Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 Hi Jackie, I did not have a port but if I need chemo again will definitely get one. From what the ladies say its the way to go. I would definitely let them do while in surgery. You said you are on Keflex, I was on an antibiotic one time and called the doc and the nurse asked if I was eating ok. I said no how can I when I am so nauseated. She said the nausea was from not eating anything. I started to eat when I took the meds and did fine after that. I will keep you in my prayers. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Lifehttp://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.htmlalso check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:http://www.cancerclub.com ports I had a mastectomy last week with a sentinel node biopsy. One of the nodes came back positive (I am so bummed--I was really hoping that it had not spread) so now I am having a axillary dissection on Thursday. The surgeon asked me if I would like her to install a port for chemo while in surgery. I have an appointment with my onc today, but wanted to know what you ladies think. Should I get the port? Pros and cons? I won't even start chemo for another 3 or 4 weeks--should I wait? Also, I am really nauseous for the past two days. Surgery was on Wed. and I was fine until Sunday. The Surgeon says it's probably just stress. I am on Keflex as a prophylactic antibiotic. Anyone else get queasy from this? Jackie in MT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 Find out how many chemos, mainly for how long, you will be having them. This is important. I'm in a bit of a hurry, I should be in the shower and getting ready to go but... If I had to do it over again, I had only 5 more treatments to go when they installed my port. The incision area got infected and it had to be removed so they put in a PICC line (google it). I could have saved myself a lot of aggravation if I had just had the PICC installed. It's very simple but more exposed. Now I have to unnecessary scars from the port. I'm not saying that the port is not a good thing, it's fabulous really. If you are doing more than 6 or 7 months of treatment I would ask about PICC versus Port. A PICC is good for 6 months to a year depending on who you talk to, they are less invasive IMO and if it has to be removed it is easier to take out. They are not without their problems, they can be more prone to infections and you have to have it cleaned once a week, some say every 3 days. Anyway, ask tons of questions about both and which is the best option for you. LICS June "The best protection any woman can have...is courage." Cady Stanton Secular Breast Cancer Support group: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/SecularBCSupport/ -----Original Message-----From: breastcancer2 [mailto:breastcancer2 ]On Behalf Of Riverbend Dog SportsSent: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 8:22 AMTo: breastcancer2 Subject: ports I had a mastectomy last week with a sentinel node biopsy. One of the nodes came back positive (I am so bummed--I was really hoping that it had not spread) so now I am having a axillary dissection on Thursday. The surgeon asked me if I would like her to install a port for chemo while in surgery. I have an appointment with my onc today, but wanted to know what you ladies think. Should I get the port? Pros and cons? I won't even start chemo for another 3 or 4 weeks--should I wait? Also, I am really nauseous for the past two days. Surgery was on Wed. and I was fine until Sunday. The Surgeon says it's probably just stress. I am on Keflex as a prophylactic antibiotic. Anyone else get queasy from this? Jackie in MT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 Jackie My prayers to you. Riverbend Dog Sports wrote: I had a mastectomy last week with a sentinel node biopsy. One of the nodes came back positive (I am so bummed--I was really hoping that it had not spread) so now I am having a axillary dissection on Thursday. The surgeon asked me if I would like her to install a port for chemo while in surgery. I have an appointment with my onc today, but wanted to know what you ladies think. Should I get the port? Pros and cons? I won't even start chemo for another 3 or 4 weeks--should I wait? Also, I am really nauseous for the past two days. Surgery was on Wed. and I was fine until Sunday. The Surgeon says it's probably just stress. I am on Keflex as a prophylactic antibiotic. Anyone else get queasy from this? Jackie in MT as days go by, and friends we make, our lives can only be blessed with those that come in and out of ones life. For that being said, I am truley blessed. Lady Amerald Wulf What are the most popular cars? Find out at Yahoo! Autos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 I would say get the port. I had my in for chemo and it was so much better then getting it in the arm. I am thankful he hasn't taken it out yet as I got infection and was able to get out of the hospital on iv antibiotics and did the rest at home. It really doesn't hurt getting it in, mine didn't anyway. I have it almost two years now and have no trouble with it at all. Now just get it flushed every 6 weeks. DonnaRiverbend Dog Sports wrote: I had a mastectomy last week with a sentinel node biopsy. One of the nodes came back positive (I am so bummed--I was really hoping that it had not spread) so now I am having a axillary dissection on Thursday. The surgeon asked me if I would like her to install a port for chemo while in surgery. I have an appointment with my onc today, but wanted to know what you ladies think. Should I get the port? Pros and cons? I won't even start chemo for another 3 or 4 weeks--should I wait? Also, I am really nauseous for the past two days. Surgery was on Wed. and I was fine until Sunday. The Surgeon says it's probably just stress. I am on Keflex as a prophylactic