What to Expect After Port Installation

Limitations on your arm movement for 4 weeks and lots of bruising and swelling. I wasn’t prepared for all of that but I sure am glad to have it for chemo and blood draws.

Aside from the weekly hookup, was the simplest n had the least cause an effect on my life. Happy I got it cuz I couldn’t imagine being poked as many times as I have in my arms or else where!

Mine hurt for a month. From port thru my back. Hopefully, you won’t have this problem. Good luck

I got mine 10 weeks ago, 2 days before starting my first round of chemo. Some minor pain for about a week as it healed but not too bad. Grateful that I got it because I can't imagine doing weekly IVs for infusions. Most days I forget it's there.

Put a numbing cream if you can before every chemo session. One ice pack will be good, too. It will help when they poke the port. For me, the area was too sensitive, and the first time, I was crying because of the pain.

I received a numbing cream from the nurse when I had my mastectomy. When I receive my Keytruda infusions through my port, I apply it at least an hour before the infusion. I put a bandage over it. The nurses gave me many bandages with a clear area where I can see the port. Don’t be stingy with the cream! It made all the difference for me.

The lidocaine cream is amazing. I don’t have any pain and barely feel anything when they start my treatment. Totally recommend using a large (quarter size) dollop and then cover.

Just got my port this morning. Thanks for the recommendations about the lidocaine. Really helpful

Recovery from port placement typically involves some soreness and bruising at the insertion site, which usually improves over the next week or two. Many patients find it helpful to connect with others who've been through this experience, so sharing how things go and any questions that come up can be really valuable for the community.