Port in chest question

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Hi,

I'm starting chemo next week, Folfox for 6 months, and will have a chest port installed in the morning before getting my first round. I met the nurse who talked me through a lot of it and showed me around the ward yesterday and it all seems good.

She said I'm getting an incision in my neck and one in my chest when they put the port in and explained the risks and so on. Also understand I can't really shower whenever the needle is in but should be fine otherwise.

My question might be a bit silly but I will have the pump at home for two days before going back in to have it turned off. Explained to me that it's easy to just put in my pocket and walk around (I usually wear leggings which are more comfortable around my stoma but have a few comfy sweatpants with pockets..haha).

What do I do with it when I sleep? Do I put it on the nightstand, or in bed with me? I'm a bit confused in how this will work, I'm sure there's a simple solution but in my head it's impossible. Especially if you have a bouncy 9 month old cocker spaniel.

Been a very busy two days with the oncology visit yesterday and stoma follow up today where it turns out I had overgrown skin around the stoma that was treated with silver nitrate - that hurt more than expected. Tomorrow we movers coming to finally removing the horrible sofa, kitchen table and chairs that the landlord has promised to remove for months, our new sofa comes in 3 weeks but we have a nice armchair to fight over until then. Then we can relax until Wednesday when it all starts (not counting travelling for the covid swab on Sunday). But I'm hoping my mind will come back to a more normal capacity soon with less overthinking or forgetting to ask the questions that will bug me later soon

/Em

Marycl over 4 years ago

Hi Missem,

Marycl over 4 years ago

Hi Misem, I have a port fitted in my chest although the only incision was where the port is and not in my neck, it's an absolute blessing and far better than looking for veins! I am also on Folfox with Avastin and have a bottle for 46 hours, I was given a holder which I wear round the waist like a bum bag, I have the bottle in the bed with me at night and it doesn't get in the way. Wishing you luck with your treatment x

Star74 over 4 years ago

Hi, I also have a chest port, 2 incisions which healed quickly. I'm on folfox and have the pump for 48 hours, they will give you a bum bag with an adjustable strap, the pump needs to stay in the bag as it is sensitive to the light.

I sleep with it loosely strapped to me otherwise I found myself aware of it when I turned over. Its nice to get it detached and have a nice shower then you don't even know its there!

Good luck, you will be in good hands. Xx

Missem over 4 years ago in reply to Marycl

Hi Marcyl, thank you so much for your answer. That's brilliant, I didn't even think that you might get a bag as well which makes the day easier. Thank you and wishing you luck with yours x

Missem over 4 years ago in reply to Star74

Hi Star74, thank you. That's good, I know the nurse said the neck one would heal quicker than the chest one but they both would be fine without dressing within 10 days. Oh, I didn't know about the light sensitivity. And great to get a bag, didn't even cross my mind. Lucky I've stopped turning as much in bed since my surgery - but good to know there is a solution. Thank you so much for all this xx