I’m done with chemo, awaiting radiotherapy and have 3 herceptin injections to go.
Beyond this, I’m having zolendronic acid infusions every 6 months for 3 years. My question is… I already have a port as my picc line became infected and was removed and it’s been so easy. My veins disappeared and cannulas and taking blood from my arm were difficult and distressing. Will my veins improve?? I’m not sure whether to have my port taken out or keep for another 3 years along with the maintenance/flushing etc of it. Has anyone got a similar experience?
Thank you!
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I kept my port after primary treatment. At that stage I knew my cancer had spread to my liver and that I would be likely to have further blocks of treatment. I have had two significant blocks of time without treatment, just booked a port flush every 4-6 weeks during those.
Keeping a port for an infusion every 6 months sounds like a lot of hospital trips to me. Whilst I understand you may be difficult to cannulate, I am not aware that Zoledronic acid is as damaging to veins as are certain chemo drugs.
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I think you will be fine with cannulas as there’s a long gap between zoledronic acid infusions. You do need to keep your teeth scrupulously clean lots of interdental devices, mouth wash, electric toothbrush and sensodyne toothpaste is my current regime. I have another three to go I think if I last to 6 in three years. I heard a trial has indicated 4 may be just as good, but I don’t have bad side effects apart from mouth ulcers and I have wonderfully clean gnashers. Mine are really decrepit as I am now nearly 69 years old.
Seagulls
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Not the same but I had a PICC line and when it got taken out at the end of chemo I then had radiotherapy followed by 1 month later the first zolendronic acid infusion
My veins were fine, the IVAS unit did it painlessly and ive just had my 2nd infusion again with no issues
If you’re worried call your your team
Good luck
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Hi, I take a different view from the others here so far. My veins are so rubbish it’s a complete nightmare tring to be cannulated. I have SBC so will be on some form of treatment for ever. At the moment I am not on chemo I am on Letrozole but I do have Zolendronic acid. It’s true,having to get your port flushed between treatments does mean more hospitalvisits but I think you have to weigh up thst inconvenience with how well or badly you cope with cannulation. Good luck whatever you decide
I read a few of your previous posts and you are doing fantastically well especially as your veins are so bad. I’m the same as far as veins are concerned but have noticed the cannulas are tinier now than they were at my first diagnosis in 2003. Not much consolation if you are still having problems. What is having a port like? I would be worried about infection but I am very weedy and hate pain. I can’t spell Zoledronic either. It’s a very stupid word. The nurses seem to call it Zometa which is a lot easier.
Seagulls
Hi, thank you. Yes I have been blessed with my treatment working so well for so long.
Ports are much less likely to get infected than lines as the are under your skin. The actual fitting isn’t too bad. Some hospitals do it under general anaesthetic others with local. You are aware of a bit of pulling and pushing but it’s not painful.
I love my port, it saves me so much trauma. I can have my bloods done have Zometa and even have contrast for scans through it (check with your hospital though as not all radiography departments do)
If you have trouble with your veins even with the smaller cannulas I can only say that my port has made things easier for me ( but it does need to be used or flushed every 4-6weeks which increases hospital visits)
I wish you well
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I’ve started to dread any injections or blood tests as I’m only allowed them in the left arm since my op. So I asked the doctor if there was something I could do and he prescribed Emla ointment which contains lidocaine. I put it on my arm about an hour before my injection (if I remember!) and it does make a difference. Good luck!
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Hi sarahc_123
I had a picc-line for chemo, couldn’t wait to get rid of it.
I had my 1st infusion a couple of months ago, they put it through my hand as my veins aren’t very prominent either.
It’s up to you, but i personally wouldn’t keep the port-line, it is only every 6 months.
Whatever you decide, hope all goes ok.
Wishing you all the best.
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Thank you… yes, I’m inclined to get rid of it. Is it better having it taken out than having it put in?!
Thanks for your reply. Yes, I guess I need to find out. It was always so many attempts, even getting blood from a vein so I have come to hate cannulas!
That’s a good idea if I know where they will try to cannulate me. I bought some for stomach injections my husband was giving me but just used ice in the end!
Thank you Seagulls… it’s such a steep learning curve isn’t it??
Thanks! Yes I already have my port fitted and it made the remaining chemo treatments and bloods so much easier! Kind of dreading having it taken out now. Is it easier than having it put in?? Mine was done under local in the UK!
I’m UK and mine was done with local too (they couldn’t get access for a general!)
I’ve never had my port removed so don 't know what the process is like. I 'm keeping mine for as long as possible
Ive not had a piic (because ive been too scared). My veins were really teicky during chemo (23 rounds) but since being off chemo (3/4months) they have gotten much better. I do think once you come off of chemo they will improve
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I’m glad yourshave improved and hope that this will happen. Just don’t shut the idea of a port down completely. Sadly my veins never recovered made worse by the fact I have lymphoedema in one arm so only one available for treatments. Drinking water does seem to help plump up some peoples veins 
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Thank you… I hope so! My picc line was okay until I got an infection! It made things easier re infusions and bloods. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to needles!
Thank you… I do drink loads and they even had a heat pad on my arm in the hospital but nothing seemed to make a difference! At least since my port was fitted, I haven’t ended up crying every time!!
Exactly, the port can be a real friend to those like us with rubbish veins.
I’m glad to hear it is making life less stresful. Hood luck x
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