Do I need a Port put in? Help me please. |
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fighter 
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Joined: May 06 2009 Location: Atlanta Status: Offline Points: 5 |
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 Topic: Do I need a Port put in? Help me please.Posted: May 12 2009 at 5:19am |
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I've decided to have TC (texotere+cytoxan)x6 treatment. I was told that I can choose to put the port in, or if I don't want to I can do without the port, but the veins might get damaged by the infusion. Anyone out there can tell me your experince either ways since I am terrified to have another surgery to put the port in.
Thanks.
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JanetK
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Joined: Feb 22 2009 Location: Pittsburgh,PA Status: Offline Points: 156 |
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Posted: May 12 2009 at 8:10am |
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I opted to have the port put in. My veins are very small and roll. I am so glad I opted for the port. It is so much easier than to get stuck every time you get chemo or have bloodwork as often as we have to. The port surgery is very easy. It didnt hurt much, and only for a few days does the site hurt at all. Ask for some pain meds. The surgery itself took all of an hour and a half from start to finish. I think you will be happy to get one. I am. Good luck and lots of hugs,
Janet |
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TNBC feb 13,2009
2.6x 3.5 neoadjuvant chemo 8 rounds Lumpectomy successful Oct 09 axillary node dissection Nov 09 still awaiting results |
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ChrissieD
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Joined: Dec 30 2008 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 131 |
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Posted: May 12 2009 at 8:15am |
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I had a port put in also (AC x4 Taxol x4). My oncologist recommended I do it...my left side had nodes removed so no blood pressure / no needles on that side. Chemo could ruin the veins on my right. If I that were to happen and I needed an IV in the future it would need to be done in my leg. Didn't really sound that great.
The surgery was really easy in the scheme of things. My doc put me out but a lot just use heavy sedation.
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Jessie
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Joined: Aug 07 2007 Location: North Carolina Status: Offline Points: 515 |
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Posted: May 12 2009 at 8:26am |
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Honey, (I'm a fellow southerner, used to live in Guinnett close to Stone Mt) --- As things turned out, I didn't have chemo, but I did have a port. It was used for bloodwork, IVs, and I was so glad. It totally eliminates all the aggrevation of searching for a suitable vein and multiple sticks, often having to use a vein on my hand. With a port, it's painfree. When the dr says the infusion can damage the veins, it's major damage, and it doesn't heal quickly, if ever. My veins are very small and being limited to just one arm makes the pickins pretty slim.
My experience was 3 yrs ago and advancements have been made in ports since then --- they're even better ! The new "power port" can also be used for the injection of the dyes used in bone and CT scans.
While I had my port, I decided it would have been a good idea if God had supplied all of us with a port when we were made !!
I'll be surprised if any one of us advises against the port.
When does your chemo start ?
Hugs,
Jessie
Edited by Jessie - May 12 2009 at 8:32am |
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IDC,Stage I,Grade 3,dx 4/06
dbl mast 5/06, systemic MRSA post surgery septic shock, heart attack triple bypass 1/07 no chemo due to infections and heart issues so far NED! |
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Nancy
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Joined: Jul 23 2007 Location: Altoona, PA Status: Offline Points: 3814 |
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Posted: May 12 2009 at 8:56am |
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Fighter,
Lori did not have a port or Picc line, but her viens almost collapsed. Now when she has blood draws, they have to uses a pediatric needle in her hand. Connie had written a very detailed comment on who should be putting in the ports/lines, and that is an "Interventional Radiologist". They are the experts, and you can request that this person implants yours.
Just read about the port in the chemo tips, which I hope you did get printed out. There is alot of information in those tips.
