I had a port put in because it was easier than being poked every week. The only thing I found out the hard way is if your only going to have lab work done only out side of the chemo infusion or the targetted therapy they are not trained or certified to do blood draws from a port cather. The phlebotitist which that totally shocked me. Also if your having contrast dye put in you the tech also can not access that port either. It again has to be accessed from someone that has been trained to access port cathers under the skin. I know this for a fact. If you choose to keep it in after all your treatment(s) then you have to have it flushed every six to seven weeks depending on your type of port cather. You should also get a plastic card stating which type of port, and other information on it. The longest time span on mine was for 90 days and if to be flushed had to be done with heparin. You should also get an information packet on your type of port cather. A normal flush is done with a saline solution. They are great for infusions of chemo and targetted theraphy. Plus the vein the port goes into is larger than the vein in your arm.

I had a port put in for my chemo. Best thing ever!! No more poking or bleeding. They just hooked up the chemo needle right to the port and BAM!! So much better!!!

I have a port and it’s definitely a love/hate thing. This is actually my 2nd time getting a port. The first one was taken out after I completed treatment in 2019. With the recurrence in 2021, I had it put back in. That hurt a lot. only because I didn’t have much time between having it taken out & put back in again. It’s definitely saved my right arm as I cannot use my left for any type of access.
I’ve had the current one in for 3 years. I’m now on oral chemo but chose to keep the port b/c it’s so convenient for labs as well as any tests that involve contrast dye. Mostly. I don’t feel it. Sometimes it’s a little tweaky but nothing too uncomfortable. Bottom line - I’m thankful for it. More pros than cons 😊

I started chemo without the port, but the drugs were too harsh on my veins. Having done it both ways, it was totally worth the initial discomfort. Only one stick for lab draws, one for chemo- and if labs are done before the chemo, they can just do the one for both! (I usually had labs on Wed afternoon, and chemo on Fridays). When I realized how much easier the whole process was, I lost even more respect for the onco who should have suggested it originally, especially since being HER2+, I had a year of infusions to complete. Hugs!

I got a port before my first chemotherapy treatment in August 2023. I still have it because it is so hard to find my veins and I have Zometa treatments every 6 months. I have it flushed out 3 times a year. It itches a lot but otherwise I forget it’s there.