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Saturday, May 02, 9:13:10 [ Login ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time | Archives: 1, 2, 3, [4], 5, 6, 7 ]
Subject: PORT-A-CATH INFO


Author:
Stacy
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Date Posted: 12:54:04 08/02/05 Tue
 As you may know, I have a PORT-A-CATH for chemotherapy. I just wanted to post information about ports so there is a better understanding about them.

A "port-a-cath" is surgically inserted in your upper chest wall (the space between your collarbone and your breast) to make chemotherapy easier and more comfortable for you. The port is about the size of a quarter, only thicker, and will show only as a bump underneath the skin. There are several benefits to having a port:

No need to find a vein every time you receive chemo. A special needle fits right into the port, so all you feel is the stick, not the poking, prodding, and false tries in your arm. You can use something called "EMLA" cream to lessen the feeling.

The medication goes right into the main blood supply entering the heart, so it can be sent quickly and efficiently to all parts of the body. The tube on mine goes directly into the subclavian vein. Some types of chemotherapy can be very uncomfortable if injected into a vein just under your skin. The port avoids this potential discomfort.

Getting blood for blood tests can usually be done through the port, decreasing the number of times you need to have a vein "stuck."



Port inserted in vein for chemotherapy

A Port
B Catheter [tubing]
C Subclavian vein
D Superior Vena cava
E Pulmonary vein
F Aorta
G Heart
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Replies:
[> Subject: Thanks again


Author:
Donna
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Date Posted: 23:03:19 08/02/05 Tue
Hey Stacy - thanks for the info about the Port-a-cath -- Mom will have one put in tomorrow. Thank you again for posting all that you have, and your request for prayers for her. She's made it through the surgery, still regaining strength. First chemo treatment will be Thursday or Friday, and then she'll come home this weekend. Please keep her in your prayers, as you are in ours.
[> [> Subject: I'M SO GLAD IT WENT WELL


Author:
Stacy
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Date Posted: 10:34:39 08/03/05 Wed
I'm glad you're Mom is doing well. It does take a while to regain strength.

Wow, I didn't know she was getting a port-a-cath. I'm so glad I put that on there then. It has been a blessing for me. My veins are terrible. If she finds it painful to get stuck in the port, tell her to ask her doctor for a prescription for EMLA cream. She would also need to get "Tegaderm" bandages. She would need to put the cream on the area of the port (she'll be able to feel the lump) about 2 hours before getting stuck. It makes the area completely numb. The doctor may tell her she only needs to put it on an hour before. Trust me from experience, you need 2 to 2 1/2 hours for it to work good.

Do you know what the name of the chemo drug is?
[> [> [> Subject: Chemo


Author:
Donna
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Date Posted: 19:30:19 08/03/05 Wed
Hi Stacy,
Thinking about you today.. hoping the outcome of your CT scan is encouraging. You asked about Mom's chemo -- I don't know the name/names yet. The Dr. told us after surgery that it's a mix of 3 different drugs.... We were pretty tired at that point and trying to take in everything, so we didn't ask about the specifics of chemo. She lost so much blood during surgery, that we were just concerned that she recover from that. Within the next week, I'm sure we'll have that info, and much more. Thanks again for the port info.
[> Subject: Port-A-Cath


Author:
Bonnie
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Date Posted: 09:17:25 08/03/05 Wed
Hi Stacy, It is good to see you looking better, and I am happy that you are also feeling better. I read the information about the port-a-cath as my friend also has one. Like you she finds it so much better than the vein route! However, I was with her yesterday for blood work and for the first time the nurse could not get blood from the port. It seems that sometimes a thin blood film develops that does not let the blood flow. The problem was easily corrected by med inserted to disolve the film. The med had to stay in for 1/2 hour to open the port. It was a painless procedure, and the nurse explained that some ports get the film and some don't. She also explained that a tiny bit of the med was left in the port which was a good thing as it will continue to work until the next blood test. Although it was painless I still hope that you don't have the problem. It was the first for Bernice and she has had the port since early Spring. She had to go the vein route yesterday and was not happy about that. Like you said the port is so much better than the vein.

I finally went back to the garden shop and bought an ornamental pepper plant. I was surprised to learn that they are edible. I think that I told you they were not. I have not tried any yet. I just think that they are pretty in a pot or garden. I bought a purple (my favorite)one like yours, and this time they had a red and yellow one that has hot peppers so I bought one of those too. I am sure that Jack will try one of those as he likes hot peppers. Anyway I wanted you to know that they are edible.

It is good seeing you doing so much better. That was a difficut journey!! I enjoyed my visit with you, and the time went so fast that when I left I felt that I had stayed too long as we talked so much-----please forgive me for that.

We send prayers for a good CAT scan today and your continued improvement. Love and prayers, Bonnie & Jack
[> [> Subject: GREAT TO SEE YOU


Author:
Stacy
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Date Posted: 10:41:56 08/03/05 Wed
Are you kidding???? You definitely did not stay too long!!! No apologies necessary. It was so great to see you. Thank you so much for coming to the hospital. It's been ages since I've seen you. I love both of the plants you gave me, they are doing quite well out on my deck. While I was still in the hospital, another friend of mine named Bonnie took them to her house and nursed them until I got home. She's real good with flowers and kept them in great shape.

I'm not going to eat the peppers, they are too pretty. But I appreciate the information. You'll have to let me know how they taste.

I have to take a blood thinner for my port. I ALWAYS have that problem. If I don't take a thinner it is guaranteed to not give blood. However it always accepts anything that is given. I can get chemo through it. Of course after that it will give blood. But if I'm just having bloodwork done, I have to have the Coumadin. It can be quite a nuisance. I had a port back in 1999 and never had an ounce of trouble with it. I should have kept that one in.

Thank you for the CT scan prayers. I could use them!!
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