Whether to opt for a port

Hi, I personally have had problems with an arm port. It kinked & had to be sorted out then it leaked. This is unusual I’ve been told, and less likely to happen if it’s fitted under the skin on your chest rather than the arm. 

As it’s just 6 treatments I’d see if you can get a PICC line inserted in the inside of your upper arm. It’s in for the whole treatment period & you have to cover it, & use a waterproof sleeve in the shower. It also has to be flushed once a week. It wasn’t painful to have done or afterwards & I forget it’s there most of the time. It’s less invasive than a port. Good luck with your treatment. 

Hi Mrs Woodentop,

I had a port fitted about 2 months ago. Although it was very painful for a few days after having it done, I'm so glad I had it. It is so much easier receiving treatment through it than through a cannula.

After having treatment for over a year it was getting more difficult to get into a vein. I put if off for several months, but now I wish i'd had it sooner! It is much easier to use and much less painful than a cannula - I would definitely recommend!

Good luck

Jo x

Hi

definitely a port. Everything can go in and out! My veins collapsed very quickly, on my first chemo they went from elbow to hand to wrist to shoulder to groin, and by my second chemo I had the port. Feels a bit weird for a few days but it's so easy. I had 8 rounds of chemo before surgery, I was hugely anemic so the iron went in there too, and the general anaesthetic! My mum had a picc and it was a pain, tube poking out, flushed once a week, needed to cover it up to shower....then it kinked and had to come out. I'm hoping to have my port out this Summer ( 2 years post surgery) but am just awaiting a biopsy result. 

I honestly feel my port made life easier, they really use them as a matter of course here in Spain for people having 6+ sessions. It can speed up the delivery flow too, if like me you have fine veins.

Good luck with your chemo, just focus on one round at a time. Wishing you all the best.

Thanks to everyone for the advice.

Xxx