I Have A Port...Now If My Ship Will Just Come In!

I have a three year old cousin that has had to go through chemo and she had a port. Her's became infected several times and that was not fun. She never specifically said that it hurt but you could tell that it was tender, but after they took it out and it healed up she is doing great and she isn't as sore. I think you have a great attitude. I hope your ship does come in.

When my Mom went through chemo, she was given the choice of using a port or simply letting them put the chemo into her blood stream via the big vein on the front of her hand. In her case, she opted for the vein. I went with her to her chemo sessions and the majority of the patients had ports. In general chit chat, they all stated that more than anything, it was uncomfortable. Getting used to it took time and they said it was always tender. Most said the tenderness was worth it to them over getting their veins stuck every time they got chemo. I often thought about that as they would insert the needle in my Mom's hand to give her the chemo. It hurt. The look of pain on her face while they were inserting made me leave the room. I just can't stand to see my Mom in pain! She still says she'd do it the same way again if necessary. Just didn't like the thought of having a port. Made things seem more "permanent", if you know what I mean. Having the port would remind her that she was going through chemo. I hope your sessions pass quickly and with minimal side effects. It's sure not easy. Stay positive and I'm sure your ship WILL come in!

I do not have a port as yours but I do have a fistula. That is also for access for needles to get blood. I have kidney failure and recieve dialysis treatment, maybe you know what it is. Two 2mm thick needles get stuck in my arm, the blood circulates out, through the machine for a cleansing process and back. This happens three times a week for four hours. The fistula looks like very large lumps on my arm as the veins grew bigger. It is actualy at a stage where it is dangerous because it may burst. i am seeing a doctor soon to discuss other options. May your port not have any infection and work very well, and good luck with the chemo. I will be praying for you. Blessings