Thinking back on my chemo journey (finished CapeOX a few months ago, but had FOLFOX before that requiring a port), I realized the port was such a central part of it! Curious about others’ experiences:
- How was getting your port placed? (Pain, recovery?)
- Any tips for accessing day? (Numbing cream? Distraction?)
- Did anyone have issues like infection, clotting, or flipping? How was it handled? Just reflecting on this piece of the hardware many of us deal with!
Port placement wasn’t bad - outpatient procedure, bit sore for a few days. Numbing cream (EMLA or LMX) applied an hour before access was ESSENTIAL for me. Made the needle stick painless. Never had major issues, but always careful about keeping the dressing clean and dry after access.
Yes! Numbing cream was a must for me too. Made access days so much less stressful. Glad yours was mostly trouble-free, Robert.