Hi. I am about to start 3rd round of chemo for advanced ovarian cancer. In past I had a Hickman line in chest. This time I am having an implanted port and have choice of arm or chest. I am quite an active person when treatment allows and exercise as well as play squash and tennis . Would it be better to have chest implant? I feel like an implant in my arm is more likely to catch or get bumped . Thanks.
Hi MandyT
Thanks for getting touch with your question. My name is Gemma and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists here at the Macmillan support line.
Implantable ports in general are usually more suitable for active people such as yourself. As they are connected to the deep veins through a soft, thin, flexible tube beneath the skin. This would run along the vein to the point the port was placed; either on your chest or the inside of an arm. The port itself is very small, and you should only be able to feel a small bump where it is. Most people forget it is there once they recover from the initial small operation.
The port can only be connected to a needle from one side, there is a diagram on this information sheet that shows this. if it moves position it can be trickier to use. This may be something to consider with the arm placement site.
It is lovely to read that you manage to keep up with exercise around the treatment limits. It is possible to keep yourself safe and still enjoy activity and exercise. I can imagine this is an important part of your life as you sound very active.
I hope all goes well with your decision and the port placement operation once you decide where you would like it to be.
