Port just put in: Does it get easier to have the port?

missycat
I hope you reached out to your surgical team. I did not have any problems like that when i had mine put in.

@katgob
Thank you. From what I've read, pain and discomfort to last 5-7 days. If continues I certainly will.

Hi! @missycat :

I am so sorry for the extreme pain and discomfort that you are suffering!

Does the hospital of your surgeon have a Patients' portal in place available for you? With it, you can communicate with your care team, get answers to non-urgent medical questions from the comfort of your home easily. Please reach out to your care team and inform them of the extreme pain or discomfort that you are going through right now, surely they'll be able to help you faster than 5 days.

Wishing you speedy and complete recovery!

@missycat I had a port put in my neck a few months ago and didn't have any discomfort at all. If I were you, I wouldn't wait. I would contact your doctor right away.

Thank you! Just the challenging journey right now. Definitely not new to pain, but this TNBC is a bit more difficult! This too shall pass!

I don't recall can discomfort only what I expected from the surgery. I will for treatment it was the best - my hands were free and no challenge finding a viable vein for treatment. But after treatment I go every 8 - 10 weeks to get a port flush. 90% of the time I completely forget its there. I'm visually reminded if I look in the mirror after a shower. I wouldn't have easily completed treatment without it. The connection for my infusion was painless, I felt pressure when the connection was made but no pain. Good luck.

Question, does the number of chemo treatment determine if a port is needed or not?

My cancer treatment center pushed for a port but I refused, after speaking with Mayo oncology. They said its optional if unable to find a vein in your arm. I only had 4 treatment but I could see the benefit if the treatments are 10+.

I didn't have any discomfort with my port. I would check into that with your Dr.

@katgob Thank you! I feel much better today, day 2. Even did some laundry!

@malebreastcancer47 it is a personal decision, especially with only 4 treatments and of course some drugs more than others.
When I had my first rounds of treatments, the drugs they gave me would burn up my veins pretty quickly so they gave me a port for 6 treatments.
The port slipped out of position once and ended up under my arm, lol.
All in all I am glad I had it because I found that dehydration was a constant companion during treatments and even blood draws were challenging, finding a large enough vein for treating would have been impossible.
Have you finished your treatments yet? How are you doing?