I am due to have a Portacath fitted on the same day as my 3rd chemotherapy treatment (EC). Is this normal to do both on the same day? Will I be a bit sore and bruised from the surgery. The thought of the Portacath surgery terrifies me.
Don’t be frightened, it is pretty much a walk in the park. And you will learn to love it because it will save your poor arm becoming a pin cushion. I was quite sorry to see the back of mine when they removed it.
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I’m having the port fitted tomorrow morning and my second round of chemo will be later that afternoon. They told me they’ll insert the needle during the procedure while I’m still numb so it’s literally ready for the chemo later that day.
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@jubags25, I had the port implanted yesterday morning and like they advised me, the needle was inserted during that procedure. It meant my chemo was seamless and no poking or proding it was required. The nurses literally plugged into what the procedure team placed earlier.
When are you due to have yours done?
Hello jubags25,
Thanks for posting.
It’s understandable to feel terrified about the portacath insertion. A portacath is a type of implantable port and as @teddy271 says it saves the veins in your arm being used. You will have some local anaesthetic and possibly some sedation. There maybe some soreness or discomfort after but your treatment team can explain what type of pain relief to take if necessary.
It is possible to have chemotherapy the same day as the port is inserted as @sheraldo explains. It might help to talk this through with the chemo nurses or your breast care nurse just so you can ask any questions to feel reassured. You may want to continue this chat which you can do in the chemotherapy section of the forums as these remain open. Our chemotherapy monthly threads might also be helpful and here are the details of all our services.
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