Port Problems

[gin-tx]

Dear Annie,

I had problems with port almost from beginning, couldn't draw blood, hard to do Herceptin treatments. Finally they only could get blood from my arm so I said enough, let's get it out and replace it. My onc agreed, had it removed and a new one done, I refused to go thru tests to see why it wasn't working. The new one is one of the high tech ones, works wonderfully, they can draw blood, do treatment. The nurses are right, only ones who can access your port are the chemo nurses. I have only one usable arm as I have some lympademia in ot her arm from two bouts of bc, but one was so long ago it's easier to use for CT , labs at internest, etc. Think about replacing the port, it's worth it. I never knew if mine was against the chest wall or what, did not ask. Just glad to get it out of there.

ginkott1@aol.com

[weezie1053]

Annie,

I completed 16 rounds of chemo in Feb 07 and I completed my Herceptin in Nov 07. I had problems with my first port. I was fortunate that the one of the senior nurses in the Fusion Center @ UVA made some noise and insisted that the Oncologists do something. A test confirmed there was a problem with the line, and it was replaced. The second port rarely gives me any problems. I also think in time, you become more tolerant of the port and the use of it. I can remember using numbing creams and ice. Towards the second part of my treatment, I simply counted 3, 2, 1 with the nurse, and they would stick me. (Saved time for shopping later in the day...) I have also found there are different type of needles that affect the "draw" of fluids. I went in 2 weeks ago to have my port flushed, and one of the nurses was having problems.Once again, the senior nurse intervened. She came in and looked at the needle. She told me she refused to use that particular type of needle, and she went and got a different type. I have found some nurses are more skilled than others in accessing the ports.

I hope it also becomes less aggravating for you.

Louise