HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Have to get a port

1rarebird · 06-18-2010, 06:17 PM

Getting my weekly Herceptin infusions via the Bard port has been a very easy procedure for me. I think you will be glad you are getting one.

Like, Tricia, I recommend using a numbing creme on infusion days. I put a dab of Lidocaine Creme on the surface of skin directly over the port about 1 hour before the IV stick. I don't rub it in but place a small piece of plastic wrap over the dab and hold the plastic in place with small pieces of tape. This keeps the creme from getting rubbed off by clothing. If I do this at least 1 hour before the stick, there is virtually no pain when the needle goes in. Without the Lidocaine, the sticks feel like bee stings. Your experience could be entirely different. I'm a big baby when it comes to needles.

Good luck---
bird

06-18-2010, 06:17 PM	#5
1rarebird Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: TN Posts: 175	Re: Have to get a port - anything I should know? Getting my weekly Herceptin infusions via the Bard port has been a very easy procedure for me. I think you will be glad you are getting one. Like, Tricia, I recommend using a numbing creme on infusion days. I put a dab of Lidocaine Creme on the surface of skin directly over the port about 1 hour before the IV stick. I don't rub it in but place a small piece of plastic wrap over the dab and hold the plastic in place with small pieces of tape. This keeps the creme from getting rubbed off by clothing. If I do this at least 1 hour before the stick, there is virtually no pain when the needle goes in. Without the Lidocaine, the sticks feel like bee stings. Your experience could be entirely different. I'm a big baby when it comes to needles. Good luck--- bird __________________ Male Breast Cancer, DX 5/15/09, IDC, STAGE 1, 1.7 cm, HER2+++, ER+(95%)/PR+(75%), Ki67 40%, grade 3, 0/5 nodes, TX: mastectomy, TCH finished 7/19/10, radiation 6 wks., Tamoxifen on going, bisphosphonate 24 mos.