I went through a year of treatment without my port. My arms looked like that only one time. But unlike most, I really hate the port. I don't mind being poked and the port sticks out an inch, catches on stuff, is uncomfortable, gets in the way. I know it's a necessity - it only took one infusion of Navelbine, my first drug after being diagnosed with mets, to know I had to do it - that stuff hurt my veins for days....awful.
You might as well get one, you are going to need it eventually. Sadly.
whatever you end up choosing, it's going to be such a relief; I am so sorry for the pain and bruising you have had to endure. i was a hospice nurse for 30 years - both ports and piccs have come a long way. i chose the port, a newer version called a power port, which allows some types of infusions to run faster if need be; it also has 3 tiny bumps that are the guides to access the port much more painlessly and precisely. the surgeon can even place it so that it can accommodate a bra strap to avoid any irritation. it can last for years, and since i was recently diagnosed with yet another cancer, i have instructed my medical team and my family - I DO NOT EVER WANT IT TO BE REMOVED. IT'S MINE, I PAYED FOR IT (only partially true with insurance covering most of the cost,,,but still). I LOVE IT AND AM SO GRATEFUL NOT TO HAVE HAD MY VEINS COMPLETELY SHOT! i rarely even notice it, and i never even feel a thing when it is accessed for treatment. a speck of numbing cream can be applied just a few minutes before accessing - or, what we've learned is stretching the skin as the needle goes in makes it glide easily - with not a bit of pain. i can only share my experience with personally having a port. the experiences of my patients who have had PICCS has been quite different - a range of discomfort from mild to more restrictive, a lot more maintenance, and not always as trouble free. but you must decide what is best for YOU.
i wish you all the best in making the decision - please let us know how it goes for you. meanwhile, i hope your poor arms are feeling much better.
Hi Karen! I decided on the PICC and had it put in this week. It is more uncomfortable than the previous two I had, but my muscle may be bruised. I like the PICC because it is painless. I am glad your experience with the port has been so good. If my experience had been the same, I would still have it and happily so. We will see how this goes. ~Kate
I'm sorry. That must hurt. Get a port/picc.
ReplyDeleteYes, but I can't decide which one, Caroline. Both have a lot of cons for me, I lean towards the PICC although it is higher maintenance. ~Kate
DeleteI miss my port too. I wish I still had it.
ReplyDeleteWhy did you have it removed, Lisa? ~Kate
DeleteI went through a year of treatment without my port. My arms looked like that only one time. But unlike most, I really hate the port. I don't mind being poked and the port sticks out an inch, catches on stuff, is uncomfortable, gets in the way. I know it's a necessity - it only took one infusion of Navelbine, my first drug after being diagnosed with mets, to know I had to do it - that stuff hurt my veins for days....awful.
ReplyDeleteYou might as well get one, you are going to need it eventually. Sadly.
I went with the PICC line this week. It sticks out worse than the port but is generally painless, and that is a huge consideration for me. ~Kate
Deletedear Kate,
ReplyDeletewhatever you end up choosing, it's going to be such a relief; I am so sorry for the pain and bruising you have had to endure. i was a hospice nurse for 30 years - both ports and piccs have come a long way. i chose the port, a newer version called a power port, which allows some types of infusions to run faster if need be; it also has 3 tiny bumps that are the guides to access the port much more painlessly and precisely. the surgeon can even place it so that it can accommodate a bra strap to avoid any irritation. it can last for years, and since i was recently diagnosed with yet another cancer, i have instructed my medical team and my family - I DO NOT EVER WANT IT TO BE REMOVED. IT'S MINE, I PAYED FOR IT (only partially true with insurance covering most of the cost,,,but still). I LOVE IT AND AM SO GRATEFUL NOT TO HAVE HAD MY VEINS COMPLETELY SHOT! i rarely even notice it, and i never even feel a thing when it is accessed for treatment. a speck of numbing cream can be applied just a few minutes before accessing - or, what we've learned is stretching the skin as the needle goes in makes it glide easily - with not a bit of pain. i can only share my experience with personally having a port. the experiences of my patients who have had PICCS has been quite different - a range of discomfort from mild to more restrictive, a lot more maintenance, and not always as trouble free. but you must decide what is best for YOU.
i wish you all the best in making the decision - please let us know how it goes for you. meanwhile, i hope your poor arms are feeling much better.
much love and light,
Karen xoxo
Hi Karen! I decided on the PICC and had it put in this week. It is more uncomfortable than the previous two I had, but my muscle may be bruised. I like the PICC because it is painless. I am glad your experience with the port has been so good. If my experience had been the same, I would still have it and happily so. We will see how this goes. ~Kate
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