I have a port and am so thankful for it. Many chemo meds can ruin your veins and I only had 1 good vein. I am only sorry that I had it removed because I had to have a new one inserted for the relapse of my HL. Sending good wishes your way.

thanks for response,

relapse of HL:((((( hugs
what kind of treatment did you recieve before? how long you were in remission? hang in there......

did your doctor suggest it? my doctor said you should be fine without a port, he said that to me, he is preety good doctor, and he is lymphoma specialist at prestigious NYC hospital, i am confused.

I have a port and find it very valuable on days i receive chemotherapy. Some people complain of tasting the medication and feelinng the meds while being injected from veins. i do not have issues with with taste or feelng meds injectyng in my veins. Most all patients have a port at my oncology unit. i nave no regret of getting the port.

was the port recomended by your doctor?

I had a port. I had 6 cycles of ABVD chemo and it is very toxic if leaked out of your veins. I never thought it was an option to get one or not. Good luck to you...

i guess i will go with the flow and speak to my doctor.
the nurse at the treatment was very very good she checked the catheter to make sure its in the vein. she would get in trouble if it wouldnt be.....

My son had a port too. The negative about the port is that you have to take really good, sterile care of it. It's a source of infection directly into a main large vessel in your circulatory system, and since you'll be severly immunocompromised from the chemo, some docs feel the risk of infection isn't worth the placement of the port. But discussing all the pros and cons with him/her is definitely the right thing to do. Best wishes and prayers to you :0)

thanks! at our initial visits with oncologist i have asked about a port and he did say that risk of infection he does not want me to do a port. he is a lymphoma specialist at a very good cancer center in NYC.

I have a port as well, I didnt' think it was an option to not have one. I don't mind mine at all and from what I have heard doctors and other patients say it's a better way of receiving the chemo without having to find a good vein each time for treatment, plus I have a fear of needles and this has been much better. Good luck to you.

I have a central line which is a simular thing to a port and although uncomfortable to have inserted i would not want chemo without it. ive had mine in for 4 months now without a problem, no infections. i think the risk of infection should be low if the port is kept clean and covered. good luck to you.

I have only had 1 treatment - but have a port. I LOVE it! I'm not afraid of needles and have GREAT veins, however I think its fantastic to not worry about bleo leaking or blowing out my veins with repeated use. I would definitely talk to your doctor again. I would think the same risk of infection would come from sticking you in the arm. They clean the heck out of my port area before accessing. Good luck!

I'm newly diagnosed HL My oncologist gave me option of port or PICC line I chose Port I'm currently a hospice nurse but was an oncology nurse for many years and have seen damage and pain caused by chemo outside of veins. Ports have lower risk for infection than PICC lines and are easier to maintain. Be aware that sometime blood draws can't be done from ports even though they are working fine for infusions. Still think better to have an access placed than to be stuck every time you go for chemo or labs. Hope you are feeling well and pray for your full recovery

i am done with treatment hoping everyone treatment goes well and stay strong. this will pass! hang in there people!!!
lots of love to u!