Surviving Breast Cancer, Embracing Life

The following is an Editorial Resource from YourTotalHealth.

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 Getting Ready for Surgery

I am 48 years old and was just diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer. I will admit I am scared. On Tuesday, I am having minor surgery done to have a port-a-cath inserted and to take another look at my lymph nodes, and then on Thursday I will have my first chemo treatment, which I will have to take once every three weeks for the next six months. I know every woman is different, but I would like to know if there is anyone that has had a port-a-cath inserted, and if so, how did you feel afterwards? How did you feel after your first few rounds of chemo? Any information or comments will be greatly appreciated.
—ms_mimi2008

I'm sorry about your diagnosis. You will find a lot of good info here, with support from great ladies. I did not have a port last time but am getting one this time. My sister had one for treatment of Hodgkin's disease and did not have any trouble with it at all. She said she experienced brief discomfort when they would hook the IV up to it, but nothing major.

Your medical team will help you to feel the most comfortable, just be up front with them. Good luck and thinking of you!
—foxe-oke

The port was the best part of all of this [for me]. They've always had trouble getting at my blood, so I have them take blood from the port and it's just so much easier. I did have trouble at one point and had to have a dye test to be sure it was still functional. It is, but they have to tilt me down and put my arm over my head to get it to flow. Go figure!

I'm also HER2-positive, so my Herceptin treatments are infusion as well. There's a little "nob" on my chest wall where the port is and some slight scars. The procedure to install it was easy enough for me.
—fergasmom

I had a port. I had a lot of pain after it was placed, but I had just had a baby and was lactating a little still, so I think that may have contributed to my discomfort. It was the best decision, though. I can't imagine having an IV placed in my arm for each treatment. It was so much easier to have the port accessed. It can also be used to draw blood when you get your levels checked. It is a great thing. It is kind of weird the first couple of times that it is used, as they are jabbing a rather large needle into your chest. But you get used to it, and it will become no big deal very quickly.

Chemo is so different for everyone, but it is scary the first time you get treatment, as you don't know how it is going to affect you. There are so many medications available now to combat some of the negative side effects that it really is much easier than it was years ago. I was terrified at the prospect of getting chemo, but it was far easier than I ever imagined. I would suggest talking to your doctor about having anti-nausea medication before you start chemo. That way you can have it if you need it and won't have to wait to have a prescription filled.
—cl-maggie3333

The port is no big deal. Just saves from having to inject the needle into the arm each time they draw blood or for chemo. Does not hurt at all. Chemo went real well for me. Just felt kinda lousy for a couple days after. Radiation wasn't bad either until the very end. Then you kinda hurt, but you know you are done and will be healed very soon. Positive thinking sure helped me. Feeling positive keeps your immune system up.
—jannywren

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