I Have To Get A Port Put In For Chemo Treatment For Ovarian Cancer; Anyone Have One And What Should I Expect?
Getting a port put in isn’t too bad. It’s outpatient surgery, and most people go in early in the morning and are home by lunchtime. It took me a little longer to recover from the “twilight” anesthesia because the fentanyl they gave me made me feel pretty sick.
You have to keep it dry for a week: no showers, and bathing must be done carefully. This is very important as the line goes pretty much straight into your heart (via the jugular) so you have to minimize infection risk that first week.
You do have to be careful of lifting heavy objects and extreme physical activity. However, I routinely did my regular free weight regime (15 lb weights) with no problems. I avoided using a backpack or carrying a purse on that side.
It’s MUCH better than having your arm accessed for each treatment. It’s just a simple needle pop through the skin to do the chemo infusion with a port. They even give you lidocaine cream so you don’t feel them access it.
I am sorry you are sick.
A port will be beneficial so you don’t have to have a new needle put in your veins for each chemotherapy. My son did not have a port and there were times that it was difficult to find a new vein and it could be painful.
It is consider mild surgery to have a port put in but it will be worth it. You will also be able to bath.
Keeping you in my prayers.
I had aport put in a week ago. At the time i was unaware that it could be installed in the arm as my cousin’s was in the chest area. If i had known the difference before, I would have declined. It is very uncomfortable since every movement of the arm is painful. Their rationale for the arm placement had to do with their (drs.) convenience. Chest requires outpatient hospital procedure, whereas the arm is done in the Drs. office, ergo they receive all the monetary gains.
mom had a port ( and feedin tube ) it was brief procedure home that day
As for chemo itself it can be rough but can also save ur life. The port make it seasier
Sadly, there are two different realities that could come true.
My ex-swimming coach has ovarian cancer and it began spreading throughout her body, causing tumors, etc. Don’t be afraid though, everyone has a time to go. One sad reality is, you could die.
But - these treatments likely work, (in most cases) the women win the battle. As long as you’ve gotten to the Doctor fast enough and it hasn’t been spreading - you’re very likely going to be okay.
You might loose hair (on many places in your body)!
Treatments like this are, other than that, highly unpredictable.
Best of luck!