Hi Everyone,
I opted to have a portacath inserted, which is being done under sedation this Friday, before my chemo treatment begins on 29th.
Our poor veins take such an onslaught and they were struggling to get into mine at times. The thought of it is making me feel a bit queasy and I wondered if anyone else had a portacath? Thanks xx Ruth xx
Hi Ruth
I had a portacath fitted when I started chemo at beginning of March. I will need to be on herceptin for life or as long as it works so wanted a long term solution. I have mine in my arm and apart from a small lump I have found it really good. It is only a pin prick when they access it and they can use it for bloods as well so no more hunting the vein! It only needs flushing once a month so this is easier than a line and I understand that they can stay in for years - or that is what I am hoping. I didnt like it being inserted much but didnt hurt (just had local) - I think the thought of what they were doing was worse! Definetely the right decision for me. Jackie x
I started chemo in February and had a portacath inserted (under a light general) before treatment began. It’s rather odd having a hard little lump sitting there under your skin (mine is just under the collar bone) but it makes life so much easier.
I had a Portacath inserted in January and it’s definitely best thing I did. It makes for stress free administration of chemotherapy. I don’t use it for bloods or CT scan, as I have chemo every week and can cope with the bloods being done provided it is the most experienced phlebotomist who does it each week (she’s an angel).
I had a general anaesthetic to have Portacath inserted in my chest - no pain! Had it done on the Monday and used for chemo Friday. I have a numbing cream on top of Portacath for half hour prior to it being connected up and then don’t feel a thing when what looks like a pin tack is inserted. Remember shoulders back and deep breath in! You won’t know the saline flushes,Piraton, chemo drugs are going through - the chemo nurse just changes the bags of fluid and you don’t feel a thing. I look forward to having lunch n cuppa as it happens - very relaxing! Deep breath in again as they remove attachment, n that’s you done - wired for sound for next couple of days then gradually get wee bit more tired. The thing about having the chemo is preparation - get the wig organised and as soon as hair falls out, get head shaved and use your scarves/hats for first week as your head will be very tender to the touch - not headache. Www.deresina.co.uk do some fabulous little hats with pearls in the clutch flower at the back - really comfy n get lots of positive comments. Keep nails well oiled as they will dry and crack - no gel nails, just good strengthened and light polish, plenty hand cream. Get Vaseline for inside of nose for when hair follicles disappear. Fybogel to keep the bowels regular, Anusol ointment incase u get piles, strong mouthwash n soft toothbrush - get friendly with your chemist and they can always tell you what you can use. I couldn’t make up my mind if I had indigestion or or sickness, because I have had indigestion for couple of years - prescribed Lansoprazole gastro resistant tablets, take soon as wake up, half hour before eat, and haven’t had any sicky symptoms since. I had to administer injections for blood cells and was petrified - so had friend do it for me till she was sick one day and I did it myself - wow, so easy and dint feel like anything I expected. It’s like pushing small needle into marshmallow, follow through with tiny plunger and out it comes. You can ice the spot beforehand, but I don’t now. I just stick it in fatty bit of top of leg. And I am the most squeamish person. Best bit of advice - listen to your body, give in when you know you need to get under a duvet for an hour. I had a session with a MAC makeup artist in Selfridges - she showed me how to make best of my eyes and apply false lashes, but not needed these yet. Hope this helps - be positive and just get on with this regime. I can’t believe I am half way through already. Let’s kick this cancer into touch. Oh, and I have kept on working part-time - keeps the brain active and people are so supportive. Keeping you in my prayers. X
Hi everyone,
I had my portacath fitted over 12 months ago. I had the usual 6 sessions of chemo, 18 Herceptin infusions and countless blood tests via the port. It has been my best friend. Unlike many of my friends I have 2 good arms and excellent veins. During the actual infusions it is so easy. You can go swimming with them, bathe and shower without any messing about. No pain. No stress. No hunt the vein. No bruising.
I had mine removed last Wednesday. It took 10 minutes, no sedation necessary, no problems. This was a big milestone for me and a signal my treatment is all over.