Hugs,
Nancy
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Nancy
DD Lori dx TNBC June 13,2007 Lumpectomy due to incorrect dx of a cyst mastectomy July 6 2007 chemo ACT all 3 every 3 weeks 6 tx Aug-Nov 28 rads ended Jan 2008 |
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Tracy
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Joined: Jul 20 2008 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 52 |
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Posted: May 12 2009 at 5:12pm |
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Get a port. My drove me nuts but it was worth it. The surgery is really minor and you don't feel a thing except some tugging - no pain but get some pain meds just in case and don't be afraid to take them. Friends who didn't have a port some years ago wished they did or could have. Good luck.
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Tracy
San Diego DX 12/20/07, Stage 2, TNBC, Grade 3/2.5 cm Chemo start 2/14/08; rads ended 9/08; A/C - Taxol; Neg. Sentinol Node; lumpectomy; past 5 years! |
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Wendy2
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Posted: May 13 2009 at 1:39am |
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Get a port and get a Power Port! They are great and my veins are shot from CT, now I have a PP and it is marvelous! Surgery, I'm terrified too, was no biggie!
Wendy
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dx 3/06 TN, taxotere/cytoxin x4; radiation x 40; mets. to lungs, lymph nodes 3/08 - to begin chemo 4/29/08 Abx/Avas., 9/08 Avastin maintenance, 1/09 - off meds to see if Avastin causing headaches
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sharon rereg
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Joined: Apr 14 2009 Location: Ann Arbor MI Status: Offline Points: 27 |
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Posted: May 13 2009 at 5:02am |
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I did it without a port in 2005. My onc told me I had "good veins", whatever that means, and that it was worth a try. It was partly psychological with me. There was so much invasive stuff being done to my body, I didn't want any more. Since I was having neo-adjuvant, they could use both arms. I was having chemo once every 2 weeks, so the stuck arm got a month off between. It worked out fine and I have had no subsequent problems.
Sharon |
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dx 03/05 multi focal TN, lymph involvement.BRCA- 4 dd AC, 4 biweekely taxol, bil mast 08/05, 38 rads. NED
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kmartin
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Joined: May 02 2008 Location: Central Maryland Status: Offline Points: 126 |
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Posted: May 13 2009 at 5:00pm |
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How many rounds of chemo will you have?
If it is 4 or so, maybe not...but I had 6 rounds planned and had a port put in at the same time as my lumpectomy.
I did develop a blood clot in my port arm, and never had good blood return, so they couldn't draw blood from it. It did ease the pain of chemo, in that I used Emla cream to numb the skin prior to chemo...so I didn't feel anything but pressure.
My friend who had 4 rounds chose not to get a port and had no problems with vein access.
Good Luck,
Kathy
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Round 1 - 2/8/08
IDC, Stage 2, Grade 3, TN (R) Lumpectomy, ax nd 3/11/08, 4/33 positive TAC x 4, AC x 1; RT x 33 genetic tests - |
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babyblueca2000
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Joined: Oct 09 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Status: Offline Points: 35 |
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Posted: May 13 2009 at 5:19pm |
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Get the port. I had to do 1 round of chemo through my veins before getting my port and now my veins are so hard its next to impossible to draw blood from them. It is almost impossible to get blood from my arm and they can't use my other arm. The surgery is very easy and you be glad you did it.
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Tammy
TNBC 41 yrs old 2.5 cm tumor (IDC) Mastectomy 08 Sept 08 Nodes: 3/15 involved Chem 6 rds of FEC every 3 weeks 16 rds of Rad Completed treatment 16 Apr 09 |
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Wendy2
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Posted: May 14 2009 at 2:26am |
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I was told I had good veins too, and it all worked fine, but now my veins are shot and no one can get blood from me - If you get a port, again I advise a power port - all can be done through it.
