Hi,
I was diagnosed on 6th January. Have had my op, now waiting to start Chemo on 24th February. I’m really anxious about the chemo, and also about having a portacath fitted. Is there anyone out there who can tell me what the procedure is like? They normally do it under a local anaesthetic, but I do have the option to have it under a general. Would love some feedback from anyone else who has had this done.
Thanks
Sharon
I found it a doddle no problem at all, i had a local chatted through it, i have a very neat scar and no pain what so ever. I am sure you will be fine. feel free to pm me if i can help.
Hi Sharon
I had a portacath fitted before my chemo and it is really nothing to be worried about. I had a local anaesthetic but must have been a bit more than that (like a heavy sedative) so I was ‘out for the count’ so unaware of it being done but ‘came to’ immediately after and the doctor was able to show me on the screen what they’d done. Felt no pain at all it was all really straight forward. I was then taken back up to my room, was given something to eat and drink and could go after about an hour, so really very quick.
I did have some discomfort for probably up to 3 weeks after and had to try and lie on my other side in bed and I didn’t want to lift my arm up high too much but if you feel the same don’t worry, it does wear off and you will then not even feel it being there.
Overall, I feel it was definately the best option as I have been able to avoid any problems with the nurses having to find a vein every time and as it’s under the skin no problems with showering,etc. Infact my onc. said he wished everyone having chemo could have one fitted.
You may just want to double check about the anaesthetic as I’m sure I didn’t have a general but as I said I was still knocked out for a short time. Lots of luck - you will be fine!
I had a GA, had an xray straight after to check location is ok and this was done as day case procedure. It came out in theatre with a local. Good Luck.
I had a portocath fitted at 1pm under general anesthetic and my first chemo administered at 3.30pm the same day, For me I chose to have a general, but don’t think it a good idea to have both done on the same day. My breast Surgeon had mentioned to me the week before to ask to have the portocath sited above my left breast(non cancer side) towards my shoulder, but the anethetist who inserted the portocath was a bit of a pratt and positioned the portocath towards the centre of my chest, an it has left a bit of a scar which can be seen with a lowish neck line. My breast surgeon kicked up a fuss about after the event, and now the hospital don’t use that anethetist for portocaths anymore. Even after all the above i would recommend a portocath.
r xx
Hi Sharon
I asked the very same question recently!
Here are two links to posts I put up that may be of interest, hope the answers are helpful. I’m having to push hard to get one, as I think it’ll make administration of chemo so much less brutal.
Good luck!
CM
Hi CM If you are having Herceptin you really should fight hard for it, by the way i had mine fitted privately and it cost £750
xx
Thank you so much for all your comments and advice. I feel much calmer about things now, and will be brave and have a local!
Have only just joined this forum, wish I’d joined weeks ago. I certainly don’t feel so isolated now.
xx
Rhian, where? I’ve been told £2000 by my BCN!!!
I had my portocath at the Harley St Cancer Centre
r x
Cheers!
I have just checked the invoice, and it was £755 that included everything and its removal. I paid it myself not through my health insurance. It was only later I claimed it back which is how i know it was all inclusive
r x
oh my word mine was NHS never realised how expensive it was. So glad i havent used my private health care yet. Probably will for surgery though.