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Ports aren't pretty that for sure.
Sue had a "powerport" put in last week. As far as we've been told, this is the only port in which everything can be done with, including injections for ct scans etc. Some ports (we were told by the doc) can be used for everythigng but power injections for CT scans, so we figured why not get one that can do it all.
The port does not go directly into the heart, but nearby. Veins are the "return" blood to the heart, so you can figure that the chemo is "shot" out into the body faster (well, ... not really, but imagination helps)
She had her first chemo treatment on the 2nd, 2 days ago, and was so glad she had the port. It was simple, painless, no problem. Her veins would never take the beating all this treatment does, so a port was an easy decision for her.
Powerports are millimeters thicker than other ports (barely at all) and certainly not enough to make any real difference. They've just started using them at her hospital. Apparently fairly new stuff.
The bump ia already much smaller than day 1. So... another plus.
Ask your onc about it. and good luck.
__________________
---Kevin and Sue---
Dx'd 10/06 IDC grade III/III
Er- pr- HER2 3+
MRM right breast 12/5/06
nodes negative
same day reconstruction started
(implants)
Stage II (2.2 cm tumor)
fairly extensive DCIS
Ct and Bone scans clean
Port placement 12/26/06
AC (4 cycles DD)to begin 1/2/07
Taxol/Taxotere (4 cycles DD)
Herceptin for one year
"There is no distinction between the one who gives, the one who receives, and the gift itself."- Hahn
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