Wendy
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dx 3/06 TN, taxotere/cytoxin x4; radiation x 40; mets. to lungs, lymph nodes 3/08 - to begin chemo 4/29/08 Abx/Avas., 9/08 Avastin maintenance, 1/09 - off meds to see if Avastin causing headaches
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Beth Anne
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Joined: Apr 24 2008 Location: Clairnbridge, Ireland Status: Offline Points: 376 |
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Posted: May 14 2009 at 4:52am |
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Get the PORT.... I had one and then had it removed during a little reconstructive surgery.... This was a bad thing as over the last month and all of my surgeries my veins were shot... They had to get a central line in my neck after two failed attempts in my groin.... My arms looked like I was on beat up all bruised... At last I begged to have a new port put in.... Oh yeah did I tell you they had to draw blood from my feet.....
GET THE PORT  Beth Anne |
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Dx 5/07 DCIS Stage3 gr9 A/C x 6, Abrax x 16 Bi-Mass 2/08
Navelbine x 12, finished radiation end of July 08. DX Brain Met's 2/09StageIV CK3/09.Brain resection4/09 WBR Dreaming of dancing with Ned! |
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amylynn
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Joined: Feb 23 2009 Location: Maryland Status: Offline Points: 100 |
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Posted: May 14 2009 at 10:03am |
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I was very nervous about having a port placed, but once I had my surgery, it wasn't bad. The first time I had chemo they were not able to access my port and my port is at a weird angle and so they have to use a larger needle to access it. I think the port is the best option in the long run.
Amy
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36 at dx IDC 2/09, 8cmx3cm grade 3,BRCA1, Cl Trial-4- Taxotere,4-AC,6-Avastin,4 cycl Xeloda
9/09-rght mast.w/tissue exp PCR Avastin x10,28 rads,done 7/10 left mast/w bi-lat DIEP & OOPH Mets 6/2012 |
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Lisa L
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Joined: Jul 06 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 146 |
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Posted: May 14 2009 at 1:00pm |
 I didnt have a port and wished I had. I had 6 A/C and 5 of 6 Taxol, plus the blood work before each one, and the failed attempts to get a vein with each one. I felt like a pin cushion by the time I was done. Now I am almost 4 years out from dx and it is still hard for them to get a vein for blood draws, etc. plus they can only use one arm. If I had it to do over again (god forbid) I would get a port.
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Dx 8/05 age 43
mast & lat flap 10/05 Triple neg BRCA neg IDC 4.5cm rt br 0/1 sen node 6 A/C 5 Taxol, 25 rads 11/05-6/06 Central Illinois Currently NED |
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Shelley
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Joined: Feb 21 2009 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 79 |
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Posted: May 15 2009 at 6:36pm |
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Get a Power Port. It's kinda and in and out procedure. Thank God for mine. I had mine out too soon after chemo and blood draws are a pain. Go for the Port!
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billie
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Joined: Mar 30 2008 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 345 |
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Posted: May 17 2009 at 4:36am |
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Hi there,My sister chose not to have a port put in and she has rolling veins.But she did wonderful.But she went to a smaller place that had plenty of time with her.BUT her oncologist chose chemo 4 times for her.At the bigger places like MD Anderson,I do not believe you get a choice.It moves faster for all.I believe Kymmie(a member who went to MD Anderson with 4 treatments) had the port put in and her first treatment the same day.
But,I am inclined to belive with kmartin.Since you are having 6 treatments,it would probably be a good idea to go with the port.Just take a minute are so to read about what to watch for after it is done and pay attention to how it is feeling in your body.My sister did wonderful with her chemo and no port,but no one really knows how the body is going to accept the chemo.And to be truthful, no one can really tell you how you are going to react to the chemo, but having to be stuck each time would be one less worry for you.All you have to remember is this.If there is any thing about this port that just does not feel right to you,you will not be alone.Get on this foundation and ask these ladies.They will be with you and here for you with any help that you need.Lots and lots of Hugggggssss Billie
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Billie posting for sis Betty/67/caucasion female/diagnosed 2-27-08/gradeIII/7mm/invasive ductal carcinoma/T N /clear margins/node neg/4 X's taxotere-cytoxan/36 rads/7-08 PET/CT double image/no cancer
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