antibiotic. Anyone else get queasy from this? Jackie in MT LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT!! DONNA Yahoo! Photos – Showcase holiday pictures in hardcover Photo Books. You design it and we’ll bind it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 Jackie, Keflex can definately make you nauseous. Getting a port depends on how good your veins are and how caustic the chemo is you will be getting. I had a port for my chemo and it was a curse and a blessing - just like everything else to do with this disease! My surgeon put in my port and it would only work if I was laying flat, which I despised. But I would have despised having them search for good veins every time I went too. If I ever need another one (God forbid), I'll have a radiologist put it in where they can see what they are doing. It was really no big deal to get it put in or taken out, and it did save a lot searching for veins - you still get stuck, you just get stuck in the port. Sorry you have to face the positive nodes and more surgery. I'll keep positive thoughts coming your way. What kind of black dog?? DeborahRiverbend Dog Sports wrote: I had a mastectomy last week with a sentinel node biopsy. One of the nodes came back positive (I am so bummed--I was really hoping that it had not spread) so now I am having a axillary dissection on Thursday. The surgeon asked me if I would like her to install a port for chemo while in surgery. I have an appointment with my onc today, but wanted to know what you ladies think. Should I get the port? Pros and cons? I won't even start chemo for another 3 or 4 weeks--should I wait? Also, I am really nauseous for the past two days. Surgery was on Wed. and I was fine until Sunday. The Surgeon says it's probably just stress. I am on Keflex as a prophylactic antibiotic. Anyone else get queasy from this? Jackie in MT Deborah aka Deborah Page deborah_ann_page@... "A woman is like a teabag; you don't know how strong she is until you put her in hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 I do have to add that if I had it to do over again I would have insisted on a port or a PICC line, knowing what I know now. And if we went with the port I would have insisted it be installed when the surgeon did my mastectomy, they already have you out, you're prepped for surgery and it has a better chance of healing well because you aren't already on chemo which is compromising your immune system. But again, it depends on how long you are going to need port or PICC. Anything under a year I would have insisted on the PICC. But that's me. Make another appointment with your surgeon just to discuss the options, make sure you know all the ins and outs of why one would be better than the other. Insist that you want to know if the PICC would be a better option if you'll need access for less than a year and if not why not. Be proactive. I would have been but I didn't know, had I known I would have insisted. I have one vein that still hurts from a treatment I had like 8 weeks ago. If I'd had the pick or the port that vein would be okay. LICS June "The best protection any woman can have...is courage." Cady Stanton Secular Breast Cancer Support group: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/SecularBCSupport/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 I am starting chemo Monday.... No port. What is the advantage of the port outside of not having to be poked so much? Does the chemo hurt going in without a port? Trisha -- Re: ports I would say get the port. I had my in for chemo and it was so much better then getting it in the arm. I am thankful he hasn't taken it out yet as I got infection and was able to get out of the hospital on iv antibiotics and did the rest at home. It really doesn't hurt getting it in, mine didn't anyway. I have it almost two years now and have no trouble with it at all. Now just get it flushed every 6 weeks. DonnaRiverbend Dog Sports wrote: I had a mastectomy last week with a sentinel node biopsy. One of the nodes came back positive (I am so bummed--I was really hoping that it had not spread) so now I am having a axillary dissection on Thursday. The surgeon asked me if I would like her to install a port for chemo while in surgery. I have an appointment with my onc today, but wanted to know what you ladies think. Should I get the port? Pros and cons? I won't even start chemo for another 3 or 4 weeks--should I wait? Also, I am really nauseous for the past two days. Surgery was on Wed. and I was fine until Sunday. The Surgeon says it's probably just stress. I am on Keflex as a prophylactic antibiotic. Anyone else get queasy from this? Jackie in MT LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT!! DONNA Yahoo! Photos – Showcase holiday pictures in hardcoverPhoto Books. You design it and we’ll bind it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 25, 2006 Report Share Posted January 25, 2006 Trisha, I did not have a port. There was no pain as the nurse was administering the chemo. