question on ports

MCS · 01-19-2006, 10:39 AM

I am most likely to get a port for weekly herceptin.

If I am swtiched to every three weeks herceptin, do I have to have it cleaned or flushed every week?

If I don't have to have it flushed every week, does it hurt when it is tapped for the treatment? I'm so wimpy, right?

Does it ever come out, or do I live with it because of the possibility of future need?

Thank you all,

MCS ( Maria)

RhondaH · 01-19-2006, 10:48 AM

it only feels like a prick going in (though some people like it numbed prior). You don't have to have it flushed every week, they will do it when you have your Herceptin every three weeks and no, you do not need to keep it forever (though some people do...just in case, though I am planning on having it removed when I am done w/ Herceptin in Aug). You'll do fine. Take care and God bless.

Rhonda

Maryanne · 01-19-2006, 01:51 PM

Maria,

to add to Rhonda's post I use the numbing cream, as I hate needles and a very bib baby about somethings!....why suffer if you dont have to. The cream is prescription....Lidocaine and Prilocaine,2.5%/2.5% Make sure you put it on at least an 2 hours prior to treatment. I do not feel the needle going in or coming out. The treatment nurse accessses the port and will flush it prior and after treatment...all you see is what looks like a dime under your skin.

Take care,
Maryanne

TriciaK · 01-19-2006, 02:52 PM

I only get zometa every four weeks now, no herceptin, so I go in a day or two before for a blood test and they flush the port then, once a month. I have the numbing spray used each time, but I probably don't need it because I feel almost nothing. A port is so wonderful for me after the horrors I have gone through as they tried to find veins prior to the port. I hope I never have to have it taken out! I have only one usable vein (if they can find it) that I save for the EMT's if I ever need it. In fact they are the ones who located it on the top center of my right arm. I will tolerate its use by the EMT's but once I get to the hospital I will not let the nurses use anything but the port. I'm normally very easy to get along with, but I do get absolutely adamant when it comes to drawing blood or IV's: use the port or I will get dressed and go home! (Ha!) I think most people who have a port feel it is absolutely the right thing to do, unless you have extraordinarily good & cooperative veins! They talked about putting in a pick line for me in the hospital, but my oncologist insisted on the port, and I am so glad. Hope you have good luck with one, too! Hugs, Tricia

Maggie · 01-19-2006, 02:57 PM

Maria, I use the same numbing cream, too! I've never felt a thing. Most don't use anything. I put it on an hour before we leave home and it's covered with Saran Wrap and sealed with tape, till they take it off. They will flush it for you when you have your treatment. They put a double port in me. We are all a little anxious before we start something new, but it hasn't been a problem at all.

You'll do just fine!
Maggie

Bev · 01-19-2006, 09:21 PM

My Dr.'s office isn't real keen on using the numbing agent (Emla) so I've done without. The pain from the prick is comparable to cbc from the arm, maybe a hair more intense. Sometimes it stings more than others, depending on the nurse. It seems to bother me less with each visit.

The implant surgery is pretty easy. I woke up during the surgery because my neck was stiff, but I felt really calm.

The port bothers me because I sleep on my stomach. I don't think it's very attractive either.

I have many large veins, so if I had only herceptin to do I might have refused the port. The Docs convinced me to get one by telling me how caustic the AC and taxol are. I'm planning to get mine out after finishing Herceptin, maybe before if I need any other unrelated surgery.

Good Luck, Bev

DeborahNC · 01-20-2006, 08:29 AM

A further question...has anyone had a glob of white plaque (?) or something show up in the syringe during a blood draw from your port? I had this yesterday and the onc nurse said it was nothing to worry about, yet I'm worried. It was fairly large and I can't imagine what would happen if it were released into my veins.

I don't use any numbing cream and plan to get mine removed next year after Herceptin is finished.