I 'm starting the first of 15 radiotherapy sessions on the 21st. I had my mx on my right side back in March with immediate recon. I had to have a portacath fitted whilst having chemo as my veins were so bad.This was fitted on my right side too.The port has not been removed as I am to begin Herceptin after the rads.
I wondered if anyone else has had to have rads whilst having a portacath fitted on the same side and were there any problems with this. I asked the consultant while having my planning session, but he seemed to think it was alright,but my rads are at a hospital where ports are are not fitted. This may sound odd but the hospital I usually attend does not offer radiotherapy.
I have a portacath which is staying in during radiotherapy as I’m having herceptin too. The clinic where I’m having radiotherapy is not worried at all about the port.
Hi Jen,
as you know we have the same onc but we will go to different rads hospitals. I have to have my port out but then I am hot having herceptin so hopefully won’t need it again. I had it confirmed this week, I have to see him 2 days after last chemo in Nov and he is referring me straight over to the cardio vascular consultant. My port is less than 3 inches from the original tumour site. I thought this might be a problem and Colchester sent me loads of leaflets, that gave the number of macmillan specialist rads nurses so had a chat to them about it. They were really lovely if you have them at Southend too and want to just chat or ask. They said when they work out the tangents/ angles at planning in the rads unit they can see straight away if the port is in the way of the line of the beam. If it is they then straight away ask for it out. If you have had the tattoos and planning and not heard you must be fine. Don’t worry, mine is really close and still sinking.
Good luck
Lily x