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Lifehttp://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.htmlalso check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:http://www.cancerclub.com Re: ports I would say get the port. I had my in for chemo and it was so much better then getting it in the arm. I am thankful he hasn't taken it out yet as I got infection and was able to get out of the hospital on iv antibiotics and did the rest at home. It really doesn't hurt getting it in, mine didn't anyway. I have it almost two years now and have no trouble with it at all. Now just get it flushed every 6 weeks. DonnaRiverbend Dog Sports wrote: I had a mastectomy last week with a sentinel node biopsy. One of the nodes came back positive (I am so bummed--I was really hoping that it had not spread) so now I am having a axillary dissection on Thursday. The surgeon asked me if I would like her to install a port for chemo while in surgery. I have an appointment with my onc today, but wanted to know what you ladies think. Should I get the port? Pros and cons? I won't even start chemo for another 3 or 4 weeks--should I wait? Also, I am really nauseous for the past two days. Surgery was on Wed. and I was fine until Sunday. The Surgeon says it's probably just stress. I am on Keflex as a prophylactic antibiotic. Anyone else get queasy from this? Jackie in MT LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT!! DONNA Yahoo! Photos – Showcase holiday pictures in hardcoverPhoto Books. You design it and we’ll bind it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 25, 2006 Report Share Posted January 25, 2006 I did the chemo without a port...had the needle in the back of my right hand...8 times...the only thing I had to do was keep my right hand still...I could read a magazine or listen to my cd player...I could not knit like i wanted to do..I had no problem with the chemo going into my arm... Betsy (NC) Note: forwarded message attached. I am starting chemo Monday.... No port. What is the advantage of the port outside of not having to be poked so much? Does the chemo hurt going in without a port? Trisha -- Re: ports I would say get the port. I had my in for chemo and it was so much better then getting it in the arm. I am thankful he hasn't taken it out yet as I got infection and was able to get out of the hospital on iv antibiotics and did the rest at home. It really doesn't hurt getting it in, mine didn't anyway. I have it almost two years now and have no trouble with it at all. Now just get it flushed every 6 weeks. DonnaRiverbend Dog Sports wrote: I had a mastectomy last week with a sentinel node biopsy. One of the nodes came back positive (I am so bummed--I was really hoping that it had not spread) so now I am having a axillary dissection on Thursday. The surgeon asked me if I would like her to install a port for chemo while in surgery. I have an appointment with my onc today, but wanted to know what you ladies think. Should I get the port? Pros and cons? I won't even start chemo for another 3 or 4 weeks--should I wait? Also, I am really nauseous for the past two days. Surgery was on Wed. and I was fine until Sunday. The Surgeon says it's probably just stress. I am on Keflex as a prophylactic antibiotic. Anyone else get queasy from this? Jackie in MT LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT!! DONNA Yahoo! Photos – Showcase holiday pictures in hardcoverPhoto Books. You design it and we’ll bind it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 25, 2006 Report Share Posted January 25, 2006 Thanks nne, I was beginning to think perhaps I was stepping off into something deep. I am so nervous about the first time. I am really really nervous. Trisha -- Re: ports Trisha, I did not have a port. There was no pain as the nurse was administering the chemo. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Lifehttp://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.htmlalso check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:http://www.cancerclub.com Re: ports I would say get the port. I had my in for chemo and it was so much better then getting it in the arm. I am thankful he hasn't taken it out yet as I got infection and was able to get out of the hospital on iv antibiotics and did the rest at home. It really doesn't hurt getting it in, mine didn't anyway. I have it almost two years now and have no trouble with it at all. Now just get it flushed every 6 weeks. DonnaRiverbend Dog Sports wrote: I had a mastectomy last week with a sentinel node biopsy. One of the nodes came back positive (I am so bummed--I was really hoping that it had not spread) so now I am having a axillary dissection on Thursday. The surgeon asked me if I would like her to install a port for chemo while in surgery. I have an appointment with my onc today, but wanted to know what you ladies think. Should I get the port? Pros and cons? I won't even start chemo for another 3 or 4 weeks--should I wait? Also, I am really nauseous for the past two days. Surgery was on Wed. and I was fine until Sunday. The Surgeon says it's probably just stress. I am on Keflex as a prophylactic antibiotic. Anyone else get queasy from this? Jackie in MT LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT!! DONNA Yahoo! Photos – Showcase holiday pictures in hardcoverPhoto Books. You design it and we’ll bind it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 25, 2006 Report Share Posted January 25, 2006 Thanks Betsy. I needed to hear something positive. Lol Trisha -- Fwd: Re: ports I did the chemo without a port...had the needle in the back of my right hand...8 times...the only thing I had to do was keep my right hand still...I could read a magazine or listen to my cd player...I could not knit like i wanted to do..I had no problem with the chemo going into my arm... Betsy (NC) Note: forwarded message attached. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 25, 2006 Report Share Posted January 25, 2006 We were all nervous about the first time Trisha. Do you have someone to go with you. Maybe you could go to the center where they do the treatments and get to know the staff ahead of time. I wish I would have done that, it would have helped a lot. Now that I know all the Onc nurses and the head Onc nurse I know they would have been happy to meet me and talk with me ahead of time. When is your first treatment. HUGS. LICS June "The best protection any woman can have...is courage." Cady Stanton Secular Breast Cancer Support group: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/SecularBCSupport/ Re: ports Trisha, I did not have a port. There was no pain as the nurse was administering the chemo. