Port Question

[storyteller]

I think you should always insist that an onc nurse do your blood draws so they can be done through your port. It's the only way to go. My senior onc nurse told me to always insist and sure enough, it works. (no lab techs for me).

No longer in treatment, but I have draws quarterly for my follow-up visits. Always go to onc nurses for those draws.

I'm from DFW area, as well. Treatment and doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

JM

[Lolly]

I always have my blood draws from my port, and the oncology nurses are the only ones allowed to access ports at my treatment center. Maggie's right, not all are trained to access ports, so if you're ever in a situation that requires a port access (such as the emergency room) insist they call in someone who's been trained in ports.

<3 Lolly

[Maryanne]

I fourth the motion on this one. I was told not to allow anyone other than an onc nurse to access because most others dont know how, and the onc nurse also accessed flushed, did blood work, got herceptin and then fluhed again. The port made life so much easier for me as my 2nd A/C treatment my vein collapsed which made the whole situation painful. Why get stuck more than once!

[madubois63]

I have to agree with everyone. Have your onc nurse access your port. I very rarely if ever have blood drawn from my arm...