Port-o-Cath
to work for two hours. I would return for chemo, they would insert the IV line into the access site and I was good to go.
After 6 months, I finished chemotherapy and foolishly thought that they would take the port out then and there. My oncologist explained that they would leave it in place for another 6 months "just in case". That's the polite way of saying they wanted to be prepared for a recurrence. After 6 months, several scans, mammos and blood tests, my oncologist told me I could have it removed. I made an appointment with the surgeon.
This time, he did it in his office. He anesthetized the site, made a new incision, removed the device, stitched me back up and that was it. It has now been 3 years since my port was removed and the scar is minimal. It is probably 2 inches across, a nice straight line, and has faded nicely. I can wear necklines which are below the scar and you would have to really stare at my chest, close up, to notice it.
Despite the fact that I had a weird side effect (the port was lying on a nerve), I would highly recommend a port-o-cath to anyone who has to have a lengthy chemotherapy. Even if you have great veins now, chemo destroys them. The procedure for insertion is not long nor terribly painful and the port is worth its weight in gold when you have to go for blood test and/or chemo.
A port is not a requirement for chemotherapy, but it sure does make the whole thing a bit easier. When you are dealing with breast cancer, whatever makes your life more tolerable, I say, go for it!
Good health and the best of life to you all!
Hugs, Linda
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