Should I get a port?

@hlthcr2000 I’ve just started another chemotherapy treatment, topotecan this time. This is the ninth treatment in 16 years. The port has been great since 2016! As my oncologist has said, I may not die of ovarian cancer, but I will most likely die with ovarian cancer. I am content.

I was reluctant to get my port out fearing that I would jinx myself, but after a painful, accidental bump to it (while living my life) my oncologist convinced me to get it out. Other than the painful (local-only) experience of it, I am glad that I did. It was always so noticeable & often uncomfortable (I’m bony), as well as a constant reminder of the cancer that I didn’t want to think about. One hint that I eventually learned from my oncologist was to massage the area to help avoid a keloid, which had started to form.

so far the comments mentioned in this discussion: a port can get clogged, but easily fixed, may cause a keloid, can be used for years, is a good alternative for receiving infusions and getting blood draws, therefore relieving anxiety from not getting needle pricks, also no bruising of veins, local anesthesia did not prevent experience of pain when the port was placed, preparation and full anesthesia placement of port in about 4 hours....

@ffr at the hospital now getting my port. Thanks!!!

Thanks! Appreciate it @charlotte12

All your replies have been SOOO helpful. Because it was never mentioned and I picked up on it myself, there was real anxiety about whether I needed it. Getting it done right now. Best to all of you with healing thoughts!

I hope everything went smoothly and that you were able to get some “sleep” while the insertion took place.
Btw, I failed to mention that I never had an issue with the port. For the period of time after chemo and before its removal I would get the port flushed for “maintenance” It was no biggie, even for medically - phobic me.
Good luck with all that’s ahead. We are all rooting for you! 🤗

Thanks!!! It was as good as possible. I had a tiny female doctor- I still haven’t looked at it up close (haha). I had a little pain so I put a small “ice” pack (beads in plastic) wrapped in a tea towel over it.
Hoping hermit y surgeon’s hands did the best I could expect. In the meantime, I’ll look closely before o go to bed. T

@hlthcr2000 that was her tiny surgeon’s hands. Darn spellcheck

@hlthcr2000

If you notice some typo or anything else you'd like to change shortly after you've commented (an hour or two?), click the 3 dots on the right side under the comments, and there will be an "Edit" option there. Can fix that sneaky spell checker.

Hope you're doing well.