My oncologist has booked me in to have a portacath inserted in my chest as my veins in my arms have closed up after my first 3 chemo sessions. I am terrified to have this done, I am so worried about the chemicals going in so close to my heart. If they can ruin my arm veins what on earth will they do to my heart! Has anyone else had one put in? How was it? How is it? Any complications? I am 3 days after my 3rd session now and feeling so sick and horrible and poisoned, I don´t know how I can go on for another 9 sessions. You all seem to be coping so much better than me. I am sorry for crying on here, just feeling sad, tired, sick and hopeless…
hi,i had a portacath put in in november,they are great so dont worry.mine has been a godsend for my herceptin every 3 weeks.much better than them trying to find a vein as i have none left as well.hope this helps.
Hi Janet thanks for the support and reassurance. Let’s take comfort from this Lissie. Mine goes in tomorrow and have also been stressing but I can let you know how it goes if you wish. Let’s hang in there and be positive! Maybe we should have a drop of the real Port before bedtime tonight…
Hi Lizzy & Janet,
I can offer you some reassurance I hope. I was feeling sick with nerves two weeks ago, just before I had my port fitted. I didn’t sleep and was so scared, but all for nothing. They said they’d sedate me, but I’d still be awake. I think the lack of sleep meant that I slept like a baby all the way through, and don’t remember anything. I had my first fec through the port, it was so much easier than I thought it would be.
Please try not to worry - I think you will find it the best thing you’ve done.
Sharon x
Thank you so much for your comments. I really appreciate them. I have been having chest pains and I know it is just due to the worry. Adi let me know how you get on, I could do with a real Port or two!! Mine is going to be put in on the 11th, under local anaesthetic by a radiologist. No prelim tests though. Is that how you all had yours done? My hubby is heading back to the UK to look for work, so I am going to be left here to cope with the kids on my own, I hope driving won´t be a problem. Goodness me, I never used to be such a worrier. In bed now with hot lemon and honey, and hoping for sleep! (I am in spain, we are an hour ahead of the UK)!!!
Try not to worry - having a port is great, it makes chemo much more tolerable - plus you get both arms free to read, knit whatever.
It’s up to the individual surgeon how it’s done - mine insisted on a general, but lots of others have had it done with a local. Although no surgery is without risk, it is a pretty simple and quick procedure. Some people even use their port the same day.
It’s a shame your husband can’t be there - is there a friend that can go with you in case you feel a little wobbly afterwards?
I’m going to have mine removed soon, and I’m really going to miss it.
Posted and lost it. Still a bit too zonked to retype.
Had mine put in today under local and fairly significant sedation and it was fine. I’m a bit achy but had a couple of cocodamol left over so necked those, and off to bed soon. Definitely the right way to go though.
So glad it went well. You might find it’s a little uncomfortable for a few days - and it is a bit of an odd feeling that can take a little getting used to, some ports need to settle in a bit - but it only lasts a short while and then you’ll completely forget it’s there.
Hi lizziespain,
I had my Portacath fitted last June & was also really worried about it like you. However it’s definitely the best thing I had done - no more hunting for veins & treatment is now so much quicker!
Just take it easy for a couple of days afterwards as you will be sore but it settles down quite quickly.
Good luck…
Dugsy x
I had my portacath fitted last Friday, and the most annoying thing about it today is that I’ve become allergic to the sticking plaster they put over it, and want to scratch like a mad scratchy thing.
All in all, that’s a pretty minor problem in the grand scheme of things
Hi all just had mine put in today and it was ok. Anaesthitist (can’t spell lately) talked me through the whole process and BCN held my hand which was a great help as was very worried. A little uncomfortable but ok, I think the sticky plasters are the worst as they pull on the skin. I think they will be using mine tomorrow for FEC number 2. Lizziespain don’t worry you will be fine, we have been through an awful lot worse and it will save our veins! Have good evening
Thanks Adi, I am glad it all went well. Good luck tomorrow with your fec, I feel like I can actually sleep tonight without dreaming of bumps, lumps and cardiac arrests!! I hope you sleep well. Don´t forget to drink plenty of water tonight. xxxx
