1. < Gynecologic Cancers
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Should I get a port?

Posted by hlthcr2000 @hlthcr2000, Mar 6 12:50pm

Should I get a port? I'm prescribed 6 infusions: taxol, carbo, and Trastuzumab. The port is a last minute decision...the person who is responsible for guiding me is out of the office all next week so I need to decide with very little info!

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ffr | @ffr | Apr 8 8:23am

10 years! Who knew that a port could last that long. I’m sure that I had mammograms while mine was in, but must have blocked out the experiences. (I think my brain uses such blockages as a coping mechanism.)

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Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Apr 8 1:33pm
In reply to @jenelleseaman "I have bought shirt front dresses for easy access to my port. I have always said..." + (show)
Profile picture for jenelleseaman @jenelleseaman

I have bought shirt front dresses for easy access to my port. I have always said that if I’m going to the slaughter, I’m going well dressed! The nurses always comment on how nice I look.
I wrote everything down in a journal as it happened, so that I could remember the routine each time afterwards. I kept this up throughout the time so I could talk to my oncologist with meaningful information. I kept a record each day of my weight, temperature and symptoms. It’s interesting to look back on now!
All the best for your infusions. Always remember, there is light at the end of the tunnel. It is going to end. Keep that date in your brain, you will get there!

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@jenelleseaman I somehow missed this when you first posted your photo. You certainly are well dressed and beautiful in this photo.

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 9 8:10pm
In reply to @whnpinthemaking "I had 5 rounds of cisplatin/keytruda weekly, and then a subsequent 17 Keytruda infusion every 3..." + (show)
Profile picture for whnpinthemaking @whnpinthemaking

I had 5 rounds of cisplatin/keytruda weekly, and then a subsequent 17 Keytruda infusion every 3 weeks over the last year; I did not have a port and was not given the option. Well, my cancer has spread and I will soon be starting a regimen of keytruda/carboplatin/taxol/avastin every 3 weeks for 6 cycles followed by continuing the keytruda/avastin every 3 weeks. I am considering staying with IV catheter, but I am also flirting with the idea of a port.

What have your experiences been with therapy for recurrent disease in IV vs port?

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@whnpinthemaking, what did you decide?

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whnpinthemaking | @whnpinthemaking | Apr 10 7:06am
In reply to @colleenyoung "@whnpinthemaking, what did you decide?" + (show)
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@whnpinthemaking, what did you decide?

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@colleenyoung - I went with the post and have had one treatment. I definintely feel like it was the right decision.

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hlthcr2000 | @hlthcr2000 | Apr 12 3:44pm

In my case, I needed more info about a port so I could make an informed decision. Also glad to have one - except when I’m trying to get to sleep! It’s really uncomfortable

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gmasuzy | @gmasuzy | Apr 16 1:09pm
In reply to @hlthcr2000 "In my case, I needed more info about a port so I could make an informed..." + (show)
Profile picture for hlthcr2000 @hlthcr2000

In my case, I needed more info about a port so I could make an informed decision. Also glad to have one - except when I’m trying to get to sleep! It’s really uncomfortable

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@hlthcr2000 I had one put in because I’m terribly afraid of needles ., I guess the location or the placement is really important , mine was sitting on top of fatty tissue so it was always tender and felt bruised., and it would move around when the nurses would try to access it., it seemed like the more experience the nurses had the easier it was to get it the needle in., unfortunately I got to be the training dummy for a new nurse., for the first couple of weeks I would get stabbed a couple time before they would have another nurse try., I started sedating myself using numbing cream and numbing spray ., it was all a nightmare ., but I knew it wasn’t going to be easy., I was lucky in that I didn’t loose my hair or get nauseated., I will give you a heads up if you decide to get one ., it’s easier to get it implanted that to have it removed ., please ask your Dr. to explain the procedure .,

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niehausfamily4 | @niehausfamily4 | Apr 17 2:18am

I had a port placed under conscience sedation and had no issues. I could not feel a thing and was in and out in less than three hours. I have had 4 treatments of carbo and taxol, a CT scan and four bloodwork draws from my port. I have never had a problem with it. Prior to diagnosis all the blood draws scans, biopsy I had blown veins at least 75%. (I am told I have thin, valve laiden veins) The toxicity of the chemo alone was a no brainer for me. Yes, things can go wrong and ports may need to be replaced, but of all the decisions I have had to make this was not really a debate for me. No regrets! My first chemo the port was only five days before, so couldn’t use lidocaine but it was really less painful than most of the vein sticks, even the successful ones. I am sure your decision was already made but thought I would share for anyone new to the subject.

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