Hi. I need to decide between a picc line and a port for neoadjuvant chemo. I’m currently favouring a port, but all the information I’ve seen shows ports inserted on the right side. As my tumour is in the right breast, would this still be the case for me? I will ask the oncologist at my appointment but was curious what the “norm” would be for that side.
Hi making_lemonade
Thank you for your post.
As you have recently had a diagnosis of primary breast cancer and are due to start chemotherapy there is often a lot of information to take in. It is understandable that you have some questions about the different options that you have been given for your chemotherapy to administrated, and that you are wondering about the positioning of a implanted port and where it will be place under the skin as you mention your tumour is in the right breast.
It can be difficult to decide sometimes what is best when given choices in your care and treatment. It is important you feel able to weigh up the pros and cons of having a PICC line or porthcath to administer your chemotherapy, different people will opt for different approaches to this .
It sounds like you are leaning toward having a port and are going to discuss this further with your oncologist. Do ask at the appointment about the positioning. It is a specialist procedure performed by a doctor and they will be aware which side your tumour is and decide the positioning of the port for you. You mention that you have seen ports inserted on the right side, it can also be inserted on the left side or under the skin in the arm.
Talking to someone who has had a similar experience such as primary chemotherapy can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0114 263 6490 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.
You may also find our monthly chemotherapy thread helpful as you prepare and begin chemotherapy.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK - prefix 18001).
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Best wishes
Helen
Breast Care Nurse
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