To port or not to port

I had PICC..first one, woke up in morning with bed covered in blood where it had become dislodged, second one caused my arm to blister so I continued the rest of my chemo with a cannula in middle of elbow!! However!! This is NOT to say it can happen to you…people I got to know sailed through their PICC experience! I didn’t know there was a choice anyway! I wish you the best xxx

Eek! I had a similar bloodbath after a biopsy upon waking the morning after. I’d like to avoid that kind of thing . Thanks for sharing. Hope your journey is going well x

Hi. I had an arm port which I had removed last week after 12 weekly chemo sessions. I would wholeheartedly recommend it! Was painless to “install” and easier to take out. Nurse just have to insert one needle into the port and that’s it for all of your treatments. I found this painless. Also, with an arm port as it’s under the skin, you can bathe and shower normally with no risk if infection. It’s also much harder to knock it and cause any problems. Good luck with whatever you decide and with your onward journey xxx

I have a portacath, best decision I made. Once it had healed it is no trouble. You can shower, swim, run, do what you like. If you are not having treatment weekly, it doesn’t need flushing weekly. It’s highly unlikely to get infected. If you are unlucky like me and find you are needing treatment long term, it can stay in place for years. 

If only I could run and swim!! Haha!! Best wishes! X

My running is a lot slower than it was, but it makes a huge difference to how I feel. And the fitter I can make myself be, might help me cope with the next set of encounters with the poison looming up in my future. 

Thank you for your posts you have helped me decide it’s the right thing for me. Much appreciated. Hope you get the return you deserve on that positive outlook. Don’t go changing! x

Sorry to hear you’re in for the long haul. Thanks for helping me decide on the port. My arm is sore and swollen. Although I only have six more infusions, not sure I could cope with the cannula experience each time. Good luck with your continuing journey x

A port has the advantage of being able to shower/bath/ swim without any bother. Like the PICC line it’s a bit sore for a week or so after it’s inserted. But brilliant for blood tests, chemo and avoiding endless cannulas. Would definitely choose port over the other options x

Thank you, great to hear so many positive reviews.