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Lifehttp://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.htmlalso check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:http://www.cancerclub.com Re: ports I would say get the port. I had my in for chemo and it was so much better then getting it in the arm. I am thankful he hasn't taken it out yet as I got infection and was able to get out of the hospital on iv antibiotics and did the rest at home. It really doesn't hurt getting it in, mine didn't anyway. I have it almost two years now and have no trouble with it at all. Now just get it flushed every 6 weeks. DonnaRiverbend Dog Sports wrote: I had a mastectomy last week with a sentinel node biopsy. One of the nodes came back positive (I am so bummed--I was really hoping that it had not spread) so now I am having a axillary dissection on Thursday. The surgeon asked me if I would like her to install a port for chemo while in surgery. I have an appointment with my onc today, but wanted to know what you ladies think. Should I get the port? Pros and cons? I won't even start chemo for another 3 or 4 weeks--should I wait? Also, I am really nauseous for the past two days. Surgery was on Wed. and I was fine until Sunday. The Surgeon says it's probably just stress. I am on Keflex as a prophylactic antibiotic. Anyone else get queasy from this? Jackie in MT LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT!! DONNA Yahoo! Photos – Showcase holiday pictures in hardcoverPhoto Books. You design it and we’ll bind it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 25, 2006 Report Share Posted January 25, 2006 Hi June, I have a wonderful support team. My husband is great and my daughter is awesome. AND I have met the staff at the Onc. clinic. Am I being silly to be so NOT LOOKING FORWARD to going there the first time? When I visited the room where they give the chemo it was the end of the day and all chairs were empty. The room was long with windows all along one side and rows of chairs facing each other. It reminded me of one Of those psyche wards you see on TV. It is a great facility, but I just couldn't help but think of it that way. Both of my sons live out of state and they call me often with encouragement too. I just can't get over being so scared. I haven't slept much since the end of November when this horrible journey began. Trisha -- Re: ports Trisha, I did not have a port. There was no pain as the nurse was administering the chemo. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Lifehttp://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.htmlalso check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:http://www.cancerclub.com Re: ports I would say get the port. I had my in for chemo and it was so much better then getting it in the arm. I am thankful he hasn't taken it out yet as I got infection and was able to get out of the hospital on iv antibiotics and did the rest at home. It really doesn't hurt getting it in, mine didn't anyway. I have it almost two years now and have no trouble with it at all. Now just get it flushed every 6 weeks. DonnaRiverbend Dog Sports wrote: I had a mastectomy last week with a sentinel node biopsy. One of the nodes came back positive (I am so bummed--I was really hoping that it had not spread) so now I am having a axillary dissection on Thursday. The surgeon asked me if I would like her to install a port for chemo while in surgery. I have an appointment with my onc today, but wanted to know what you ladies think. Should I get the port? Pros and cons? I won't even start chemo for another 3 or 4 weeks--should I wait? Also, I am really nauseous for the past two days. Surgery was on Wed. and I was fine until Sunday. The Surgeon says it's probably just stress. I am on Keflex as a prophylactic antibiotic. Anyone else get queasy from this? Jackie in MT LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT!! DONNA Yahoo! Photos – Showcase holiday pictures in hardcoverPhoto Books. You design it and we’ll bind it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 25, 2006 Report Share Posted January 25, 2006 Oh, one more thing... My first treatment is Monday Trisha -- Re: ports Trisha, I did not have a port. There was no pain as the nurse was administering the chemo. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Lifehttp://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.htmlalso check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:http://www.cancerclub.com Re: ports I would say get the port. I had my in for chemo and it was so much better then getting it in the arm. I am thankful he hasn't taken it out yet as I got infection and was able to get out of the hospital on iv antibiotics and did the rest at home. It really doesn't hurt getting it in, mine didn't anyway. I have it almost two years now and have no trouble with it at all. Now just get it flushed every 6 weeks. DonnaRiverbend Dog Sports wrote: I had a mastectomy last week with a sentinel node biopsy. One of the nodes came back positive (I am so bummed--I was really hoping that it had not spread) so now I am having a axillary dissection on Thursday. The surgeon asked me if I would like her to install a port for chemo while in surgery. I have an appointment with my onc today, but wanted to know what you ladies think. Should I get the port? Pros and cons? I won't even start chemo for another 3 or 4 weeks--should I wait? Also, I am really nauseous for the past two days. Surgery was on Wed. and I was fine until Sunday. The Surgeon says it's probably just stress. I am on Keflex as a prophylactic antibiotic. Anyone else get queasy from this? Jackie in MT LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT!! DONNA Yahoo! Photos – Showcase holiday pictures in hardcoverPhoto Books. You design it and we’ll bind it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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