I do not have a port and am receiving Herceptin every 3 weeks for a year. My onc has a lab in his office where they check blood counts every visit, and I get finger sticks to be able to save my veins for the Herceptin line. When he wants blood chemistry (every 6 weeks) I make a separate appointment a week before my infusion so they can use the vein in my arm. Since I work near my onc, it is no big deal to do this.
Herceptin and the solvents it is dissolved in, unlike many of the chemos, is not dangerous to the tissue surrounding the veins if somehow the line accidentally gets yanked out of the vein during the treatment. If you have good veins and don't mind the sticks, the port isn't a necessity for this treatment.
Hopeful
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