Should I get a port?

@naturegirl5 it’s about 30 hours after insertion and still really uncomfortable. When you see what they do, it’s not surprising.
Comments here were my primary source of info- not my doc or his nurse except when I was in the waiting room and another RN stopped by with an educational folder with an actual
Port. IMO the port should be introduced right after diagnosis along with lots of info. After a D & c, then a hysterectomy, who wants another surgery?

@naturegirl5 I neglected to answer your question about anesthesia. “Moderate anesthesia.” I was completely out. I would definitely not call it light sedation.

@hlthcr2000 Thank you for the clarification. Thank you, too, for letting me/us know that we were helpful for you.

Yes, I can see that. If the diagnosis means chemotherapy then introduce the port right away. that will give the person plenty of time to figure out what they want to do. And yes, who wants another surgery?

I hope your port discomfort is fading. I had that, too. It took a while for me to get used to it, but a lot of that was psychological. I had a double port and I used to think that it looked like someone had put a contact lens case into my chest. Sounds silly as I type that, but at the time I saw no humor in it. Still, it did its job well and I’m grateful. Cancer is quite the learning curve for things we never wanted to know about. Please keep us posted on your treatment. 🤗

I got one, it was recommended to save my veins and it has been nice not needing additional IV’s
Was pretty uncomfortable when I got it, bruised / sore but, but that only lasted about a week, now it’s easy, Accessing it isn’t as painful as an IV stick. I put lidocaine on 30 min before , and ice. It’s nice for getting fluids and blood draws too.
I’m doing carbonplatin and taxol, 6 rounds.
Good luck with your decision

@lizziegil -I'm surprised that there still can be pain when getting an infusion using a port.

@lizziegil
Thank Lizzie. Yes it is really sore- 2 days from placement! Appreciate you taking the time to reply .

The port placement was definitely my eye opening, slap on the head transition into Cancer World. This conversation reminds me that it was indeed painful for the first week or two, but I eventually got used to it and then concentrated on getting through the infusions. Definitely use the lidocaine before infusions, but even without it the needle stick isn’t much worse than getting a vaccination or blood draw. And the chemo nurses were all wonderful. These are special people who are called to this field of work.
One thing that I did right at this time was to put myself first and not give in to other people’s expectations. As women, we tend to put other people’s needs first, and this was a change for me that really helped to get through the physical and emotional stress.
Sending my best wishes to all of my sisters who are here reading this.

Yes to the port! I also wasn’t given a choice, & my first port stopped working about a year after therapy. I had it removed, & threw a blood clot. I wasn’t being treated, but having scans every 3 months, a lot of surgical biopsies, & other surgeries. I never had trouble with needles, but after chemotherapy, it was VERY painful to have blood drawn, or an IV. I was told that my veins were scarred from therapy. My cancer came back after 18 months, so new port, more therapy. That port also stopped working after a couple years, so I had it removed in December. When they suggested no anesthesia, I told them I’ve had way too many procedures & surgeries, & I choose to sleep through them now. They seemed to understand. My advice, hard yes to the port. Let other peoples judgement be about them, it has nothing to do with you. There are no rewards for being the “best” patient! Best of luck through your treatment. ❤️

@ffr Thank you. I've had infusions for reasons other than cancer and I agree with you. It's a calling for these angels who staff the infusion centers. I've had nothing but compassionate care in the infusions centers I've been to.