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Chemo Port Implant: Does it really help ease the process of chemo?
Colorectal Cancer | Last Active: Jan 7 11:06am | Replies (15)Comment receiving replies
Hi @sos2000. From my own experience with several rounds of chemo, having a chemo port definitely makes the process much easier and less painful than having needles constantly inserted into your veins. Chemotherapy can also cause veins changes, making them harder and more difficult to access with a traditional IV needle. So, depending on how many sessions you’ll be having, from my experience with chemo, having the port was the way to go.
There are several types of ports. Depending on your needs, your doctor will choose what will benefit you most. Here is an article from Mayo regarding ports and their benefits.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chemotherapy/about/pac-20385033There’s also a discussion in the forum about how to prepare for getting a chest port (or Picc line, or Hickmann) for chemo with other members who have gone through chemo.
How to prepare for getting a chest port for chemo?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-to-prep-for-when-getting-a-chest-port-for-chemo/
Ports are generally safe with few issues. There can be a risk of infection but that is minimal. Port care is generally taken care of by the nurses. However, if your port is in long term, there may be instructions for how to care for them at home and how to flush them with a special syringe. But they really do simplify the entire chemo process.
Do you have reservations for having a port installed? How many chemo sessions are you expecting?
Replies to "Hi @sos2000. From my own experience with several rounds of chemo, having a chemo port definitely..."
Thank you for taking time to share info and your experience. Really appreciate it. I’ll be seeing an oncologist next month and I’m trying to gather and learn as much prior to the initial appointment.
Thank you again!
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Agree. This is one of those medical things that sounds very scary, but in reality is relatively easy.
Stage 3C colon cancer survivor here. For colon cancer chemo, Mayo gave me 12 sessions of the FOLFOX6 protocol over 8 months. Some chemotherapies are extremely strong so it is preferred to infuse the chemicals in a port to a major vein which has a lot of blood flow.
The short burst of pain when they insert into the port is a LOT LESS pain than having them try to insert into a vein. In my case, they used the port for other things like blood tests and contrast media for scans.
My port was installed outpatient in March 2021 under anesthesia and I don't remember the surgery at all. Minor discomfort after the surgery for a week. I had mine removed in October 2023, a simple and short outpatient surgery with local anesthetic. I had it removed because it appears I won't need further chemo (yay!) and it had to be flushed monthly requiring a 1 hour trip one way to the infusion center.
So, in a word... recommended.