of chest) and removed when I had my reconstructive surgery thus avoiding any scars. Although from what I've heard the scar isn't big. Hope this helps. Take Care, Linda