Port a cath

Yes, I had one and highly recommend it!! First 2 were by cannula as I'd managed to kink the port tube (yeah, I know, silly me) and had to wait for it to be redone.

No weekly flush, no cleaning, no tube to catch on things. Once it has settled (7-10 days) no restrictions on what you can do either, as it's all internal.

xx

Thank you..got home a couple hours ago from having it done. Feeling a little sore and have antibiotics and painkillers to take as my next chemo is Tuesday. Can I ask..how did you kink the port?? Didn’t know this could happen..I’m so clumsy and break most things I touch so will try to avoid doing anything lol xx

I'm not sure what you mean by 'kink the port'.  I had one and never had to do anything other than lie back and let it be there and do its job.  I'm not sure you could damage it per se no matter how clumsy you may be.

As you've been told already you'll be sooo glad you had it done, I would wholly recommend to anyone and am guessing you found the op to be more straightforward that you expected?  Hope so.

Sam

Hi Sam / Yorkshire_defector

It was Karen / toxophilite who mentioned getting a kink in her Port

Prefer   myself  

How are you feeling after your Port fitting yesterday

G n' J

Hi Dreamthief, I’m not feeling too bad. Was pretty sore yesterday and didn’t sleep too well as I just couldn’t get comfortable but it’s easing a little now. I have to say though, I really don’t like it and tried to get by as long as possible but I’ve had such a lot of chemo it just wasn’t possible as accessing my veins has got more difficult with each session. 
I’ve had 4xAC (3 weekly) and just had my 5th of 12 weekly paclitaxel when the last of my veins blew..7 more to go so didn’t really have much option. My inside elbow vein went after my first AC and we’ve plodded on since using my hand or lower arm, so will see how my first port session goes Tuesday. I’m hoping it’s less tender by then as it must be so painful for some ladies that get it fitted then have chemo the same day or following day!

Once it settles you won't know it's  there and will be so pleased you had it. Mine was put in 10 days before my first chemo with the dressing changed by a nurse every other day until the stitches were taken out. I was told it is essential not to get an infection in the wound at this point. It will be a bit sore as the anaesthetic wears off for a few days and then once healed you honestly won't worry about it. Mine was just below the collar bone.....where is yours? I have a tiny, neat white scar now that noone( me included) notices.

Have you been given a local anaesthetic patch to put on before you go for your next chemo. My husband did mine because I couldn't easily see the position but when I got to the chemo unit.....the nurse just connected the tube straight in. I honestly never felt a thing. I have no veins so I was very grateful but at my chemo clinic a port is always given before chemo starts so I didn't realise until I started reading on here they use arms in many hospitals.

Hope all goes well. I am confident you won't be disappointed!

Love Karen

Hi, thankyou for the positive post. My port is located just below my collarbone as well. Still a bit tender today. I was told to leave the dressing on for 2-3 days and not shower until then, and keep it dry and avoid touching it. I left the hospital Tuesday with a prescription for painkillers and a 5 day course of antibiotics, a standard precaution here in Turkey. Surgeon said it went it well with no problems, when I go Tuesday for chemo I can just continue with my normal routine unless I have any questions or concerns. I go into Oncology for my CBC, go to the cafe for a latte and sit outside with my husband in the sun garden and wait 1 hour then go to see my oncologist..he then asks how things are etc, checks my bloods then authorises chemo..e then go straight to the chemo suite and get started around 10 mins later. The last few weeks having the cannula into my hand has been pretty traumatic as the veins have been getting worse to find each week so I’m hoping things will be easier, but I’m still not convinced about having a port at the moment!!

Hi....I’m having a port fitted on Wednesday (thank goodness as my veins are worse than useless) and was wondering where you get the local anaesthetic patches from to see if I can get some ahead of my next chemo and targeted therapy.  

Many Thanks

Christine

Hi

Glad it all went well for you.

Re kink in the tube - I installed a burglar alarm the day after it was fitted, which involved quite a bit of reaching with that arm. As it hadn't settled yet, that meant I stretched the tube, and it kinked when it settled back. So all my fault!!

xx

Hi toxophilite 

Ah right !!!

Do you know if it should be kept covered with a bandage until I go back? Translation is sometimes a bit difficult here and probably wasn’t taking in everything..my husband is worse than me and think he’s developed chemo brain! I was told to keep it covered until Sunday, then was ok to shower but to keep that area dry and not touch it or anything. I have chemo Tuesday so assume when I shower in the morning to leave this bandage on then remove after my shower and cover with a fresh one? It’s very hot here and want to go for a walk tomorrow but obv can’t risk getting dust or anything near it..I need to pay more attention or try harder to learn the language lol xx