What Should I Expect When Getting a Port for Chemotherapy?

I don’t see any other responses, so I’ll add one. I didn’t need a port, but my partner has one. The pain was mild, and he absolutely loves having it. They use it for chemo, as well as blood draws and fluids. No more getting multiple sticks to find veins!

Thank you Shari. I appreciate your feedback.

When I had my port put in it was done under Twilight anesthesia and the pain was managed with ibuprofen or Tylenol. The worst part after having it put in was trying to sleep because I sleep on my left side most of the time. I had the port put in on the right side so I had to prop my arm up on a couple pillows so that it wasn't scrunching up the port site if that makes sense. It was only sore like that for less than a week. It was so convenient to have I'd do it again in a minute.

Thanks Monica. You’ve been so helpful.

I have a port for my TC Chemo. Mild soreness and irritation. I can't sleep on that side as previously mentioned. So I prop myself up with soft pillows to.get comfortable. I have to remind myself of it often because they put it in on my dominant hand side. I am a gardener and doing what I can without causing problems for myself.

I had my port put on the left side because I sleep on my right. They did not want to put it on the left side but I insisted and it has worked out fine. Not a lot of pain just bruising. Once it heals it’s all good. Good luck!!

The actual port procedure was done under mild anesthesia, I didn’t feel anything. It took about 30 minutes. I was told the right side is the usual side for port placement because it routes more easily to the vein and heart. However if breast cancer is on the right, it can be placed on the left side, avoiding the cancer side. Honestly my port has been a bit uncomfortable, at times feeling like a sore bruise, however it’s way better than nurse’s poking all over my arms for a vein.

I am having neck pain. Just had it done todat. Is it normal?

Hi Lori. I had some pain going into my neck. That's where they install the line. I used a neck-cooling ring. It went away after a week or so.

I continue to have off and on neck pain, it feels like when an IV in my arm was a bit out of place. There’s also some bruising at first. I just deal with it now I know nothing is wrong.

Hi lori. I had a port for 2 years. It never was a problem. I gardened, worked, did everything I normally do. It was taken out with a local, a couple of stitches and 3 weeks later you could barely tell it was ever there! Grateful for this technology.

I received a port a year ago still have it just light soreness I kept mines so if ever in need of an infusion of any kind the port can be used but now I’m considering to have it removed I not sure but blessings to you

I didn't have a port. I did 4 rounds of TC chemo last year. I completed chemo on October 10, 2024.

The procedure to install the port was not painful. There are definitely benefits to having one during chemotherapy. However, now that I have completed chemo, I hate the port. I wish I could have it removed, but because I have MBC (even though no current evidence of disease) my oncologist wants to keep it in. There is always a chance of recurrence, so I may need it again in the future. It's hard to look at. It's a visual reminder that I have this disease and it will be with me always.

Laura, I’m so sorry. That is my fear too. I want this out as soon as possible. It’s just not comfortable at all for me. Stay strong.

Can we have it in the back of arm and with no scar?

I chose to not have a port . They did have some difficulty with my veins, but nothing unbearable. It is manageable

Getting a port placed is a common and important step in preparing for chemotherapy treatment. Many patients find the procedure itself is typically done as an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia, and while there may be some soreness afterward, most people are able to manage any discomfort well with proper care. The community here has lots of experience with ports, so hopefully others will share their experiences to help you feel more prepared for next week.