To Port or Not to Port? That is the Question...

[lu ann]

When I had cancer 15 year ago they had a difficult time using my veins. I would sometimes get poked 3-4 times. Having a port has been great. It can even be used to push the contrast for my CT scans. I have to go to the treatment center where I get chemo first (just across the hall) to have the oncology nurse access my port. The CT techs are not alloud to push anything through the port so the radiologist has to come in and push 6 large syringes filled with the thick contrast. It also makes things easier for me as I have a hard enough time positioning my arms over my head without having to worry about pulling the needle out of my arm or hand. Blessings, Lu Ann.

[Mgarr]

I was given the option but my veins held out good. There were a few times I wished I had a port when it came to the MUGA - As to the question of do your veins change. My chemo nurses said the A/C & Taxol can damage them but they said the Herceptin is more mild.