To Port or not to port?

[LeeT]

Since I will probably be on chemo indefinitely I am thinking of trading my PICC line in for a port. My Onc is fine with this decision and says that it will be more conducive to my life style and easier to swim and shower with- and my 14 month old will not have access to any lines to pull out of my arm!The reason he went with a PICC line is that they could put it in immediately whereas the wait for a port is 6-8 weeks- which I did not have if I didn't start treatment right away. I was wondering if anyone made the switch and if they are happy with the decision, was it painful when inserted and are there increase risks for infections at the sight? Any tips for dealing with a port would be appreciated.

Other news is that after 6 treatments (6th today) my onc is happy with my results. He says my CEA is a good indicator for what is happening as it went from 2131 to 1894 after 4 treatments. Still a long way to go but will see with my next CEA tests what is happening...will have one every month now. Still feeling strong and heading to New York next week for a mini break (our first trip and time apart from our baby) to see the sights- just hoping will not get too tired as we are planning to explore on foot! Does anyone have any foods/ drinks they use to keep their energy up? So far fatigue has not been too bad but after a 3 full days of walking and sightseeing I think I may be in need of some help!

[Phuong]

I got an infection when my port was put in and I still say port! It's so convenient and easy and you can't tell at all when it's under your clothes. Have a GREAT time in NY!

[surfingon]

When my husband was considering this decision, his surgeon strongly urged him to get the port-- said "You'll look back on this as the best decision you ever made." He was right. Even got the okay from the surgeon to surf with the port.

Best wishes,
Rachel

[starbuck30]

I absolutely hate my port and I still strongly recommend it. I think my hatred is more psychologically based since the surgery was really rough on me. So my advice is: get the port, and make sure you tell the surgeon if you're prone to nausea in case he decides to "do you a favor" and give you 3x the amount of anasthesia needed.

I also recommend getting the Lidocaine cream that you can put on an hour before they access it. Just slap a Tegaderm bandage over that baby to protect your clothes and you won't feel a thing when they stick you.

I have heard stories about infections and so forth, but my general impression is the risk is no higher than any other type of surgery (which, obviously, will always carry SOME risk). If I'm wrong about this I hope someone will correct me. You'll want to consider what side you want it on (a good deciding factor is if you drive or are a passenger more often, because the shoulder belt may dig in).

I hope this helps a bit. I know I said I hate my port, and I do, but I'm also very grateful for it. Kinda like how I feel about chemo.

Much love and good luck to you,
Starbuck

[mike_co]

I have a love/hate releationship with my port. Mostly because I have to carry a pump for 46 hours after infusion and it wears on my nerves. Once the port is de-accessed, it's all good again.

I think the data is pretty clear that the port lowers the risk of infection versus the alternatives. So, I think you just can't beat it.

--Mike

[Candyys03]

Due to being on blood thinners and with a history of blood clots I do not have a port.I have asked for one many times and I still want one but I am just not a good candidate.I have had a PICC line in each arm in the past but I now have the next best thing a Broviac which is placed in the chest.

http://www.chemocare.com/whatis/how_is_ ... _given.asp

For fatigue extra protein.Try protein powder or high protein bars.

Have a good vacation but don't try to push yourself too much.Listen to your body.

Candy

[skipperx]

I love my port, because it allows me to go swimming. I forget that I have one most of the time.

I thought to IV insertion for each chemo cycle was going to hurt like hell, but actually it's not much more than a pin prick, especially using the Lidocaine cream before.

I had the port put in one day, and started chemo the next day. There was a tiny, tiny bit of infection right on the corner of the incision, but this cleared up with some antibiotics.

Cheers, Skip

[SkiFletch]

If it had legs, I would worship the ground my port walked on . For me the surgery was painful/sucky for about a week, but it was all worth it in the end. This thing really made treatments easier, and makes blood draws and blood work easier too. They never miss the vein

As for energy, caffeine, vitamin B, protein, and stay hydrated. Don't forget that last part as summer in NYC can get oppressively hot. Hope you guys have fun

[kanga]

I would recommend the port. I hated the idea of getting one but it made chemo so much easier. It also made blood draws and iv's easier. They can use the port for hydration as well as to administer nausea drugs. ( I had a permanent ostomy so suppositories were not an option.) After it heals, as long as it is not accessed at the time, you can swim shower etc.

[MarkS.]

I'm also getting a PICC line and called my Onc to see if I could get a port. He stated that the PICC line has a much lesser chance of infection and, for as long as I'm going to have chemo, would not need to be changed as often as a port. I did manage to find some PICC covers/seals that I could use when I exercise, but this whole idea of something sticking out of my arm just stinks. I keep telling myself to just man-up and live with it for 6 months so hopefully I won't have to do it again!